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How to apply for the UK Global Talent Visa? PhDs are eligible to apply（202210QA）
Ten Sheng Miao Reminder: For specific endorsement application methods in each field, please refer to the official website for the specific process. This article mainly focuses on the academia or research field.
Ten Sheng Miao Reminder: In the UK, you can apply for a Global Talent Visa as a postdoctoral researcher. This visa is relatively simple for most postdocs and is very friendly towards them. It does not require an IELTS score, and in some cases, you can apply even before graduating. In certain situations, certification is not required either. You just need to meet the corresponding conditions mentioned above, submit the required documents, and the application is generally approved. Typically, you will receive an email confirming the successful endorsement within about two working days. Then, you can follow the normal visa application process, and if you are fortunate, the visa can be obtained within a few days. If it takes longer, it depends on the specific circumstances at that time, usually around 15 working days or more. It is recommended that you consult your HR department as some may proactively remind you to apply for this visa because if you meet the requirements, you can obtain permanent residency after three years.
Firstly, the Global Talent Visa in the UK was officially launched on February 20, 2020, and was previously known as the Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent) visa.
It has now been expanded to include a new fast-track scheme arranged by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) for world-leading scientists, top researchers, and mathematicians. Furthermore, the Global Talent Visa will continue to be open to talents in the fields of digital technology, arts, and culture.
According to the reformed Global Talent Visa program, the UK will no longer limit the number of talented individuals coming to the country, which demonstrates the UK government's commitment to supporting top talents from around the world.
If you want to apply for the Global Talent Visa, you need to have a job in a qualifying field and have already been approved as a leader or potential leader in one of the following areas:
Academia or research, such as science, medicine, engineering, humanities.
Arts and culture, such as a combination of arts, dance, literature, music, theater, visual arts (including museums and galleries); architecture; fashion design; film and television, including animation, post-production, and visual effects.
View the complete list of eligible disciplines in the arts and culture field：
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/global-talent-endorsing-bodies/disciplines-covered-by-arts-council-england-or-its-associated-bodies
3) Digital technology, such as financial technology ("fintech"), gaming, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence.
Additionally, you need to be at least 18 years old, and there are no requirements regarding academic qualifications or school rankings.
Before applying for the Global Talent Visa, you need to meet the following requirement:
1)Obtain an eligible award recognized by the Home Office.
Link to the list of eligible awards for applicants qualifying for the Global Talent route:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/global-talent-eligible-prize-list
2) Successfully apply for an endorsement from the Home Office, which recognizes you as a leader or potential leader in your field.
Note from Shisheng Miao: The endorsement must be from an institution recognized by the Home Office.
Refer to the link for the list of approved endorsing research institutions
: https://royalsociety.org/grants-schemes-awards/global-talent-visa/route-1-appointments/
Obtain the link to the list of officially recognized endorsing universities and colleges：https://www.gov.uk/check-university-award-degree
Note from Shisheng Miao: Most people need to obtain an endorsement from an endorsing institution (which is an approved sponsor by the UK) before applying for the Global Talent Visa. However, it is also possible to submit both applications (visa and endorsement) simultaneously. However, if your endorsement is rejected, your Global Talent Visa application will also be rejected, and no refund will be provided. Therefore, it is important to obtain the endorsement before applying for the Global Talent Visa.
Note from Shisheng Miao: Apply within 3 months of receiving the endorsement letter, and throughout the entire process, including the duration of holding the visa, ensure that the endorsing institution does not withdraw their approval of you.
How to apply for an endorsement (mainly applicable to academic or research fields)
Note from Shisheng Miao: Please refer to the official website for specific application procedures in each field. Here, we will primarily focus on the academic or research fields.
You need to have a recognized and eligible job position.
Your job opportunity should include: being responsible for academic, research, or innovation leadership and development; guiding or leading individual or team research or innovation projects or work plans.
The documents you need to provide, along with:
1)Complete job description
2)A letter from the Human Resources Director (or equivalent position) of your employer
This letter should include all of the following information:
The job title and department you will be working in
How your job aligns with the visa requirements
Confirmation that you have accepted the job
Whether the position was advertised and the application process was open competition (if not, provide the reason)
At least two recommendation letters
At least three representatives from the academic, research, or innovation field interviewed you
The interview panel included experts in your field or sought your opinion before offering you the job.
Link to apply for endorsement
https://visas-immigration.service.gov.uk/product/global-talent-endorsement?_ga=2.182041831.1975111888.1594023818-603096933.1580223754
Duration of the Global Talent Visa
With a single application for this visa, you can live and work in the UK for up to 5 years (depending on your circumstances, you can choose the duration, with the maximum being 5 years). If you wish to stay longer in the UK, there is no limit to the total time you can spend, but you will need to update (i.e., extend) your visa when it expires. Each extension can be granted for 1 to 5 years, and you can choose the desired duration for each extension.
