How to Apply for a Global Talent Visa and Get Approved

As the name implies, a global talent visa is a prestigious visa category to attract the best to the United Kingdom.

This visa category is designed to usher in top talent such as exceptional and well-recognized artists, sportsmen, academia, scientists, and tech gurus from around the world to live and work in the United Kingdom without the hassle of a visa sponsorship from an employer.

In clearer terms, talents in engineering, science, humanities, arts, and digital technology have the opportunity to apply for this new visa category.

If you fall into any of these categories and you feel confident in your capabilities, here is a step-by-step process on how to apply for a global talent visa and get approved.

1. What are the Visa Eligibility Criteria

Before you begin this process, it is necessary to acquaint yourself with the requirements before applying.

This visa category is strictly for leaders or emerging leaders( those that are internationally recognized or are very promising) in the category

1. Science (chemistry, physics, and life science)
2. Humanities (economics, history, languages such as African languages)
3. Arts ( film, writers, literature, music)
4. Digital technology ( software development, UI/UX designer)
5. Engineering

2. Endorsement by an Approved Organization

It is not enough to think of yourself as a global talent because of your capabilities, you have to be endorsed by one of the UK home office organizations, certifying that truly you are exceptional in your field.

These organizations have the right to endorse or deny your applications based on their criteria.

The endorsing bodies are 6 in number and they are

1. The Royal Society: They are the endorsing body for medicine and science
2. The Royal Academy of Engineering: They are the endorsing body for engineering
3. The British Academy: They are the endorsing body for Humanities and all social sciences related field
4. The Arts Council England: They are the endorsing body for arts, culture, dance, literature, movies, museums, and visual arts.
5. Tech Nation: They are the endorsing body for digital technology
6. The Royal Society: They are the endorsing body for biology.

You have to choose the right category you fall under and send in your application to the approved bodies.

3. How to Prepare an Endorsement Application

This is the most critical step in the global talent visa because it is the part where you prove beyond reasonable doubt that you are a global talent.

Here is an easy step to guide you

State your Achievements or Potential

You have to compile evidence showing you have been exceptional or promising in your field this can be done by showing your impressive CV, awards, honors, publications, records, media coverage, or reference letters.

 Prepare a Purpose of Statement

It is assumed you know your onions and not just that, you can effectively communicate your exceptional abilities and track records.

A purpose statement should outline all the impressive works you have done and what you plan to do in the United Kingdom.

4. Apply and Submit the Endorsement Application

Well, it is unusual or unheard of for the UK government to approach you to apply for a global talent visa.

If you feel you are exceptional and you wish to live and work in the UK, you should apply and submit to the endorsing body under your field.

You will be required to pay an application fee that varies based on the category which can cost as high as 716 euros.

After applying, the endorsing body has the full right to accept or reject your application based on the criteria for selection.

Their review and subsequent decision can take within 4-8 weeks.

5. Apply for the Visa

Once approved by the endorsing body, thereby certifying that truly you are a global talent, the next step is to apply for the global talent visa.

The first thing to do is fill out the online application form to complete the online visa application.

After that, you are required to pay the visa application fee which is currently 610 euros but is subject to change at the time of your application.

You will also be required to perform a biometric authentication using your fingerprints and a photograph at the visa application center in your country.

Lastly, you will attend an appointment at the UK visa immigration center where you will be required to bring and submit your passport, endorsement letter, and other supporting documents such as proof of funds as demanded.

Visit the official UK government website to learn more and apply.

Final Decision

The waiting time is usually the most boring, anxiety-filled and un, controllable moment.

At this time, there is nothing you can do even if you made an error in your application.

This time usually takes 4 weeks if the application was submitted in the United Kingdom, or 8 weeks outside the United Kingdom.

However, the waiting time for the final decision could vary.

Travel to the UK

Congratulations, you have been fully recognized as a global talent, you can now travel to live and work in the United Kingdom.

You can live and work for the next 3 to 5 years depending on the number of years left in your passport but don’t worry, you can also extend for an indefinite leave to remain (IRL) before your visa duration expires.

You also have the opportunity to bring your spouse or family members to the UK. Read here to know how what type of visa to apply for them.

Conclusion

The Global Talent Visa is a unique opportunity for exceptional talents, leaders, and emerging leaders to explore the opportunities of living and working in the United Kingdom.

By following the steps carefully discussed in this article, you are on the right path to obtaining this prestigious visa.