UK GLOBAL TALENT VISA

The U.K. Global Talent visa is an immigration category specifically targeted at individuals in specific sectors that wish to work overseas in the U.K.
Effective February 2020, the Tier 1 [Exceptional Talent] visa has been replaced by the Global Talent visa.

An individual might be able to apply for a Global Talent visa for working in the U.K. if they are either a leader or a potential leader, in any of the following fields

  • Digital Technology
  • Academia or Research
  • Arts and Culture

Generally, to be considered under the Global Talent visa category, the applicant must have secured an endorsement from any 1 of the 6 endorsing bodies appointed by the U.K. Home Office.

  • With the Global Talent visa, you can live and work in the UK for up to 5 years at a time.
  • While there is as such “no limit” on the total duration that you can stay on in the U.K. on a Global Talent visa, you will be required to get your visa renewed, thereby extending the same when it expires.
  • An extension of the Global Talent visa can last anywhere from 1 to 5 years.
  • Following a stay in the U.K. For a certain period, a Global Talent visa holder might be eligible to apply for an Indefinite Leave to Remain [ILR] so that they can settle in the U.K. permanently.
  • Depending on the field that the individual is working in, an ILR can be applied for after 3 to 5 years in the U.K. on a Global Talent visa.
  • With the ILR, an individual gets the right to live, work and study in the U.K. for as long as they require, even applying for benefits if found to be eligible for the same.

BENEFITS OF WORKING IN THE U.K. ON A GLOBAL TALENT VISA

  • Ability to change occupation and employer without seeking approval of the U.K. Home Office.• Ability to take up self-employment in the U.K.
  • Can set up a spin-out, also referred to as a spin-off, company in the U.K.
  • Earn additional income from consultancy, or any other sources.
  • Advantages for the partners and dependents of the main applicant.
  • Fast-tracked route to U.K. settlement after 3 years.
  • Can take up research overseas [time spent outside the U.K. for research will not count towards the 180-day annual limit for absences if applying for settlement in the U.K.]