Global Talent Visa UK: Full Guide for 2025 Applicants

The Global Talent visa is a UK immigration route for leaders or potential leaders in recognised fields. It is an unsponsored work visa, meaning applicants do not need a job offer before applying. The Global Talent route supports the UK’s ability to attract and retain high-calibre individuals by enabling UK-based employers and organisations to easily recruit from a pool of highly-skilled global talent without the need for sponsorship.

This guide to the UK Global Talent visa explains everything from what the visa allows and who is eligible, to how to apply, costs involved, and whether it provides a route to UK settlement.

Section A: What is the Global Talent visa?

The Global Talent visa is an unsponsored immigration route that provides an opportunity for recognised leaders or potential leaders to come to the UK to live and work in their field. These fields include science, engineering, humanities, social science, medicine, digital technology, and the arts and culture, including film, fashion, architecture and design.

Unlike sponsored work visas, applicants under the Global Talent route do not need a job offer. However, unless the applicant has won an eligible award listed in the UK’s ‘Appendix Global Talent: Prestigious Prizes’, they must apply for and receive an endorsement from an approved endorsing body. The endorsement will confirm the applicant is an established leader (‘exceptional talent’) or an emerging leader (‘exceptional promise’) in their specialist field.

If granted a Global Talent visa, individuals can live and work in the UK flexibly. They are permitted to take up employment, change employers, work as self-employed or freelance professionals, or set up and run their own business. They can also undertake voluntary work. The only restriction is that they must not work as a professional sportsperson or sports coach.

The Home Office grants permission under the Global Talent route for a period of up to 5 years per application, based on the length requested by the applicant. There is no minimum duration requirement, and applicants may choose a shorter period to reduce the Immigration Health Surcharge liability.

1. Summary of the Global Talent visa features

• Unsponsored route – no job offer required
• Open to leaders or emerging leaders in eligible fields
• Flexibility to work in most types of employment or self-employment
• Visa duration of up to 5 years, with unlimited extensions
• Provides a route to settlement (ILR) after 3 or 5 years, depending on endorsement type

2. Benefits of the Global Talent route

The Global Talent route offers significant advantages over sponsored work visas such as the Skilled Worker visa, particularly for highly accomplished or internationally recognised professionals:

• No requirement for sponsorship or a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)
• No English language requirement at entry stage
• Option to work in any qualifying field without notifying the Home Office of employment changes
• Shorter qualifying period for settlement for certain applicants
• Lower Home Office fees where endorsement is used

3. Legal basis of the Global Talent visa

The Global Talent visa is governed by the Immigration Rules under ‘Appendix Global Talent’ and ‘Appendix Global Talent: Prestigious Prizes’. These appendices define the qualifying fields, criteria for endorsement, eligibility of prestigious prizes, and evidential requirements for applications. The guidance issued by the endorsing bodies also forms an integral part of assessing whether the applicant meets the standards for endorsement.

Applicants must ensure they consult the most recent version of these documents when preparing their application, as changes may be made periodically to eligibility criteria, evidence requirements and the list of approved awards.

Section B: Who is eligible for the Global Talent visa?

The Global Talent visa is designed for overseas nationals who are internationally recognised as either established or emerging leaders in a qualifying field, and who wish to work in the UK without the need for sponsorship. It replaced the Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent) visa, removing the annual cap and streamlining access for top global talent.

Applicants may be at the forefront of their sector with an extensive track record of achievements, or they may be relatively early in their careers but showing exceptional promise and potential. To qualify for a Global Talent visa, applicants must either:

• Hold an eligible prize as listed in ‘Appendix Global Talent: Prestigious Prizes’, or
• Be successfully endorsed by an approved endorsing body in their field.

The Home Office aims to attract individuals who will contribute to the UK’s knowledge economy, innovation, arts, and research institutions. There are no limits on the number of applications, and the visa route is open to both new arrivals and those already in the UK who meet the eligibility requirements.

1. Endorsement requirement

Where the applicant has not won a recognised prestigious prize, they must first be endorsed by an approved endorsing body. The endorsement confirms that the applicant has been assessed as having either:

• Exceptional talent – as a recognised leader in their field, or
• Exceptional promise – as an emerging leader in their field.

