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Global Talent Visa

For leaders and exceptional promise in research, arts, and tech.

Sourced from GOV.UK · Updated April 2026
The short answer

For endorsed leaders or emerging talent in academia/research, arts & culture, or digital technology. Tech Nation resumed digital tech endorsements in 2024; endorsing bodies updated guidance in 2025.

£816Application fee from
£1,035IHS per year
3 weeksDecision (outside UK)
1–5 years per application, unlimited extensionsInitial leave

Who can apply

  • Endorsement from: Royal Society, British Academy, Royal Academy of Engineering, UKRI, Arts Council England, or Tech Nation
  • Demonstrated exceptional talent (leader) or exceptional promise (emerging) in your field
  • Two-stage application: endorsement first, then visa
  • Certain fellowships and awards allow "fast-track" prestigious-prize route

How to apply

  1. Apply for endorsementSubmit evidence portfolio to the relevant endorsing body via the GOV.UK online route.
  2. Receive endorsementAssessment typically within 8 weeks.
  3. Apply for the visaSubmit visa application on GOV.UK within 3 months of endorsement.
  4. Biometrics & decisionAttend VAC; decision typically 3 weeks.

Documents you’ll need

  • Passport
  • Endorsement letter or qualifying prize evidence
  • Evidence portfolio: CV (3 pages max), up to 10 documents, 3 letters of recommendation
  • TB test results if required

Good to know

No job offer or sponsor required.
Eligible for accelerated settlement (3 years for exceptional talent).
Prestigious prize holders (e.g. Nobel, Turing, Oscar) can skip endorsement.

Common questions

Frequently asked questions

  • No. The Global Talent visa requires endorsement by an approved body (Royal Society, British Academy, Tech Nation's successor bodies, Arts Council, etc.) — not a job offer. You can work for any employer, switch freely, or be self-employed once on the visa.

  • You can apply for up to 5 years and choose any duration from 1 to 5 years. ILR is available after 3 years for "exceptional talent" endorsement holders, or 5 years for "exceptional promise" endorsement holders, depending on the endorsing body.

  • An approved UK body (specific to your field) reviews your CV, achievements and supporting evidence and confirms you meet their criteria for exceptional talent or exceptional promise. The endorsement letter is then submitted with your Home Office visa application.

  • Science and research (Royal Society, British Academy, Royal Academy of Engineering), digital technology (Tech Nation successor route), arts and culture (Arts Council England), film and TV (BFI), fashion design (British Fashion Council), and academia / research. Each has its own bar and evidence requirements.

  • Two-stage fee: £561 endorsement application + £161 visa application = £722 plus IHS (£1,035/year). For a 5-year visa: £722 + £5,175 IHS = £5,897. No employer or sponsor required, so no Skills Charge.

Source: GOV.UK — Global Talent Visa · Last verified April 2026

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Verified against gov.uk · April 2026·Editorial policy
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