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
