In a significant move to attract world-class talent, the United Kingdom has introduced the Global Talent Visa, superseding the previous Tier 1 Exceptional Talent Visa as of 20 February 2020. This innovative programme is designed to welcome leaders and emerging leaders in various fields, offering a unique opportunity to work in the UK without the need for a sponsor or job offer.The Global Talent Visa marks a shift in the UK's approach to immigration, particularly for those excelling in academia and research, arts and culture, and digital technology. This visa offers many advantages: holders can work in the UK for up to five years, with the flexibility to renew indefinitely and switch jobs without needing to inform immigration authorities.Who can apply for the Global Talent Visa?To be eligible for the Global Talent Visa, applicants must demonstrate their standing as a leader or potential leader in one of the designated fields:

• Academia or Research: Candidates must show exceptional talent or promise in science, medicine, engineering, humanities, or social science. Eligibility extends to those with job offers in senior academic or research positions, recipients of individual fellowships, or participants in UK Research and Innovation-approved grants. Peer-reviewed endorsements are also considered.
• Arts and Culture: This category covers disciplines like combined arts, dance, literature, music, theatre, and visual arts. Applicants should have a track record of international recognition and outstanding work, as evidenced by endorsements from organisations like Arts Council England.
• Architecture and Fashion Design: Architects and fashion designers need to demonstrate a continuous professional journey of at least five years with work that has received international acclaim and recognition.
• Film and Television: Assessment for this category is conducted by the Producers’ Alliance for Cinema and Television (PACT), focusing on whether the applicant is a recognised leader or possesses exceptional talent in the industry.
• Digital Technology: Applicants should have significantly contributed to the tech industry – financial technology, gaming, cyber security, or artificial intelligence, either through senior roles in innovative companies, work in digital fields, or collaborative projects enhancing the sectors.

How to apply for the Global Talent Visa?The application for a Global Talent Visa involves two main stages:

1. Endorsement application: Securing an endorsement is a fundamental step in the Global Talent Visa application process. It serves as a testament to an applicant's leadership status or potential in their respective field. To complete the process, applicants must submit all necessary documents, accompanied by the payment of an endorsement fee. Once the submission is done, the UK Home Office undertakes the responsibility of forwarding the endorsement applications to designated expert bodies relevant to the applicant's field of work. These 'endorsement bodies' then proceed to review each application.
2. Visa Application: Following endorsement, applicants must apply for the visa, submitting the endorsement letter and supporting documents. It is essential to apply no more than three months before the intended travel date. The visa decision typically arrives within three weeks if you are outside the UK and eight weeks if you are inside.

How much does it cost to apply for the Global Talent Visa? The total application fee for the Global Talent Visa is £716. For applicants seeking an endorsement, this fee is divided into two segments:

• £524 is payable at the time of applying for the endorsement.
• £192 is required when submitting the visa application.

In cases where the application is based on a qualifying award, the entire fee of £716 is due at the time of the visa application. For those who are including dependents, such as a partner or children, in their application, a fee of £716 is applicable for each dependent.Additionally, applicants are required to pay a healthcare surcharge as part of their application. The current surcharge as of today is £624 annually for each individual included in the application.As this programme gains momentum, it is poised to significantly contribute to the UK's cultural, academic, and technological landscape, driving forward a new era of excellence and innovation.Get in touch: For a comprehensive understanding of your options or queries on UK immigration matters, reach out to GigaLegal at 02074067654 or click here to book a no-obligation consultation with an immigration expert.