Global Talent Visa: Frequently Asked Questions
In a Statement of Changes to the Immigration Rules (HC56, 30 January 2020) published today, the Home Office has introduced a new Global Talent visa category for talented and promising individuals in specific sectors wishing to work in the UK. The Global Talent category will replace the existing Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent) category.
When will the Global Talent immigration category open?
The Global Talent category will open to new applications on 20 February 2020.
Where will the requirements for a Global Talent visa be set out?
The new Global Talent category will be set out in Appendix W to the Immigration Rules. It will not form part of the Points-Based System and will not include points-scoring tables.
Who will be eligible to apply for a Global Talent visa?
The new Global Talent visa category will be open to talented and promising individuals in the fields of science, digital technology and arts and culture wishing to work in the UK.
Just as under the current Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent category), ‘talent’ applicants will already be leaders in their respective field, while ‘promise’ applicants will have shown the potential to become leaders in their field.
Is the Global Talent visa only going to be open to scientists and researchers?
Whilst specific provisions will be made for the science and research sector, the Global Talent category will be open to talented and promising applicants within the digital technology and arts and culture (including film and television, fashion design and architecture) sectors.
Will there be a cap on the number of Global Talent visa applications?
The Global Talent category will not be subject to a cap on the number of applicants.
Will Global Talent visa applicants need to be endorsed?
Global Talent applicants will need to hold an endorsement from a Home Office approved endorsing body.
The existing Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent) endorsing bodies (the Royal Society, the British Academy, the Royal Academy of Engineering, Tech Nation and Arts Council England) will be joined by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) under the new Global Talent category.
How long will a Global Talent visa be valid for?
Global Talent applicants will be able to choose how much leave, in whole years, up to a maximum of 5 years they wish to be granted in a single application. This will enable Global Talent visa applicants to minimise their Immigration Health Surcharge payment where, for example, they only wish to come to the UK for 2 years.
Will the Global Talent visa category lead to settlement in the UK?
Applicants endorsed by the endorsing bodies responsible for science, engineering, humanities and medicine will be able to apply for settlement after 3 years regardless of whether they were granted under the “promise” criteria, the “talent” criteria or a new endorsed funder option.
The qualifying period to apply for settlement under the “promise” criteria for digital technology and arts and culture applicants will be 5 years (as is currently required under Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent)).
Will there be a residence requirement for ILR as a Global Talent migrant?
In order to qualify for indefinite leave to remain, Global Talent visa holders will need to have spent not more than 180 days outside the UK during any rolling 12 month during the continuous period of leave relied upon.
However, Global Talent visa holders who have been endorsed by the endorsing bodies responsible for science, engineering, humanities and medicine and who undertake research overseas directly related to their grant of leave, will not have such absences counted when they apply for settlement. Partners of Global Talent migrants will be treated in the same way.
What will happen to the Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent) category?
The Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent) category will close to new entrants on 20 February 2020.
What will happen if I have an Exceptional Talent endorsement application pending on 20 February 2020?
Applications for endorsement as a Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent) migrant submitted before 20 February 2020 will be decided in accordance with the Immigration Rules in force on 19 February 2020.
What will happen if I have an Exceptional Talent immigration application pending on 20 February 2020?
Applications for entry clearance, leave to enter or leave to remain as a Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent) migrant submitted before 20 February 2020 will be decided in accordance with the Immigration Rules in force on 19 February 2020.
What if I have a valid Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent) endorsement letter but have not submitted an application under the Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent) route on 20 February 2020?
Applicants who hold a valid Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent) endorsement letter but who have not submitted an application under the Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent) route will be able to use this to apply for entry clearance or leave under the Global Talent category.
I hold leave as a Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent) migrant, can I extend my leave?
Applicants who already hold Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent) leave and who wish to extend their leave, will be able to do so under the Global Talent category.
I hold leave as a Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent) migrant, can I settle in the UK?
Settlement applications from Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent) Migrants will continue to be accepted, without the need for applicants to first switch into the Global Talent route.
Contact our Immigration Barristers
For expert advice and assistance regarding an application for a Global Talent visa, contact our business immigration barristers on 0203 617 9173 or complete our enquiry form below.
