The global talent visa probably wouldn’t have existed if there wasn’t a mismatch between the skill needed in the current job market and the skills possessed by the available workforce.
This mismatch has been caused by various factors such as aging populations, rapid technological advancements, geographical disparities in talent distribution and inadequate education and training systems.
Countries have tried to fill this gap by employing talents from around the world. This gives them access to a wider pool of very skilled individuals and specialized expertise that may not have been available locally.
Having such diverse expertise helps companies to have enhanced global market understanding and save cost (in some situations). To properly hire these talents, the UK created the global talent visa which allows talented people in specific fields to enter the UK and work for up to five years.
If you wish to enter the UK using the global talent visa, you need to understand the eligibility criteria, requirements and the process to apply for the visa.
Understanding the Global Talent Visa
The global talent visa allows specific people to work as an employee, work for themselves (self-employed), or as the director of a company. This visa allows the holder to enter the UK with their partner and children as dependents.
People who are qualified to apply for this visa are those who hold leadership position in digital technology, arts and culture, academia and research, and those who have been working for over 5 years in their fields and are now professionals.
The applicant has to have an exceptional talent or hold exceptional promise. This means that they must have already achieved so much success that they are considered experts in their fields or that they have such high potential for future success.
The former already has a track record or proven accomplishments and can provide substantial evidence to back it up, while the latter, has less experience but should show strong potential for future impact or leadership.
The global talent visa comes with certain benefits that makes it stand out from the other types of visas. First, its flexibility allows you to work for different employers, work for yourself or even change jobs without informing the Home Office.
Also, unlike other visa types, you can easily apply for settlement after three years (for exceptional talent candidates) or five years (for exceptional promise candidates). This makes it one of the fastest way to get permanent residency.
With this visa, you don’t have to separate from your family members or stress yourself about working towards reunification. It allows you to leave the UK for business or vacations and still return.
Being awarded an individual fellowship by the British Academy, Royal Academy of Engineering, or the Royal Society gives the applicant a certain level of prestige and recognition.
A good alternative to this visa is the Skilled Worker Visa – although it does not have as much advantages as the global talent visa.
This is because the former is unsponsored while the latter needs a sponsor. Also, the global talent visa holder can easily change jobs and settle after 3 years while the skilled worker visa holder must inform the Home Office before he/she changes jobs and must reside in the UK for 5 years before they can settle.
The Global Talent Visa Application Process
At this point, the global talent visa is seeming like an appealing option and this is how to apply for the global talent visa.
The first step is to find an endorsing body because they are the one that will provide expert evaluation and validation of your talent. The UK see them as gatekeepers who ensure that only exceptional individuals receive the visa.
The right endorsing bodies will increase the Home Office’s confidence in your abilities.
To choose the right endorsing body, consider how aligned the body is to your field, their reputation and credibility, the requirements and evidence needed to secure an endorsement from the body, what the body offers, and if they offer additional support such as mentorship and access to industry networks.
Here are some endorsing bodies you should consider applying to:
| Endorsing Bodies | People who can apply | |
| 1 | Arts Council England | For arts and culture |
| 2 | Royal Society | For natural and medical sciences |
| 3 | Royal Academy of Engineering | For engineering |
| 4 | British Academy | For humanities and social sciences |
| 5 | Tech Nation | For digital technology |
| 6 | UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) | For research across various fields |
Whatever body you finally, ensure that they are approved by the UK government and that the current policy update allows them to endorse individuals.
To find the right fit for you, check the official government website for a list of approved endorsing bodies and their distinct criteria. If you belong to professional bodies in your field, you can ask for recommendations on endorsing bodies.
Another option is to read articles and news within your field to help you easily identify reputable organizations. You can be go for a bolder option by reaching out to endorsing bodies directly to make inquiries.
After you are done making proper research, start preparing your application documents such as:
- A valid passport
- Tuberculosis test results (if required)
- Proof of endorsement
- A detailed CV
- Awards, publications and presentations (If you have international recognition in your field)
- Letters of recommendation
Personal statement.
Your documents may require professional touches in certain instances. For one, if your documents are not in English, you will need a professional translator.
You will need a professional recommendation if you want to make a compelling impression. And you may want to hire a professional to write a strong personal statement and craft a CV that properly highlights your experiences.
You can show your achievements by posting your awards and publications on social media platforms such as LinkedIn.
Follow the instructions on the official UK Government website to apply and at certain times, you may be required to pay application fees. The processing times are not specific and depends on each individual.
Tips for a Successful Global Talent Visa Application
Although all the important information you need have been explained in this article, here are some tips that will increase your chances of a successful global talent visa application.
Let your profile be as strong as your desire to get the visa.
If you aim to get this visa in the long run, then start early to make an impact – You can do this by achieving a lot, being innovative and showing that you have leadership qualities.
Position yourself in such a way that you will be seen as a future asset.
When applying, don’t sound robotic or out-of-touch, use storytelling to connect with the endorsing body and ensure you are persuasive.
You can still ask for help in effectively presenting your evidence from immigration lawyers or advisors.
Conclusion
Note that during the endorsement process you will be thoroughly evaluated based on the evidence you present to the designated body. After careful assessment, the body will now determine whether you are an exceptional talent or you hold an exceptional promise.
