GovWire

With a Global Talent visa you can work in the UK, if you are a leader or potential leader in one of the following fields:

• combined arts, dance, literature, music, theatre or visual arts
• architecture
• fashion design
• film and television, including animation, post production and visual effects

Check the full list of eligible arts and culture fields.

You can also work in the UK on a Global Talent visa if youve won an eligible award.

What you can do with a Global Talent visa

A Global Talent visa lets you:

• choose how long your visa is for, up to 5 years
• be an employee, self-employed and a director of a company
• change or stop doing your job without telling the Home Office
• bring your partner and children with you as your dependants, if theyre eligible
• travel abroad and return to the UK

There are no language or minimum salary eligibility requirements.

If you want to stay longer in the UK, you can renew your visa as many times as you like if you meet the eligibility criteria for extending your stay.

You can also apply to settle permanently in the UK (also known as indefinite leave to remain) after:

• 3 years if youre applying as a leader
• 5 years if youre applying as a potential leader

What you cannot do with a Global Talent visa

You cannot:

• apply for most benefits (public funds)
• work as a sportsperson

If your application is successful, youll get a full list of what you can and cannot do with a Global Talent visa.

How to apply

To get a Global Talent visa you need to apply for an endorsement, as well as for the visa itself.

Applying for an endorsement

You need to apply for an endorsement to prove youre a leader or potential leader in your field.

The Home Office will send your application to be reviewed by a UK organisation (endorsing body) with expertise in your field.

How you apply depends on if you work in:

• combined arts, dance, literature, music, theatre or visual arts
• architecture
• fashion design
• film and television

You will get a decision about your endorsement within 8 weeks.

Applying for the visa

Theres a separate guide to applying for your Global Talent visa, including how your partner or child can apply.

You usually get a decision about your visa within:

• 3 weeks if youre outside the UK
• 8 weeks if youre inside the UK

You may be able to pay to get a faster decision.

When you can apply for the visa

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 until youve been given a decision.

The earliest you can apply for a visa is 3 months before you travel.

Example

Fees

It costs 716 to apply.

If youre applying based on an endorsement, youll pay the 716 in two parts:

• 524 when you apply for the endorsement
• 192 when you apply for the visa itself

If youre applying based on an eligible award, youll pay the full 716 when you apply for the visa.

If youre including your partner or children in your application, theyll each need to pay 716.

Healthcare surcharge

Youll also have to pay the healthcare surcharge as part of your application - this is usually 1,035 per year for each person applying.

Check how much youll have to pay before you apply.

If your endorsement application is refused

If your application is turned down you can request an endorsement review.