The Global Talent visa enables individuals recognised as leaders (Exceptional Talent) in creative and academic fields to live and work in the United Kingdom. Professionals working in film, television, animation, post-production, and visual effects are also eligible to apply for this visa. Applications in these fields are assessed by the Producers Alliance for Cinema and Television (PACT) on behalf of Arts Council England. The assessment focuses on the applicant’s leadership in their field and exceptional professional standing.
Applicants must submit three letters of recommendation and up to ten documents evidencing their achievements. Two of these letters must be provided by established and expert organisations in the arts or culture sector, with at least one of them being based in the UK. The third letter may come from either an expert individual or another relevant organisation. All letters must clearly outline the applicant’s accomplishments and the value they would bring to the UK’s cultural sector.
Applicants are expected to provide strong evidence of prestigious awards or recognised industry accolades.
If the applicant has, within the past 10 or 15 years (please contact us for precise guidance), either:
- Academy Awards,
- BAFTA,
- Golden Globe or
- Emmy
they must provide detailed supporting documentation. These documents should include the year and category of the award, as well as the name of the individual credited.
If the award was not granted directly to the applicant, they must present clear evidence of their role in achieving it.
If the applicant has not received any of the awards listed above, they may still support their application by demonstrating industry recognition through other means. Specifically, they must have either won or been nominated for awards listed on the Notable Industry Recognition Awards List, for at least two separate productions. If these productions are films, it is required that they were screened in cinemas.
Alternatively, applicants may provide evidence showing that they made a meaningful and direct contribution to a nomination or award win within a defined period prior to the application (e.g. six years).
Global Talent Visa Application Cost
Application Fee:
The total fee for a Global Talent Visa application is £766. If you are applying based on an endorsement, this fee is paid in two stages:
- £561 at the time of your endorsement application, and
- £205 at the visa application stage.
If you are applying on the basis of an eligible award, you must pay the application fee of £766 in full at the time of your visa application. In addition, if you are including your spouse or children in your application, you must pay £766 for each of them separately.
Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS):
As part of the application process, you will be required to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge. This fee is currently set at £1,035 per year, per applicant.
10 Questions About the Global Talent Visa
Yes, the Global Talent Visa allows you to work in the UK. It is designed for individuals with exceptional talent or promise in fields such as science, engineering, medicine, humanities, digital technology, arts, and culture.
For tailored guidance and support regarding the Global Talent visa process, please contact us directly.