Mastering the Application Journey for the UK Global Talent Visa
If you are exceptionally talented in science, research, technology, arts and humanities, and engineering, the Global Talent visa is your best way to come to the UK. However, this category is highly sought after and has a strict application process. You will need to master this process so that you can be awarded the visa.
This blog will help you understand if you are eligible and complete the application process. For an even higher chance of a successful application, get help from Immigration Advice Service by calling us or visiting our website today.
Understanding if you are Eligible
The first step for any immigration application is to make sure you are eligible. Ineligible applications will be rejected, no matter how well they follow the application process.
The Global Talent visa has been created for people over 18 who are exceptional or have the potential to be exceptional in academic and research, arts and culture, or digital technology. You show that this is the case with support from the appropriate endorsing body. This endorsement needs to have been issued within three months of your application, and it cannot have been withdrawn. Alternatively, you may have won an eligible prestigious prize in your field.
Examples of endorsing bodies include the following. You will also usually need to pay a fee to the body. Make sure that you choose the right body for your skills so that you don’t waste time and an application fee:
- Arts Council of England.
- The Royal Society.
- Royal Academy of Engineering.
- The British Academy.
- UK Research and Innovation.
Applying for an Endorsement
Each endorsing body has differing criteria and application processes that you need to follow to receive their endorsement. In broad strokes, the processes are similar with each body.
Firstly, you will need to gather evidence to show that you are a leader or potential leader in your industry. Exact evidence will vary, but usually the following will be needed:
- A job description for your role.
- Your CV.
- An award letter for any grants you have received.
- A letter from your workplace’s director of human resources, or equivalent.
- Letters of recommendation from those who have worked with you.
- Evidence that you have completed work that shows exceptional talent or promise.
You will then need to submit this documentation to the endorsing body. If they are impressed, you will be invited to attend an endorsement review, after which you will be endorsed, or they will give feedback on what else you need to do to get an endorsement. Applications for endorsement are usually processed in two to eight weeks.
Applying for a Global Talent Visa
Having received an endorsement or relevant award, you can finally submit your application for a UK Global Talent visa. This process is completed online by submitting the application and your supporting documentation to the UK Government website. Your application will be processed once you have paid the visa application fee. The current application cost is £766, although £561 of this is the cost to receive an endorsement. Another fee to pay is the immigration health surcharge so that you can access National Health Service care.
You will then need to attend a biometric appointment at a visa application centre. Here, your fingerprints and biometric photograph will be taken.
Some applicants will also be asked to attend an interview. Immigration officials will use this to clear up anything in your application that they are unsure of.
Once these steps have been taken, immigration officials will begin to process your application. This will usually take eight weeks, although issues with your application or processing backlogs can make it take substantially longer. You may also be able to pay for priority or super priority processing if you need a more rapid decision.
Global Talent Visa Application Required Documents
The most important documentation to provide when you apply for the Global Talent visa is proof that you have received an endorsement from the relevant body. If you have received a prestigious award for your work, the UK Government will seek confirmation from publicly available information. Documentation attesting to your award will only be required if this cannot be found.
Other documentation required includes a passport or a valid travel document and a tuberculosis (TB) test if you are coming to the UK from a high-risk nation. Any documentation that is not already in English or Welsh will need to receive a certified translation.
Bringing Dependents with you to the UK
The application process is also when you can apply to bring dependents with you to the UK. If approved, they will usually have the same length of validity in the UK as you. Each dependent application will require you to pay an additional £766 alongside the immigration health surcharge. Once in the UK, your dependents will be allowed to work (other than as a sportsperson), study, and settle.
Only certain family members will be eligible to join you in the UK. This includes your spouse, civil partner, or unmarried partner. Dependents can also include your children under 18 and children over 18 who currently have permission as your dependents.
To apply for them to come with you, you will need to show evidence that they are related to you. This can include a marriage or civil partnership certificate and a birth certificate.
How Can Immigration Advice Service Help?
As has been shown, the Global Talent visa is one of the most sought-after visas to come to the UK. However, it requires you to show that you are an exceptional individual in your field or have an incredible amount of potential.
Our expert lawyers at Immigration Advice Service can help you understand if you are eligible for this visa and can guide you through the entire application process. The support continues after you have spent years in the UK, helping you to apply for indefinite leave to remain and citizenship.
Call us today to be connected with our lawyers and advisors, or visit our website to learn more about the services we offer.