Each field has one or more appointed endorsing bodies. The application for endorsement is submitted online through the Home Office portal, but the decision is made by the relevant endorsing body. Fields and bodies include:

• Arts and culture – including architecture, fashion, film, television
• Science, engineering, humanities, social science, and medicine – assessed by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI)
• Digital technology – previously assessed by Tech Nation (now closed); digital endorsements are currently managed under legacy criteria or may be subject to new arrangements set by the Home Office

For those applying in scientific and academic fields, including research, there is no need to show ‘talent’ or ‘promise’ in the same way. Instead, the applicant must demonstrate they are an active researcher at an academic, industry or government institution and meet the criteria under UKRI’s endorsement framework.

2. Prestigious prize exemption

Applicants who hold a recognised award listed in ‘Appendix Global Talent: Prestigious Prizes’ are exempt from the endorsement process. These applicants are deemed to have demonstrated exceptional talent based on their award and may proceed directly to the visa application stage.

The Home Office will attempt to verify the prize using publicly available information (such as the award body’s website). If the win cannot be verified, the applicant may be asked to provide evidence. Prizes must have been awarded to the individual personally – team or organisational awards do not qualify.

3. Visa duration and flexibility

Permission under the Global Talent route can be granted for a period of between 1 and 5 years. Applicants can choose the length of stay they wish to request, allowing them to manage costs such as the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS).

There is no requirement to hold continuous employment in the UK, and visa-holders can change jobs or employers without notifying the Home Office. This flexibility makes the Global Talent route particularly attractive for individuals working in freelance or consultancy-based roles.

Section C: How to apply for a Global Talent visa

The application process for the Global Talent visa typically involves two stages: endorsement and the visa application. However, applicants who hold a qualifying prestigious prize are exempt from the endorsement stage and can proceed directly to the visa application.

1. Applying for endorsement (stage 1)

Applicants requiring endorsement must submit an application to the Home Office online, specifying the endorsing body relevant to their field. The endorsement application fee is £192. Applications are submitted through the GOV.UK service titled “Global Talent endorsement – stage 1”.

The relevant endorsing body will assess the application based on the criteria outlined in ‘Appendix Global Talent’ and the accompanying Home Office guidance. The specific evidential requirements will vary depending on the field and the endorsing body. Applicants in digital technology should note that following the closure of Tech Nation, endorsement for digital technology may be subject to new rules or transitional arrangements.

Applicants in research fields (science, engineering, humanities, social science, medicine) can apply for fast-track endorsement through recognised peer-reviewed funding processes under UKRI’s framework.

Successful applicants will receive an email confirmation and a digital copy of their endorsement letter. This letter must be used in the subsequent visa application and must not be more than 3 months old on the date the visa application is submitted.

Important: If the applicant is applying from within the UK and their current visa is expiring, they must apply for both endorsement and the Global Talent visa at the same time to avoid overstaying. Applying for endorsement alone does not extend existing permission to stay.

2. Applying for the visa (stage 2)

The Global Talent visa application must be submitted online, using the GOV.UK service titled “Global Talent visa – stage 2”. The visa application fee is £716. Applicants must also pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), calculated at £1,035 per year of leave requested.

Applicants will need to verify their identity and provide supporting documents. This may include attending a biometric appointment at a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) centre if applying from within the UK, or at a visa application centre overseas.

3. Supporting documents required

Applicants must prepare documentation to satisfy both stages of the process. These typically include:

• Valid passport or travel document
• Endorsement letter (if applicable)
• Proof of award (if applying via the Prestigious Prizes route)
• Evidence of exceptional talent or promise, as specified by the endorsing body
• Valid tuberculosis (TB) certificate, if required based on applicant’s country of residence

For endorsement applications, additional documentation will vary depending on the field. Applicants are advised to consult the specific guidance provided by their selected endorsing body and the Home Office’s Appendix Global Talent.

If the applicant received funding from a government or international scholarship body for study in the UK within the 12 months prior to the application, they must provide written consent to the visa application from that organisation.

Section D: Costs, processing times, dependants and settlement

1. How much does it cost to apply for a Global Talent visa?

The application costs for the Global Talent visa are as follows:

• Endorsement application (stage 1): £192
• Visa application (stage 2): £716

Applicants are also required to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) at a rate of £1,035 per year of leave requested. For example, a 5-year visa would incur a total IHS cost of £5,175 in addition to the visa fee.

Applicants applying via the Prestigious Prizes route are not required to apply for endorsement and will only need to pay the £716 visa fee and the applicable IHS charge.

