Global Talent Visa Requirements and Application Process 2025

Applying for a Global Talent visa

To conduct research in the UK under the Global Talent visa, you must apply in two stages:

Global Talent Endorsement: This needs to be done through an approved endorsing body. The endorsing body assesses whether your expertise, experience, or qualifications meet the required standards.

Global Talent Visa: After receiving the endorsement, you can apply for the actual visa.

Note: If you hold certain academic prizes of achievement, you may only need to apply for the visa, not the endorsement. You can find a list of eligible academic prizes on the official UK government website (GOV.UK).

The process is simpler and faster if:

• Your research is funded by a grant or fellowship from UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) or another approved funder.
• You’ll be working at a UK research organization that is on the approved list.

Global Talent Visa Eligibility Requirements

To apply for the Global Talent Visa, applicants must be 18 years or older and demonstrate that they are leaders or potential leaders in their field.

1. Qualifying Fields

The Global Talent visa is available to individuals from a broad range of fields. It is open to both established leaders and those who show potential to become leaders in their respective fields. These fields include, but are not limited to:

• Digital Technology: Professionals in areas such as software development, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and other cutting-edge technology fields.
• Arts and Culture: Artists, musicians, writers, actors, and other cultural professionals who have made significant contributions to their fields. This category values creativity and innovation.
• Academia and Research: Scholars and researchers in fields like science, humanities, and social sciences, particularly those conducting groundbreaking research, publishing influential papers, and holding academic positions at prestigious institutions.

2. Demonstrating Leadership or Potential Leadership

Before applying for a Global Talent visa, applicants must first obtain endorsement from the relevant authorized endorsing body, or have been awarded qualifying industry recognition from a prestigious prize listed in Appendix Global Talent: Prestigious Prizes. This is to prove that the applicant meets the required standard of professional achievement.

• Endorsement: Applicants must be endorsed by a recognized body within their field. This body confirms the applicant’s status as a leader or potential leader in their area of expertise. Endorsement bodies are responsible for assessing the credentials of applicants in their respective fields.
• Prestigious Prizes: If an applicant has been awarded a prize listed in Appendix Prestigious Prizes, they can bypass the endorsement stage. These prizes are considered to demonstrate exceptional talent, and recipients are automatically eligible for the Global Talent Visa without needing further endorsement.

Winning one of these prestigious prizes can significantly expedite the visa application process, as it shows that the applicant’s achievements are recognized as world-leading in their field.

Getting a Global Talent visa endorsement

There are four routes to obtain endorsement for a Global Talent visa:

• Academic or Research Appointment: This is a fast-track endorsement for individuals who have accepted an offer of an academic or research appointment at an approved institution. You will need to submit a statement of guarantee from the institution offering the appointment.
• Individual Fellowship: If you currently hold, or have held within the last 5 years, an eligible fellowship, you can apply for fast-track endorsement. You will need to provide the award letter that names you.
• Endorsed Funder: This is for individuals who are or will be working on a research grant issued by UKRI or another endorsed funder. It also applies to those who are or will be employed or hosted at an organization approved by UKRI. You will need to submit:
  • The award letter naming you or your role.
  • A statement of guarantee from the organization that is employing or hosting you.
• Peer Review: This standard endorsement route is for individuals who do not need a job offer. You can apply through peer review by submitting your CV and a letter of recommendation.

If you already have a fellowship:

Your application will be fast-tracked if you hold a fellowship from the approved list of fellowships, which includes those from UKRI. The list is approved by institutions like the Royal Society, Royal Academy of Engineering, and the British Academy.

If you’re part of a funded research project:

Your application will be fast-tracked if you are part of a research grant awarded by UKRI or one of its councils, or a funder endorsed by UKRI. You can apply if your name or role appears on the grant application (e.g., principal investigator, co-investigator, postdoctoral researcher). The organization employing or hosting you in the UK must be approved by UKRI.

If you don’t have a fellowship or funded research role:

You may still be eligible for the Global Talent visa if you have an eligible job offer at an approved institution. The application will be fast-tracked for leaders or potential leaders in arts and culture or digital technology.

• Leaders in Arts and Culture: You can apply as a leader in arts and culture.
• Leaders in Digital Technology: You can apply as a leader in digital technology.

If you are a research leader but not eligible in any other way, you can apply for endorsement via the peer review route.

If you’re not eligible for a Global Talent visa:

If you’re not eligible for a Global Talent visa, there are other ways to work in the UK – for example a Skilled Worker visa.