New Global Talent visa replaces the Tier 1 Exceptional Talent visa

As of today, 20 February 2020, the global talent visa has replaced the former Tier 1 Exceptional Talent visa.  The introduction of the global talent visa is an expansion of the former route. Applicants who were preparing to submit an application under the Tier 1 Exceptional Talent visa can still submit their application under the global talent visa. The global talent visa is for talented and promising individuals in the fields of science, engineering, medicine, humanities, digital technology and arts and culture (including film and television, fashion design and architecture) wishing to work in the UK. The Home Office expects applicants to be leaders in their chosen field or have evidence that they have the potential to be leaders with backing from an approved endorsement body.

What is the new Global Talent visa?

The UK Government has introduced a brand new work visa for talented and promising migrant workers in the fields of science, engineering, medicine, humanities, digital technology and arts and culture wishing to work in the UK. The Home Office expects applicants to be leaders in their chosen field or have evidence that they have the potential to be leaders with backing from an approved endorsement body. The global talent visa is very similar to the former Tier 1 Exceptional Talent and is considered to be an expansion of the former route and not a replacement.

What are the requirements for a Global Talent visa?

The relevant rules and requirements for this visa can be located in Appendix W: Immigration Rules for Workers. The application process is broken down into two stages and both stages must be completed. The first stage is to apply for an endorsement with a Home Office approved governing body.  The second stage is to apply for the actual visa directly to the Home Office. It is possible to apply for both stages simultaneously.

During stage one, an endorsing body assesses your skills, abilities and achievements, and advises the Home Office of their decision on whether you should be endorsed. Applicants will be required to show that they fall under one of the following categories:

  • A leader in their chosen sector (exceptional talent); or
  • An emerging leader (exceptional promise); or
  • Applying under the UK Research and Innovation endorsed funder option.

The endorsing bodies are:

  • The Royal Society, for science and medicine;
  • The Royal Academy of Engineering, for engineering;
  • The British Academy, for humanities;
  • Tech Nation, for digital technology;
  • Arts Council England, for arts and culture; and
  • UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), for research applicants.

If your qualifying field is fashion, architecture or film and television, Arts Council England will pass on your application for review to:

  • British Fashion Council, for fashion;
  • Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), for architecture; and
  • Producers Alliance for Cinema and Television (PACT), for film and television.

During stage two, the Home Office considers immigration aspects, such as whether general grounds for refusal apply and, if you are already in the UK, whether you are able to switch into the global talent category.   

What are the main routes under the Global Talent visa?

The new global talent visa will have 4 main routes:

  • Senior appointments: This is for migrants who have accepted a job of professor, associate professor, reader, senior group leader or equivalent at any UK higher education institution or eligible research institute provided certain recruitment requirements were met. This path is administered by The British Academy, the Royal Academy of Engineering, and The Royal Society
  • Fellowships: This is for migrants who have been awarded a fellowship for their academic and research achievements by an approved body i.e. British Academy, the Royal Academy of Engineering and Royal Society.
  • Endorsed funders: This is for researchers and specialists whose name or job title is specified in a successful grant application from a recognised funder. This path is administered by UK Research and Innovation.
  • Peer review: standard endorsement for individuals who submit a successful application for review by The British Academy, the Royal Academy of Engineering or The Royal Society (depending on their field of expertise).

If you do not fall within the context of any of the above routes you may still be eligible to apply for this visa.

What does the introduction of the Global Talent visa mean for the Tier 1 Exceptional Talent visa?

After 20 February 2020 all applicants making a new Tier 1 Exceptional Talent visa application must apply under the new global talent visa route. However, if you have already submitted a stage one endorsement application under the former Tier 1 Exceptional Talent and you can apply for stage two under the Tier 1 Exceptional Talent as there is a transitional period for applicants who fall under this category.

What you can and cannot do on a Global Talent Visa?

The Global Talent Visa is similar to the former Tier 1 Exceptional Talent visa and there are a number of permitted and prohibited activities under this new visa. Under the Global Talent visa, you can apply for a visa for any period between 1 to 5 years. You can apply to extend your visa as many times as necessary and you can also apply for settlement. You can apply to work for an employer or as a director of a company or be self-employed. You can change jobs without notifying the Home Office. You can undertake voluntary work and apply for your dependents to join you. Similarly to other visas under the Points Based System you cannot access public funds, work as a doctor or dentist in training or work as a professional sportsperson or coach.

Why you should instruct us with your Global Talent visa?

Whilst the Global Talent category is a new visa the application process and requirements are similar to the Tier 1 Exceptional Talent visa. Our immigration team has ample experience in preparing all Point Based System applications including the Tier 1 Exceptional Talent visa. Our immigration team specialises in preparing applications at the highest standard. We have an impeccable track history of submitting successful applications, especially where there are complexities. The key to submitting successful applications is being aware of the relevant Immigration Rules and more importantly the latest case law. Our immigration team is able to guide you through the entire application process (stages one and two). We prepare detailed legal submissions which focus on how your application meets the requirements for a Global Talent visa. In addition to the legal representations, our team of solicitors also provide multiple substantial reviews of your documents to ensure that you submit the correct documentary evidence. We also prepare and assist with completing the application form and submit your documents on your behalf.

Using Legal Representation to submit a new Global Talent Visa application

Legal representatives, such as our specialist immigration and visa law firm, are qualified to advise you on immigration law and your immigration status. It is possible to instruct an immigration and visa legal representative to submit a new global talent visa application.

Caseworkers at the Home Office are trained to reject applications which are improperly prepared, for example by failing to provide the correct supporting evidence. In order to ensure your new global talent visa application succeeds, all necessary documents must be provided.

This can be a significant administrative task and you will need to submit the correct documentary evidence. The UK Immigration Rules are complex and a legal representative can help ensure that your new global talent visa application meets the Immigration Rules.

Successfully submit a new Global Talent Visa application

Our team of solicitors and barristers are specialist immigration lawyers who act in your best interest. We offer a client-tailored approach from the outset. From the very first meeting, we will be able to advise you in respect of your immigration status and the merit of your a new global talent visa application before your matter even reaches the Home Office UK Visa & Immigration department. We can assist you with the preparation and submission of a new global talent visa application and ensure that you meet all the requirements of the relevant rules.

We are based in the legal epicentre of London, just across the road from the Royal Courts of Justice in order to ensure we get the best results for our clients. LEXVISA is just minutes away from the Immigration and Asylum Tribunal, the Royal Courts of Justice and other central London courts.

Preparation is the key to a successful new global talent visa application. Our UK immigration and visa solicitors are here to guide you through the complex immigration rules and requirements. If you wish to meet one of our lawyers, please call our Immigration Team so we can assess your case and arrange your legal consultation.

Contact our London immigration solicitors on 02030110276 or complete our contact form.

 

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