Academic and Research

The Global Talent visa allows individuals recognised as leaders or potential leaders in fields such as science, medicine, engineering, the humanities, or social sciences to work in the United Kingdom.

Candidates applying for the Global Talent visa under the Academia and Research category must demonstrate that they are recognised or have the potential to be recognised as leaders (Exceptional Talent) or emerging leaders (Exceptional Promise) in their respective fields in the UK. The application process consists of two stages.

In the first stage (Stage 1), the candidate’s professional achievements and potential are assessed by one of the following designated endorsing bodies: the Royal Society, the Royal Academy of Engineering, the British Academy, or UK Research and Innovation (UKRI). During this stage, applicants are expected to provide evidence demonstrating international recognition and contributions within their academic or research discipline. Successful candidates will be issued an “endorsement letter.”

In the second stage (Stage 2), applicants who receive the endorsement letter may proceed to apply directly for the visa. At this stage, the applicant’s potential for academic or research contribution, as well as their anticipated impact on scientific and technological development in the UK, will be considered. This process is designed to support and attract academic leaders and researchers to contribute to the United Kingdom’s innovation landscape.

Eligibility Criteria:

To be eligible for the Global Talent visa in the field of academia and research, applicants must meet one of the following requirements:

• Have received an eligible job offer as an academic or researcher,
• Hold an approved fellowship recognised by a UK-based academy,
• Have been awarded a research grant or an eligible award endorsed by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI),
• Alternatively, apply through a peer review route based solely on their career achievements, without the need for a job offer.

without the need for a job offer.

If You Have Received an Eligible Job Offer:

Applicants who have received a job offer as an academic or researcher may be eligible for fast-track endorsement when applying for the Global Talent visa. The job offer must come from an institution recognised by one of the following endorsing bodies: the Royal Society, the Royal Academy of Engineering, or the British Academy.

Eligible offers typically originate from UK universities, colleges, or research institutions approved by the Home Office.
The position must involve responsibility for academic, research, or innovation leadership and development, or for directing individual or team-based research or innovation projects.

If You Hold an Approved Fellowship:

To apply via the fellowship route, applicants must have held a prestigious academic or research fellowship within the past five years in science, medicine, engineering, or the humanities.

If You Have Been Awarded a UKRI-Approved Research Grant or Prize:

Applicants may also apply for endorsement if they have been granted a research award or funding by an organisation approved by UKRI. In this case, the funding body must appear on UKRI’s list of endorsed funders, and the host institution must be based in the UK and likewise approved.

Peer Review Route:

The peer review process is available for applicants who are unable to meet the eligibility criteria listed above. This route allows candidates to be assessed as a recognised leader (Exceptional Talent) or emerging leader (Exceptional Promise) in their field. Peer review assessments are conducted by the Royal Society (for science and medicine), the British Academy (for humanities and social sciences), and the Royal Academy of Engineering (for engineering and technology).

Applicants must be active researchers employed at a university, research institution, or commercial research organisation and must work in an approved research discipline. A PhD or equivalent research experience is required. A job offer is not mandatory for this route. However, those applying under the Exceptional Promise category must be in the early stages of their career.

Who Can Apply:

The Global Talent visa in academia and research is open to a range of professionals including academics, researchers, and laboratory specialists. Professors, associate professors, lecturers, and academic staff who teach at universities or participate in research projects are eligible to apply.
Additionally, researchers working actively in disciplines such as science, engineering, medicine, social sciences, and the humanities, as well as professionals involved in laboratory management and experimental studies, may qualify.

This visa is also open to holders of prestigious fellowships, PhD and postdoctoral researchers. Scientists conducting innovative research in fields such as technology, medicine, biotechnology, artificial intelligence, and data science, as well as engineers contributing to research and innovation initiatives, are also eligible.

Other professional groups may also qualify for this visa. Please contact us for further guidance.

Application Fees:

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 based on an eligible award, the full amount of £766 must be paid in one instalment at the time of the visa application.

In addition, if you are including your spouse or children in your application, a separate payment of £766 must be made for each of them. Health Service Charge:
As part of your application, you will be required to pay a health service charge. This charge is generally set at £1,035 per year for each applicant.

10 Questions About the Global Talent Visa

For tailored guidance and support regarding the Global Talent visa process, please contact us directly.