Global Talent Visa
The Global Talent visa is designed for recognised leaders (Exceptional Talent) and promising professionals (Exceptional Promise) who wish to work and develop their professional activities in the UK in one of the following fields:
• science, research, medicine, engineering and humanities;
• arts and culture, including architecture, fashion, film and television;
• design;
• digital technology, including fintech, gaming, cybersecurity and artificial intelligence.
From 1 July 2026, design became a separate Global Talent pathway within Arts and Culture.
To obtain a Global Talent visa, applicants will normally need to receive an endorsement from an approved UK organisation, which will assess their professional achievements and potential. The relevant endorsing body depends on the applicant’s professional field. In certain circumstances, an endorsement is not required if the applicant has won an eligible prestigious international prize recognised by the Home Office.
The Global Talent visa offers significant flexibility. Visa holders can work as employees, be self-employed, run their own businesses or act as company directors. There is no requirement to have an employer sponsor or Certificate of Sponsorship. The visa can be granted for up to 5 years and can be extended.
Depending on the applicant’s field and the basis on which the endorsement was obtained, Global Talent visa holders may qualify for Indefinite Leave to Remain after 3 or 5 years.
Fees
The total government application fee is £766.
When applying through the endorsement route, the fee is paid in two stages:
• £561 for the endorsement application;
• £205 for the visa application.
If you have won an eligible prestigious prize and do not require endorsement, the visa application fee is £766.
Partners and children pay £766 each. The Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) is also payable and is normally £1,035 per year for each adult applicant.
Main Global Talent Routes
Science and Research – for recognised leaders and promising professionals in science, medicine, engineering, humanities and social sciences. Depending on the circumstances, endorsement may be obtained through an eligible academic or research appointment, an individual fellowship, an approved UKRI grant or peer review.
Arts, Culture and Design – includes arts, literature, music, theatre, architecture, fashion design, film and television, as well as a broader range of professional design disciplines from July 2026. Depending on the specific field, applicants are required to provide evidence of their professional achievements, including a CV, recommendation letters and supporting evidence.
Digital Technology – for technical and business professionals who can demonstrate recognition as a leader or potential leader in digital technology. Applicants must provide evidence of their professional achievements, a CV and 3 letters of recommendation from recognised experts in the digital technology sector.
Westland Mark Immigration Specialists can assess your professional profile, identify the most appropriate Global Talent pathway and assist with both the endorsement process and subsequent Global Talent visa application.
