Global Talent Film and Television Visa Guidance
The Global Talent immigration route is for individuals who are leading in their field of expertise or have the potential to become leading in their field. However, for those who are applying in the fields of film and television, applicants must have already been recognised as leaders, and there is no option to apply on the basis of ‘Exceptional Promise’. This means that in comparison to others, for example those applying to work in theatre and other artistic fields, the criteria for those in film and television is much stricter. In this article we will look at who can apply in Global Talent Film and Television visa category, the criteria that will need to be met, and what individuals can do while they are in the UK.
Who can apply for a Global Talent Film and Television Visa?
The Home Office Guidance confirms that individuals who work in the following areas can apply for endorsement on the basis of global talent:
- film
- television
- animation
- post production
- visual effects
This includes individuals who work both in front of and behind the camera, for example actors, writers, directors.
What are the requirements for a Global Talent Film and Television Visa?
The criteria for those in Film and Television are relatively objective and focus on awards that an Applicant has won. This means that an individual should have a good understanding of whether they are likely to be successful before making an application. Those who have not won, been nominated for, or made significant contributions to specified awards will not be able to meet the criteria and there is no discretion to grant an application in these circumstances.
There are two different routes to endorsement in the Global Talent Film and Television route:
1. Main Awards
The Main Awards are defined by the Immigration Rules to include:
- an Academy Award; or
- a British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) (film, television, television craft, Cymru, Scotland, Games awards only); or
- a Golden Globe; or
- an Emmy Award
An individual applying on the basis of these awards will need to have:
- won one of these awards
- in the last 10 years, received a nomination for one of these awards
- in the last 10 years made a significant contribution to winning or a nomination for one of these awards
- in the last 15 years received at least two nominations for these awards.
2. Industry Recognition
If the above criteria cannot be met then an individual can apply on the basis of having a Notable Industry Award. This is a changeable list which is published on the PACT website.
Where an applicant relies on these awards, they will need to have more than one. The criteria set out requires that an applicant has:
- won a minimum of 2 awards; or
- won 1 award and, within the last 6 years before the date of application, have been nominated for another; or
- within the last 6 years before the date of application, have been nominated for a minimum of 3 awards; or
- within the last 3 years before the date of application, made a significant and direct contribution to winning 2 awards, or being nominated for a minimum of 3 of the awards in the Notable Industry Recognition Awards list
However, in addition to having the awards, the applicant needs to show notable industry recognition through achieving international sales. This additional evidence is not required where a person applies under the Main Awards.
Significant Contribution
In either route, an individual can apply for a Global Talent Film and Television visa even where they are not named on an award as an individual, but where they can show that they have made a significant contribution to an award or nomination being received. This could be where a production as a whole receives an award and someone who worked on that production claims that they contributed to the winning of the award, but it could also be where another person is named on an award and an applicant claims that they made a contribution to the work that received the nomination or award.
If an applicant wishes to rely on this criteria, they will need to provide additional evidence, such as a letter from the person who is named on the award, or other senior individuals involved in the production, who can comment on the applicant’s contribution. There may also be media coverage of a show which comments on the contributions of individuals, which will be helpful in demonstrating a link between the person applying and the award or nomination.
This is one aspect of the application where there is a more subjective assessment of the applicant’s credentials and so it is important to select relevant evidence that will assist the decision maker in PACT make their assessment.
What can you do in the Global Talent Film and Television category?
Once successful in the Global Talent Film and Television visa category, an individual will have a full right to work in the UK and can be employed or self employed. You do not need to have work lined up before arrival and you are not limited to only working for a specific employer. There is no requirement to do any specific amount of work, although for a person who wants to settle in the UK permanently will need to complete some work in their specialist field. Individuals are not, however, limited to only working in their specialist field for which they have been endorsed. It is possible to take on other work while in the UK in this category.
Individuals are able to bring family members to the UK and can be granted a period of leave of up to five years. This can be extended if necessary. It is only a requirement to spend three years in the category to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain, so most people in this category should not need to extend their leave. Further details about applying for Indefinite Leave to Remain in this category can be found here.
Contact our Immigration Barristers
For expert advice regarding the requirements for leave in the UK as a Global Talent migrant, contact our immigration barristers on 0203 617 9173 or complete our enquiry form below.
