/ Grants at the Royal Society / Global Talent visa: overview

How do I apply for a Global Talent visa?

The application form for the Global Talent visa can be found at GOV.UK. Before applying please ensure that you have read carefully the guidance on these pages as well as Appendix Global Talent of the Immigration Rules and the guidance on GOV.UK.

For applicants requiring endorsement from one of the endorsing bodies, there are two stages to the application process: endorsement application (Stage 1) and immigration application (Stage 2). Stage 1 and Stage 2 applications must be made directly to the Home Office. 

There is a single GOV.UK link for the Stage 1 application form regardless of your current residence. For Stage 2, there are two different forms depending on whether you are applying within the UK or from outside the UK.

Page last updated: 6 October 2021

Specific application details for each of the four endorsement routes under the Global Talent category are outlined on these pages.

The endorsing body that you choose will send its endorsement decision to the Home Office. You will then be notified by the Home Office about the outcome of your endorsement application. You should not contact the endorsing body to check on progress as we will not be able to assist you.

Please note that if you hold an eligible prestigious prize, you do not need to complete Stage 1.

If your Stage 1 application is endorsed or you hold an eligible prestigious prize, you can apply for a visa under Stage 2 on GOV.UK. If you are applying with an endorsement, there is no requirement within the Immigration Rules to provide a copy of your endorsement letter when you apply for Stage 2. However, it may speed up the consideration of your visa application if you do so.

The endorsing bodies are not involved in Stage 2 of the process and gaining endorsement in Stage 1 is not of itself decisive as to whether a Global Talent visa will be issued.

In Stage 2, the Home Office will consider immigration aspects of your application including whether general grounds for refusal apply and, if you are in the UK already, whether you are eligible to switch to the Global Talent visa from your current immigration category. Additionally, if you are applying on the basis of a prestigious prize, the Home Office will confirm that the prize you named on the application form is eligible and has not been withdrawn or suspended by the awarding body.

If you have submitted a Stage 2 application, extension or settlement application, travelling outside the Common Travel Area will mean your application is withdrawn automatically.

You are not able to live and work in the UK as a Global Talent visa holder until you have made a successful Stage 2 application. For further information, please refer to the guidance on GOV.UK.