Global Talent Visa UK | Science, Tech & Arts Leaders

For recognised leaders and emerging talent in science, research, digital technology, and arts & culture. No job offer required, up to 5 years, route to settlement.

Validity & settlement

Choose up to 5 years per grant; extendable with no limit
Settlement in 3 years (talent/prize) or 5 years (promise)
No financial requirement for main applicant

Essentials

Endorsement or prestigious prize—no job offer needed
Fields: science, engineering, humanities, social science, medicine, digital tech, arts & culture
£766 total fee + £1,035/yr healthcare surcharge
Dependants can work and study

While our automated eligibility checker is being prepared, our immigration experts are ready to provide personalized guidance for your specific situation.

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About the visa

The Global Talent visa is for individuals aged 18+ recognised as leaders or potential leaders in science, engineering, humanities, social science, medicine, digital technology, or arts and culture. Unlike most work routes, it requires no job offer or sponsorship—applicants demonstrate excellence through endorsement or a prestigious prize. This is a route to settlement (indefinite leave to remain).

Eligibility & key rules

There are two pathways to the Global Talent route:

Endorsement route: Obtain endorsement from an approved body—including Arts Council England (arts & culture), the Royal Society/British Academy/Royal Academy of Engineering/UKRI (science & research), Tech Nation (digital technology), and others for architecture, fashion, and film/TV. Two tracks exist: exceptional talent and exceptional promise.
Prestigious prize route: Winners of qualifying prizes listed in Appendix Global Talent: Prestigious Prizes (e.g. Nobel Prize, Fields Medal, Turing Award) are exempt from endorsement.

For extensions, applicants must show they have earned money in the UK in their endorsed field.

What you can / cannot do

Permitted

Work for any employer or be self-employed
Voluntary work
Study (subject to ATAS condition)

Not permitted

Access to public funds
Work as a professional sportsperson or coach

Dependants (partner and children) can also apply and are permitted to work and study.

Fees, documents & process

Costs

Endorsement application: £561 (waived for prize-based applicants)
Visa application: £205 (or £766 total for prize route)
Total: £766
Healthcare surcharge (IHS): £1,035 per year
Dependants: £766 each

Key documents

Valid passport or travel document
Endorsement letter (or proof of prestigious prize)
Evidence of work in your field (for extensions)
Tuberculosis test results (if applicable)

Settlement timeline

3 years for exceptional talent (Royal Society/British Academy/RAEng/UKRI endorsed, Arts Council or Tech Nation exceptional talent, or prestigious prize)
5 years for exceptional promise (Arts Council or Tech Nation exceptional promise)

Processing times

From outside the UK: approximately 3 weeks
From inside the UK: approximately 8 weeks

Global Talent Visa