What does the Global Talent visa offer?

The Global Talent visa allows you to work in the UK on a flexible basis with fewer restrictions and costs than other immigration categories.

Freedom to switch jobs and grow your career
Unlike the UK’s main Skilled Worker visa, Global Talent is an unsponsored immigration category. This means you have the flexibility to change roles or employers, enter self-employment, set up a spin-out company or earn money from other sources such as consultancy without seeking permission from the Home Office.

Recognition that research and innovation is global
The Global Talent visa allows you to travel anywhere in the world for research purposes without it counting towards the maximum time period for absences from the UK if you choose to apply for settlement*.

Make a home in the UK
The Global Talent visa comes with considerable advantages if you wish to establish a long-term connection to the UK. This includes a fast-track to settlement after three years for the main visa holder and (if applicable) the opportunity for close family members** to work in the UK.

Fast endorsement process
For the fast-track endorsement routes, the endorsing bodies usually return a decision to the Home Office within 14 working days. See ‘How do I apply for a Global Talent visa?’ for more information.

Lower visa fees
Excluding the UK Immigration Health Surcharge, the standard fee for a five-year Global Talent visa is £716, compared to £1,420-£1,500 for the Skilled Worker visa. The Global Talent visa is also exempt from employer sponsorship costs, including the UK Immigration Skills Charge.

Flexibility to choose visa length
The Global Talent visa is unique in allowing applicants to choose the length of their visa, initially up to five years, with the option to renew multiple times.

*The maximum time period for settlement-related absences is 180 days in any consecutive 12-month period. See Appendix Continuous Residence of the Immigration Rules. 

**Close family means partners and dependants. See Appendix Global Talent of the Immigration Rules for information on the rules covering family, extension and settlement.

Page last updated: 4 October 2023