Global Talent Visa UK - Trusted Consultants from Turkey
Turkish nationals who are talented and promising leaders in specific sectors can live and work in the UK on a Global Talent Visa. This immigration route provides an accelerated pathway to permanent settlement.
For more information on how to apply for the UK Global Talent Visa, including which field of work is eligible and immediate help on how you can apply for a visa, speak to one of our expert immigration lawyers. Call us today at +44 (0)333 305 9375 or contact us online.
What is the UK Global Talent Visa?
The UK Global Talent Visa replaced the Tier 1 Exceptional Talent Visa in February 2020. It is designed for leaders (exceptional promise) and potential leaders (exceptional talent) in academia or research, arts and culture, and digital technology.
To be considered for the Global Talent Visa, you must meet a number of eligibility requirements. Usually, you’ll need an endorsement from an approved endorsing body unless you can prove that you have won an eligible award.
The Global Talent Visa is more flexible than other UK work visas. It does not require you to have a job offer or sponsorship before you can apply. Employers do not need to get a sponsor licence and they are not restricted to the number of Global Talents they hire.
As a visa holder, you can be self-employed, be a company director, or take up any job offer without restrictions to the type of work you can do, as long as it’s in your field. You do not need to notify the Home office when you change your job. Also, there is no minimum income or English language test requirement for this visa.
While the requirements seem straightforward, the Global Talent Visa is highly competitive and involves a lengthy and complex application process. To ensure that your application stands out, discuss with one of our immigration lawyers at +44 (0)333 305 9375.
Page Contents
- What is the UK Global Talent Visa?
- Who is Eligible for the Global Talent Route?
- Global Talent Visa Requirements
- Global Talent Visa Supporting Documents
- How Much is the Global Talent Visa Application Fee?
- How to Apply for a UK Global Talent Visa?
- Global Talent Visa Processing Times
- How Long Does the Global Talent Visa Last?
- Can you Extend the Global Talent Visa?
- Global Talent Visa to Settlement in the UK
- How Can Total Law Help?
- Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Eligible for the Global Talent Route?
To be eligible to work in the UK via the Global Talent route, you must be a leader or potential leader in one of the following fields:
- Academia or research, including:
- Engineering
- Science
- Medicine
- Humanities and
- Social science
- Arts and culture, including:
- Combined arts
- Dance
- Literature
- Music
- Theatre or visual arts
- Architecture
- Fashion design
- Film and television, including animation, post-production and visual effects
- Digital technology
- Financial technology (‘fintech’)
- Gaming
- Cyber security
- Artificial intelligence
Each of these categories has specific requirements that you must fulfil to get the Global Talent Visa.
Global Talent Visa Requirements
Overview
To successfully apply for a Global Talent Visa from Turkey, you must be at least 18 years old.
Additionally, you must have successfully applied for an endorsement as a leader or potential leader in your field by a Home Office-approved endorsing body. If you do not have an endorsement, you can still apply if you’ve won a prestigious award, such as a Nobel Prize.
The specific requirement for each Global Talent Visa category are outlined below:
Requirements for Academia and Research
To be endorsed for the Global Talent visa through the Academic and research category, you should have an eligible award or be endorsed with any of the following:
- An eligible job offer as an academic or researcher
- An individual fellowship
- A research grant that is approved by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI)
If you do not meet any of the following requirements, you can still apply for endorsement by having your application peer-reviewed. However, your visa processing may take longer if going through the peer review route.
Additionally, you must be endorsed by the following bodies:
- Royal Society for science and medicine
- British Academy, for humanities
- Royal Academy of Engineering
Eligible Job Offer
Your job offer must be as an academic or researcher at an approved institution, where you must be:
- Responsible for academic, research, or innovation leadership, and development or
- Directing or leading an individual or team research or innovation project or programme
Individual Fellowship
If you’ve held an eligible and approved fellowship in the last 5 years, you can apply for endorsement without an academic or research job offer. The fellowship that endorses you will determine whether you’re a leader or a potential leader.
