Global Talent Visa: Eligibility and Application

What is a Global Talent Visa?

A Global Talent Visa, which is also known as Exceptional Talent Visa is available for “talented and promising” people who wish to pursue a career in the UK.

The Global Talent Visa can be obtained within the following sectors:

• Science
• Engineering
• Medicine and humanities
• Digital technology
• Arts and culture (including: combined arts, dance, literature, music, theatre and visual arts, which include people working in museums and galleries in an artist context. But does not include museums focussed work)

Anyone who works within the film, television animation, post-production and visual effects sectors can also apply for an “Exceptional Talent Visa” which are evaluated by “PACT” –  Producers’ Alliance for Film and Television on behalf of Arts Council England.

Eligibility for a Global Talent Visa

To be eligible for Global Talent Visa, you must be able to demonstrate that you are an established artist, have the potential to become a leading artist, or have been recognised as a talented expert within your specialist field.

You need to show:

• That you have professionally produced work of outstanding quality that has been published in places other than newspapers or magazines
• Recent regular activity (within the last five years) of professional engagement as a practitioner in your field
• Evidence of a significant track record in more than one country (if applying for an Exceptional Talent Visa) or if you are applying under the “Exceptional Promise” criteria that you are developing a track record in one or more countries

Alongside your application visa application for endorsement from Arts Council England you must provide three letters supporting your case from culturally recognised organisations and experts in your field. You will also need to provide no more than ten pieces of supporting evidence demonstrating your talent or promise.

You can apply to stay in the UK for up to five years in the first instance. You are allowed to bring any dependents but they will be subject to UK Visa and Immigration (UKVI) regulations and additional fees will be levied.

Successful applicants will be required to support themselves and will not be able to access public funds or state assistance. Although you may still apply to Arts Council England for project funding, such as National Lottery or Developing Creative Practice grants.

A Global Talent Visa allows you to change employers or be self-employed and you do not need to have obtained specific prior employment before applying for it. All applications should be made via the Gov.UK website.

Application Process

The application for Arts Council England endorsement is a two-stage process:

• Stage One: Arts Council England endorsement application – this typically takes up to eight weeks. It is important to note that there is no fast-track or accelerated option if you are applying to Arts Council England for endorsement at this time. A stage one endorsement application currently costs £456 and is payable to UKVI not Arts Council England.

• Stage Two: Global Talent Visa Application – this takes approximately three weeks if you are applying from outside the UK, or eight weeks it you are applying from inside the UK. A stage two visa application currently costs £152 and is payable to UKVI.

The above fees do not include other costs, such as the healthcare surcharge.

LONDON IMMIGRATION ADVISERS – Global Talent Visa

Mann’s Solutions is international immigration law firm with offices in London, Hong Kong and Moscow and has expertise in offering UK Visas and Immigration by Investment services to high net worth individuals. Our immigration advisers regulated by OISC.

For further information or to discuss your personal circumstances in a private consultation with our immigration advisers in London Office, please contact us at enquiries@manns-solutions.com or call +44 207 993 63 46.