Note from Shisheng Miao: The Global Talent Visa can be extended multiple times, and each extension can be granted for 1 to 5 years.
You can obtain indefinite leave to remain, which allows you to settle in the UK after 3 to 5 years, depending on your field of work and the method of application. In other words, if you meet the requirements, holding the Global Talent Visa for 3 years can directly lead to permanent residency, with the condition of not exceeding 180 days of absence from the UK. If you meet the criteria, you can also apply for corresponding benefits.
Note from Shisheng Miao: This visa can only be applied for online.
What documents are required during the application?
Valid passport or other valid travel documents.
Tuberculosis (TB) test results, if you are from a country where the test is required.
Your valid passport must have at least one blank page for the visa (with sufficient pages available).
If any of the provided documents are not in English (or Welsh), certified translations must be provided.
If you received an award or scholarship for studying in the UK last year, you will also need written permission from the awarding institution or government.
Additional documents may be required depending on the circumstances.
Application Steps:
[1] Open the GOV.UK website and navigate to the "Visas and immigration" page. Find "Work in the UK" and select "Apply for the Global Talent visa". Choose the appropriate situation, select "Overseas" if applying from outside the UK, or select "In-country" if applying from within the UK.
[2] Prepare the necessary documents to be filled out, such as a valid passport or identification, successful endorsement, etc. Follow the system prompts to answer a few questions (such as location in the UK, possession of an EU passport, etc.). Then, proceed to fill out the application form step by step, make the online payment, print the application, and book an appointment at the visa center. After that, provide your fingerprints and wait to receive the visa.
Ten Sheng Miao Reminder: Before applying, make sure you have been recognized as a Recognized Leader (Exceptional Talent), a Potential Leader (Exceptional Promise), or hold a qualified award recognized by the Home Office.
How long does it take to receive the visa decision?
For applications outside the UK, it typically takes around 3 weeks. For applications within the UK, it usually takes around 8 weeks. However, you can expedite the process by paying an additional fee.
After receiving the endorsement, you must apply for the Global Talent visa within 3 months. For example, if you plan to arrive in the UK on June 15th, you can start the application process from March 16th.
Visa application fees:
The application fee is £623. However, if you are applying based on an endorsement, you need to pay £623 in two parts:
Part 1: Endorsement
All main applicants must pay a fee of £456 for the first application or when switching into this visa category.
Ten Sheng Miao Reminder: If you receive the endorsement, it does not automatically grant you the Global Talent visa. If your visa application is rejected, the endorsement fee will not be refunded.
Part 2: Visa
The fee for applying for the Global Talent visa depends on your specific circumstances and is primarily £167 for the visa application itself. If you are applying based on a qualifying award, you need to pay the full £623 when applying for the visa.
If your application includes your partner or children, they will also need to pay £623 per person.
Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS):
In addition to the visa fees, you are required to pay an Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) online before attending the visa application center. The IHS is mandatory, and failing to pay it before your appointment can result in delays or visa refusal. If your application is unfortunately refused, the paid IHS fee will be refunded to your account.
Before you apply, you can calculate how much you will need to pay for the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS). The official UK Home Office provides a link to calculate the IHS fee. You can access the official IHS fee calculator on the UK Home Office website using the following link:：
https://www.immigration-health-surcharge.service.gov.uk/checker/type
What you can do with the Global Talent visa:
Work for your own business, including being employed as an employee, director, or self-employed as a member of a business partnership.
Change jobs without informing the UK Home Office.
Engage in voluntary work.
Travel abroad and return to the UK.
Bring your family along with the same visa duration. Check the accompanying visa guidance for family members.
What you cannot do with the Global Talent visa:
Apply for most welfare benefits or state pensions ("public funds").
Work as a professional sportsperson.
If your application is successful, you will receive a comprehensive list outlining what you can and cannot do with the Global Talent visa.
Note 1: "Public funds" refer to a range of welfare benefits provided to individuals with low income, including housing support. It includes income-based jobseeker's allowance, income support, child tax credit, universal credit, working tax credit, social fund payments, child benefits, housing benefits, council tax benefits, council tax reduction, reduced domestic rates (Northern Ireland), credit for state pension, care allowance, severe disablement allowance, personal independence payments, carer's allowance, disability living allowance, local authority housing allocation, local authority assistance to homeless individuals, and other public resources-related welfare benefits in the UK (for more information, please refer to the official website: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/public-funds--2/public-funds