2. How long does the Global Talent visa application take?

The processing time depends on the route and the stage:

• Endorsement applications typically take 5 to 8 weeks.
• Fast-track endorsements in research or academic fields may be decided within 1 to 3 weeks.
• Visa applications (stage 2) usually take up to 3 weeks when applying from outside the UK, and up to 8 weeks when applying from inside the UK.

Applicants are advised to allow sufficient time to complete both stages, particularly where their current UK visa is close to expiring. In-country applicants should consider applying for both stages at the same time to preserve their immigration status.

3. Can dependants apply on the Global Talent route?

Partners and children under 18 can apply as dependants of a Global Talent visa-holder. Each dependant must make a separate application and pay the following fees:

• Visa application: £716 per dependant
• IHS: £1,035 per year, per dependant

Dependant applicants must satisfy the following requirements:

• Partner: Must be the spouse, civil partner, or unmarried partner of the main applicant, with evidence of cohabitation for at least 2 years if not married or in a civil partnership.
• Child: Must be under 18 (or over 18 if already in the UK as a dependant) and not leading an independent life.

Dependants are permitted to work and study in the UK, with few restrictions. They may also be eligible to apply for settlement at the same time as the main applicant, subject to meeting the continuous residence and eligibility criteria.

4. Can the Global Talent visa be extended?

There is no limit to the number of times the Global Talent visa can be extended. Each extension can be for a period of 1 to 5 years, as chosen by the applicant. The application process and fee structure are the same as for the initial visa.

To qualify for an extension, applicants must meet the following conditions:

• Continue to work in their endorsed field or field of the qualifying award
• Provide evidence of having earned money in the UK during their last period of leave from work related to their field
• The endorsement or prize must not have been withdrawn
• The endorsing body must still be approved by the Home Office at the time of the extension decision

Acceptable evidence may include contracts, invoices, payslips, or tax returns. The income must relate to the same field in which the individual was endorsed or recognised for their award.

5. Does the Global Talent visa lead to settlement (ILR)?

The Global Talent visa provides a route to settlement in the UK, formally known as Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). Applicants may be eligible to apply for ILR after:

• 3 years if endorsed under ‘exceptional talent’, or for those in science, engineering, humanities, medicine or research roles endorsed by UKRI, or if they hold a qualifying prestigious prize
• 5 years if endorsed under ‘exceptional promise’ or for other endorsed roles not qualifying for accelerated settlement

To qualify for ILR, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Evidence of earned income in the UK from their endorsed field or prize-related work during their most recent leave period
• Endorsement or prize must not have been withdrawn
• Must meet the continuous residence requirement (no more than 180 days absence per year)
• Must pass the Life in the UK test and meet the English language requirement (unless exempt)

Dependants may apply for ILR alongside the main applicant if they meet the continuous residence and eligibility criteria.

Section E: FAQs

Can I apply for the Global Talent visa without a job offer?

Yes, the Global Talent visa is an unsponsored route, meaning no job offer or Certificate of Sponsorship is required. However, applicants must either be endorsed by an approved body or hold a recognised prestigious prize.

How long can I stay in the UK on a Global Talent visa?

You can request a visa of between 1 and 5 years. There is no cap on the number of extensions you can apply for, and each extension can also be up to 5 years. The visa also provides a route to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).

Do I need to meet a minimum salary threshold for this visa?

No, there is no minimum salary requirement for the Global Talent visa. However, to qualify for extensions or settlement, you must prove you have earned income in your endorsed field while in the UK.

Can I switch to the Global Talent visa from within the UK?

Yes, you may switch to the Global Talent visa from within the UK if you are not on a short-term visa such as a visitor, seasonal worker, or other ineligible category. Your current leave must still be valid at the time of application.

Can my family come with me on the Global Talent visa?

Yes, your partner and children under 18 can apply as dependants. They must apply separately and pay the required visa and Immigration Health Surcharge fees. Dependants can work and study in the UK.

Section F: Conclusion

The Global Talent visa offers unparalleled flexibility for internationally recognised professionals looking to live and work in the UK without the constraints of sponsorship. With access to a fast-track path to settlement, the ability to change roles freely, and eligibility for a wide range of fields, it is one of the most attractive immigration options available for global talent.

For employers and organisations, this route offers a valuable opportunity to engage leading professionals without the administrative burden of sponsorship. For applicants, careful preparation of the endorsement or award evidence, as well as a well-planned visa strategy, will be key to a successful application.

Section G: Glossary

Section H: Useful links