Individuals applying for the Global Talent visa in the arts must have the potential to be recognised as Exceptional Talent or Exceptional Promise in the United Kingdom. The application is a two-stage process. In the first stage (Stage 1), the applicant’s professional achievements and potential are assessed by Arts Council England. This assessment requires the applicant to provide evidence demonstrating that they are an internationally recognised artist, cultural professional, or a person with exceptional talent in a creative field. Eligible applicants are issued an ‘endorsement letter’ by Arts Council England. Applicants who receive this letter may then apply directly for the Global Talent visa in the second stage (Stage 2).
Who is eligible?
Combined Arts
If your artistic practice is based on a combination of multiple disciplines or you work on projects that bring together different art forms, you may be eligible to apply for a Global Talent visa under the Combined Arts category. This category applies to projects and applications that combine one or more of the supported disciplines, such as dance, literature, music, theatre, and visual arts. For example, if you are involved in interdisciplinary or multidisciplinary art practices, organise projects aimed at community participation or celebratory events, or carry out large-scale artistic events, festivals or carnival art, you may apply. Such projects offer a suitable application area for individuals who produce creative and innovative works by combining art forms.
Dance, Literature, Music, Theatre, Visual Arts
Applicants must provide evidence that their work has been published or exhibited internationally and has been assessed as ‘outstanding’ by Arts Council England. These works may be individual or group projects.
Those applying for the Exceptional Talent programme must have worked in their field for at least five years and produced significant works in at least two countries. Promising Talent applications require candidates in the early stages of their careers to have a developing track record in their own countries.
During the application process, three letters of recommendation, a maximum of 10 supporting documents from the last 5 years, and a CV must be submitted. Letters of recommendation should be obtained from individuals recognised in the field of arts and culture and should highlight the applicant’s achievements and the contribution they will make to the United Kingdom.
Candidates must prove that their works have been featured by recognised media outlets in at least two different countries in order to support their international recognition. For Promising Talent applications, it is sufficient for the works to be recognised in at least one country.
In terms of international awards, candidates should have won appropriate awards or made significant contributions. Exceptional Talent applications should include documentation demonstrating that candidates have won awards or made significant contributions. Promising Talent applications may include examples of candidates being nominated or shortlisted.
Finally, candidates’ work must have been exhibited, sold or performed at an international level. This evidence should be supported by national publications, media coverage or distribution data. All these documents are required to demonstrate the applicant’s leadership potential or current leadership in their field. For Exceptional Talent applications, proof must be provided from at least two countries, and for Promising Talent applications, proof must be provided from at least one country. These criteria determine the eligibility of applicants for the Global Talent Visa in the arts and the application process.
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.