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Given recent political events in the US, we have experienced a significant increase in inquiries from Americans interested in relocating to the UK. Perhaps our pleasantly boring British government looks appealing in comparison.
To support our friends across the Atlantic we have prepared a series of articles to help navigate the UK’s complex visa system. We will explore several visa routes available to Americans, including:
- Global Talent visa
- Innovator Founder visa
- Skilled Worker visa (covering both intra-company transfers and self-sponsorship)
- High Potential Individual visa.
For each route we will provide an overview of its purpose, the key requirements, duration, and processing times.
Global Talent visa
The Global Talent visa is designed for highly accomplished individuals in specific fields who want to live and work in the UK without being sponsored for a job. Its purpose is to attract leaders (“exceptional talent”) and potential leaders (“exceptional promise”) in academia and research, arts and culture, and digital technology.
In essence, the Global Talent visa is most suitable for applicants who can demonstrate exceptional talent or exceptional promise in their field. It is an attractive route because it grants considerable flexibility, as successful applicants can freely change jobs, work with any employer, and even start their own business. Successful applicants can bring their partner and their children under the age of 18 with them to the UK as dependants.
Key requirements
There is a two stage process to obtain a Global Talent visa. Stage 1 is the endorsement application, and stage 2 is the visa application. To qualify applicants must be at least 18 years old and demonstrate that they are a leader or potential leader in one of the three overarching sectors:
- Academia and research: This covers academics and researchers actively working in fields such as science, medicine, engineering, humanities, and social science. A list of disciplines eligible for endorsement can be found here. For example, researchers in the artificial intelligence, medical sciences, and renewable energy fields are eligible for endorsement.
- Arts and culture: This covers fields including architecture, fashion design, film and television, music, dance, and theatre. A list of disciplines eligible for endorsement can be found here. For example, leading actors and musicians are eligible for endorsement.
- Digital technology: This covers fields including artificial intelligence, cyber security, data science, gaming, and business leaders operating in tech companies. A list of disciplines eligible for endorsement can be found here. For example, technical coders and senior business leaders in tech companies are eligible for endorsement.
We have significant experience advising and obtaining Global Talent visas for actors, musicians, researchers, coders, and business leaders from across the globe.
Once applicants have confirmed that their field of expertise is eligible for a Global Talent visa, they must choose one of two routes:
- Endorsement route: This is the most common path. Applicants must secure endorsement from a designated endorsing body relevant to their field. Endorsing bodies have specific criteria requiring evidence of achievements that demonstrate exceptional talent or exceptional promise. For example, requiring supporting letters from leading professionals in your field, a portfolio of work, and CV/resume. Upon receipt of the documents, the endorsing body will assess if applicants are leaders or potential leaders in their field and, if approved, issue an endorsement letter.
- Eligible award route: Applicants who have won specific prestigious awards can bypass endorsement, applying directly for the Global Talent visa. This is a relatively rare pathway as the award list is very limited.
In practical terms, most applicants will use the endorsement route. Upon receipt of their endorsement letter, applicants will have three months to submit their Global Talent visa application. This is a strict deadline.
Visa duration
Applicants can apply for a Global Talent visa to be valid for between one and five years, chosen in one-year increments. Unlike many other visa categories, this allows flexibility in the length of the initial visa, helping applicants manage upfront Home Office fees. For example, you could choose a shorter initial visa duration to reduce immediate costs and later extend the visa as needed.
Upon meeting the necessary requirements, successful applicants can extend their Global Talent visas indefinitely, again in increments of one to five years. However, many applicants prefer to apply for a five-year visa upfront, aligning with the standard timeline for obtaining Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR, colloquially known as permanent residence/Green Card). Depending on the endorsement category, once they have met the specific requirements, applicants can apply for ILR after either three or five years.
Processing times
The endorsement application can take up to eight weeks to process. Some endorsing bodies offer fast-track processing. Once you have the endorsement and submit the visa application, the Home Office should make a decision within three weeks. The Home Office usually offers fast-track processing so that a decision may be made as quickly as a few business days.
As it can take considerable time to collect all the supporting documents, it is advisable to start preparing your application at least three months before your intended date of relocation.
Conclusion
Global Talent visa holders enjoy incredible flexibility upon arrival in the UK. They may work in any role, be self-employed, and change jobs freely without notifying the Home Office. This level of autonomy, combined with the option to determine the visa’s duration and the potential for an accelerated three year path to ILR, makes the Global Talent visa one of the most attractive immigration routes available. It is a complex and challenging visa to obtain, but for those who fit the profile it offers an unparalleled level of autonomy in the UK.
Should you wish to discuss any of the issues raised in this article, please contact Madni Chaudhary or Lynsey Blyth. Our leading Immigration team is available to guide you through the Global Talent visa route.
Next time we will look at the Innovator Founder visa which is aimed at entrepreneurs looking to start an innovative business in the UK.
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