How to apply
How do I apply for a Global Talent Visa?
Whichever route you are eligible for the Global Talent application process consists of two stages:
Stage 1: Apply for an endorsement from the relevant endorsing body.
Stage 2: Make a visa application.
To be considered for entry under the Global Talent visa, applicants must first gain an endorsement from one of six endorsing bodies engaged by the Home Office.
If you are applying for endorsement in the fields of science, engineering, medicine, the social sciences or the humanities, or for other academic and research roles, the Home Office will refer your application to the British Academy, Royal Academy of Engineering, Royal Society or UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) which will make an endorsement decision based on the evidence you provide.
An endorsement by the relevant body is essential to your visa application. If you wish you will be able to make both applications at the same time If you apply for both at the same time and your endorsement is refused, your visa will be refused as well. This means you will lose the fees for both.
Stage 1: Applying for an endorsement
The cost of an endorsement is £456, this is the same for each route.
The evidence you need to make your endorsement application will differ depending on which route you applying to. Details of each route are in the tabs below. When making your application it is important that you select the correct answer to ensure that your application is made under the correct route and assessed by the correct body.
How long does it take to be assessed for endorsement?
The Home Office advises that an application for an endorsement can take up to eight weeks from the time the Home Office receives your application. Within these eight weeks, the relevant endorsing body will review your application.
- For applications eligible for fast track routes the endorsing bodies will make a recommendation on endorsement to the Home Office within 14 working days.
- For applications made under the Peer Review route the endorsing bodies will have 25 working days to review your application.
You can find details of the documents that you require on the Gov.UK website at the below links, where you meet the criteria for the Academic or Research appointments or Endorsed Funders routes HR will be able to provide you with a Statement of Guarantee.
Stage 2: Applying for a visa
Once you have successfully applied for your endorsement, if you have not already done so, you will need to make an application for your visa. This must be done within 3 months of receiving your endorsement.
You can submit this application from outside of the UK, or you can switch into this route from inside the UK if you currently hold an eligible visa.
If applying from inside the UK, this must be done before your current visa expires.
You usually get a decision about your visa within:
- 3 weeks if you’re outside the UK
- 8 weeks if you’re inside the UK
You can apply for the Global Talent visa at the same time as you apply for endorsement, or after you have the endorsement confirmed. If your permission to stay in the UK is about to expire, applying for the visa will extend it.
If you apply for both at the same time and your endorsement is refused, your visa will be refused as well. This means you will lose the fees for both.
| Requirement | Points available |
|---|---|
| An applicant making an initial application not relying on an endorsement: • has been awarded a prize listed in Appendix Global Talent: Prestigious Prizes. |
70 |
| An applicant making an initial application relying on an endorsement: • has been issued with an endorsement letter by an endorsing body; and • the date of application is no more than 3 months after the date on the endorsement letter; and • the endorsement has not been withdrawn by the endorsing body. |
70 |
| An applicant applying for an extension of their permission: • has met the earned money requirement; and • if they were granted their initial application using an endorsement, has not had their endorsement withdrawn by the endorsing body. |
70 |
| Total number of points required in each case | 70 |
