The UK Global Talent visa is for talented and promising persons in science, engineering, medicine, humanities, digital technology, and arts and culture who want to work in the UK. Migrants are generally drawn to this route because it offers flexibility in terms of job permissions and a shorter settlement period.
Endorsement requirement
Global Talent visa holders may qualify to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) if they satisfy all the ILR requirements. Applicants are not required to submit proof of ongoing endorsement while applying for ILR. There are no documentation requirements to prove that applicants for settlement on the Global Talent route are still approved by the relevant endorsing body, even though Global Talent ILR applicants must demonstrate that they have not had their endorsement withdrawn by their endorsing body. The Home Office will conduct its own internal checks when the endorsing body has notified them that the applicant will no longer be endorsed.
When can you apply for ILR?
Global Talent visa holders can become eligible to apply for UK settlement after either 3 or 5 years.
Applicants endorsed by the endorsing bodies responsible for science, engineering, humanities and medicine granted under “promise” criteria, “talent” criteria or the new endorsed funder option are eligible to apply for U.K. settlement after 3 years.
Applicants endorsed for digital technology, arts and culture under the “promise” criteria are eligible for UK settlement after 5 years.
A further advantage of the Global Talent visa over other work visa categories is that time spent in the UK under certain other immigration categories can count towards the residence requirement for ILR.
If you have been in the UK with lawful status under any of the following visas, you are able to include that period of leave within your qualifying residence: Any Tier 1 visa – except Tier 1 (Graduate Entrepreneur), Tier 2 (General) or Skilled Worker, Scale-up Worker, T2 Minister of Religion, T2 Sportsperson, Innovator, Representative of an Overseas Business.
Absence rules for ILR
You must have spent less than 180 days outside of the United Kingdom in any 12 months during the qualifying residence period in order to qualify for a residence requirement. You may not count any time you have spent working relevant to your job outside of the UK throughout these 180 days if you hold a Global Talent visa. If the Royal Society, Royal Academy of Engineering, British Academy, or UK Research and Innovation endorses you, this rule will apply to you. This also applies if you have won an appropriate prize in the fields of science, engineering, medicine, or the humanities, and your visa did not require an endorsement.
Researchers endorsed by the endorsing bodies responsible for science, engineering, humanities and medicine who spend time outside of the U.K. for research purposes will not be penalized in their settlement application for absences from the U.K. directly relating to their field of expertise.
Proof of earning
You will need to show you meet the residence requirement and that you have been earning money from work linked to your field of endorsement during your last period of permission in the UK. This does not mean you have to have been employed during your visa period; you will need to show you have earned money during this period but this could have been through self-employment. You also do not necessarily have to have worked for the full period of leave. You just need to show that you have earned money during this time. You just need to show that you have earned money during this time.
Given the diversity of professions, work and working arrangements that Global Talent visa holders are allowed to undertake, the Home Office guidance allows considerable flexibility as to the supporting documentation required to prove earnings.
The guidance states “Applicants can provide any evidence as long as it is from an independent source which can be verified if required. The Global Talent website guidance gives a list of potential forms of evidence they may choose to provide, but this is not exhaustive.” Applicants should therefore provide evidence of their work in the UK, and how this relates to their specialist field. Taking professional advice will help ensure you are submitting sufficient supporting evidence for your specific circumstances.
English Language Skills and Knowledge of Life
As there is no language requirement under the Global Talent route, you will need to meet the English language requirement as part of your ILR application. The required standard is speaking and listening to at least level B1 under the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.
To prove your language ability, you must have either:
In addition, you will have to pass the Life in the U.K. test if you are aged between 18 and 64.
Our immigration team has extensive experience preparing successful applications under the Global Talent visa route. It is crucial to ensure you understand the eligibility criteria and the specific documentation required in order to submit a successful application. For expert advice regarding the requirements for settlement in the UK as a Global Talent migrant, contact us on 0203 86 6219 or leave a message.