Research Grant
You can apply for endorsement as a Global Talent if you’re working on a research grant or award from a funding organisation approved by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI). You must meet the following requirements:
- Your research grant must be worth at least £30,000 and cover at least 2 years of work
- Have at least 1 year left on your employment contract or hosting agreement
- Have either a one-off grant or award or a ‘renewable’ award with regular peer review
- Your role must also be to lead a unique research or innovation project in which you’ll be named or contribute to research in developing new technology or methodology
Peer Review
Another option to apply for endorsement is to have your application peer-reviewed by the endorsing bodies. To be eligible for a peer review, one of the following must apply to you:
- You plan to work in an approved research discipline
- You intend to be an active researcher in a university, research institute, or business
- You have a PhD or equivalent research experience, including industrial or clinical research
Requirements for Digital Technology
To be eligible for a Global Talent Visa under the digital technology route, you must have either:
- A technical background, such as a developer, engineer, data scientist, or
- A business background with a technology company that creates software, hardware, or processes data
If you’re going through the Digital Technology pathway, you must get an endorsement from Tech Nation, the Home Office-approved endorsing body. Depending on whether you’re applying as a leader or potential leader, there are specific criteria you must meet for Tech Nation to approve your visa.
Furthermore, you may get a faster endorsement from Tech Nation if you are accepted into a recognised UK accelerator program.
Requirements for Arts and Culture
The general requirements when applying under arts and culture is that you must:
- Provide 3 letters of recommendation from experts in your field
- Submit up to 10 pieces of evidence showing your exceptional talent or promise
- Provide proof of any two of the following as it applies to your category:
- International media recognition
- International awards
- International appearances or exhibitions
- International distribution and sales
Each category under the arts and culture sector has additional requirements, and they include:
Combined Arts, Dance, Literature, Music, Theatre or Visual Arts
To be eligible under this category, you must:
- Be producing work that is published or performed internationally
- Be endorsed by the Arts Council England
- Prove that people have engaged with your work through appearances, performances, publications, or exhibitions
Architecture
To apply under the architecture category, you must meet the following requirements:
- Have worked regularly in your field for the last 5 years
- Be producing work that is published internationally
- Prove that your work is well known in at least 2 countries (if you’re applying as a leader)
The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) will review and endorse your application on behalf of Arts Council England.
Fashion Design
If you’re applying as a potential leader under fashion design, you must have produced work sold or exhibited internationally and recognised by prominent figures in the fashion industry.
However, if you’re applying as a leader, your internationally sold or exhibited works must be on catwalk exhibitions and well known in at least 2 countries.
The British Fashion Council will review and endorse your work on behalf of the Arts Council England.
Film and Television
If you work in film and television, your work will be judged by The Producers’ Alliance for Cinema and Television (PACT) on behalf of Arts Council England.
You must either be recognised in your industry or have won or been nominated for an international award such as an Academy Award, BAFTAs, Golden Globe, or Emmys.
Global Talent Visa Supporting Documents
To apply for the Global Talent Visa, you must have the following supporting documents:
- A valid passport or other identity documents
- A copy of your CV
- Letters of recommendation
- An letter from an organisation where you will work outlining the details of your work
- A copy of your fellowship award letter, if applicable
- Evidence of your recognition as a leader or potential leader in your field
If your documents are not in English or Welsh, you will be required to provide a certified translation of them.
How Much is the Global Talent Visa Application Fee?
The Global Talent Visa costs £205. You’ll pay the fee in two parts if you’re applying based on an endorsement:
- £561 when you apply for the endorsement
- £766 when you apply for the visa
If you are applying based on an eligible award, you’ll pay the complete fee when applying for the visa.
You’ll also be required to pay an immigration healthcare surcharge of £1035.
How to Apply for a UK Global Talent Visa?
Before applying for the Global Talent Visa, you must first apply for an endorsement as a leader or potential leader or have won an eligible award. However, you can apply for an endorsement at the same time you apply for the visa.
Applying for an Endorsement
To apply for the Global Talent endorsement, you’ll need to choose the appropriate endorsing body for the category under which you intend to apply. There are six endorsing bodies for the Global Talent Visa, including:
- Arts Council England
- Tech Nation
- The British Royal Academy
- The Royal Academy of Engineering
- The Royal Society
- UK Research and Innovation (UKRI)
You must apply online on the UK government website by completing the application form and paying the visa fees. The processing time for the endorsement differs depending on your chosen category and is usually between 1 to 8 weeks.
