Global Talent visa and other work and business visas

Individuals working in the visual arts, dance, literature, music, theatre, architecture, fashion design, film and television may be eligible for a global talent visa. The body with overall responsibility for assessing applicants in these sectors is Arts Council England.

The Producers Alliance for Film and Television (PACT), the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) and the British Fashion Council each assess relevant endorsement applications on behalf of Arts Council England.

Each of the disciplines within the arts and culture category has specific requirements at the endorsement stage. All applicants need to provide 3 letters of recommendation.

Visual artists
Visual arts applicants must provide supporting evidence in at least two of three categories:

• Media recognition;
• Proof of appearances; and
• International awards.

If you will rely on media recognition, you must provide two or more examples of significant international media recognition for the quality of your work. The evidence must be in the form of detailed independent reviews, critiques, evaluations, or profiles of your individual work, from critics in established media, outlets in at least two countries. This can include outlets such as newspapers, magazines, television, radio or websites. Interviews meeting certain criteria might also support an endorsement application.

If you will rely on the proof of appearances category, you must provide evidence of your participation in professional engagements in at least two countries. The evidence must show that you have an established international presence and demand for your work as a professional.

Architects
Architecture applicants need to provide evidence at least two of the following criteria:

1. Two or more examples of evidence of UK or international media recognition within the last 5 years, online or in print, such as features, articles and/or reviews from national/international publications or broadcasting companies, in one or more countries, which can include your country of residence;
2. Proof of having, within the last five years from the date of application, won, been nominated or shortlisted, or made a direct contribution to winning, being nominated or being shortlisted for at least one international or national award for excellence in architecture; or
3. Proof of having work published or exhibited within the last 5 years in contexts which are recognised as internationally significant in the field of architecture. Proof must come from one or more countries, which can include your country of residence and must demonstrate a minimum of two publications or exhibitions of your work.

The Royal Society assesses science and medicine researchers’ and academics’ Global Talent endorsement applications. The British Academy assesses humanities researchers’ and academics’ applications and the Royal Academy of Engineering assesses engineering researchers’ and academics’ applications.

Applicants may be eligible on the basis of an eligible job offer as an academic or researcher, an individual fellowship, a research grant approved by UK Research and Innovation, an eligible award or on the basis of ‘peer review’. To be eligible for endorsement on the basis of peer review, you must work in an approved research discipline, be an active researcher – for example in a university, research institute or business – and have a PhD or equivalent research experience, including industrial or clinical research.

Under this route, you may be eligible for settlement in the UK after 3 or 5 years, depending on the strength of your track record. Conditions include a limit on absences from the UK of 180 days in any 12-month period.

However, in order to extend your visa or settle in the UK, you will have to demonstrate that you have earned money in your field in the UK. Applicants do have to demonstrate English language ability and pass a test on ‘Life in the UK’ to be eligible for settlement.

The Global Talent visa is a highly attractive visa. It affords the right to live and work in the UK without a job offer. You can be employed or self-employed. Your dependants can join you in the UK and you might all be eligible for indefinite leave to remain in the UK within 3 to 5 years.

There is no minimum salary requirement for Global Talent visa holders.

The main difference between the Global Talent visa and Skilled Worker visa UK is that a Skilled Worker needs a job offer from a UK organisation that holds a sponsor licence. A Global Talent visa applicant does not need a job offer.

The Skilled Worker’s permission to live and work in the UK remains tied to their job throughout their sponsorship, whilst a Global Talent visa holder may work for any employer and may be self-employed.

Some Global Talent visa holders are eligible for indefinite leave to remain after 3 years whilst Skilled Workers must wait 5 years to apply.