Applying for the Global Talent Visa
You can apply for the Global Talent Visa online on the UK government website or at any of TLSContact’s visa application centres (VAC) in Turkey.
You’ll also need to prove your identity. You can do so by submitting your biometrics at the VAC or using the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ to scan your ID document if your passport has a biometric chip. You may also need to attend an interview, where you’ll answer questions about your application.
The immigration authorities will process your application and give you a decision.
Global Talent Visa Processing Times
Once you’ve applied for the visa, you will usually receive a decision within 3 weeks. The processing time can take longer if you need to attend an interview, the immigration officers need to verify your documents, or further information is required due to your personal circumstances.
How Long Does the Global Talent Visa Last?
The Global Talent Visa is valid for 5 years.
Can you Extend the Global Talent Visa?
You can extend your visa as many times as you wish as long as your endorsement or eligible award has not been withdrawn. To apply for an extension, you must prove that you earned money from your field of work during your stay in the UK.
Global Talent Visa to Settlement in the UK
With your Global Talent Visa, you can apply to settle in the UK in:
- 3 years if you’re applying as a leader
- 5 years if you’re applying as a potential leader
If you applied under the academic or research category, whether as a leader or potential leader, you can settle in 3 years. Note that you must meet all other requirements for indefinite leave to remain for your application to be successful.
How Can Total Law Help with Global Talent Visa Applications?
The Global Talent Visa allows top professionals from around the world to bring their expertise to the UK, driving innovation and contributing to the economy. If you’re looking to immigrate to the UK through this visa, our experienced IAA-accredited lawyers at Total Law are here to assist you every step of the way.
Why Choose Total Law for Your Global Talent Visa Application?
- OISC-Accredited Legal Experts – Our team of specialist immigration lawyers ensures that your application meets all Home Office requirements, reducing the risk of refusal.
- Personalized Eligibility Assessment – We provide a detailed breakdown of the Global Talent Visa categories and help you determine the best route based on your industry and achievements.
- Comprehensive Document Support – The endorsement and visa application process require specific proof of expertise. Our lawyers will help you gather, review, and prepare the necessary documents to strengthen your application.
- Proven Track Record of Success – With over 5,000 successful Global Talent Visa applications, we have helped professionals across science, technology, academia, and the arts secure their future in the UK.
- End-to-End Visa Assistance – From endorsement applications to visa submission and appeals, we manage the entire process to ensure a smooth and stress-free experience.
Speak to one of our immigration lawyers at +44 (0)333 305 9375 message us online. We are available to help.
Advice Package
Comprehensive immigration advice tailored to your circumstances and goals.
Application Package
Designed to make your visa application as smooth and stress-free as possible.
Fast Track Package
Premium application service that ensures your visa application is submitted to meet your deadline.
Appeal Package
Ensure you have the greatest chance of a successful appeal. We will represent you in any case.
The Advice Package
During this untimed Advice Session with our professional immigration lawyers in London, you will receive our comprehensive advice, completely tailored to your needs and your situation.
The Application Package
With our Application Package, your dedicated immigration lawyer will advise you on your application process and eligibility. Your caseworker will then complete and submit your forms to the Home Office on your behalf.
The Fast Track Package
Our Fast-Track Application Package is a premium service for those who need to submit their application in time with their deadlines. Your case will become a top priority for our lawyers and you will benefit from our highest-quality services.
The Appeal Package
By choosing our Appeal Package, you can rely on our lawyers’ legal knowledge and experience to ensure you have the highest chance of a successful appeal. We will also fully represent you in any hearings/tribunals.
Related pages for your continued reading.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Your family can join you on the Global Talent Visa. Each applicant must pay the visa application fee and the immigration healthcare surcharge.
According to research conducted by Ipsos for the Home Office, 95% of Global Talent Visa holders were employed, and 99% agreed that their current job suited their skills and experience. This research indicates that the visa has a high success rate.
If you don’t meet the requirements for the Global Talent Visa, you may be able to apply for another UK work visa. Our lawyers can help you determine which work visa suits your circumstances.
