Global Talent Visa: Update
The new Global Talent Visa announced recently by the UK government is set to go ‘live’ on 20 February 2020. It is an expansion and replacement for the Tier 1 Exceptional Talent Visa.
The new route will make provisions specifically for the science and research sector whilst continuing to be open to the ‘talented’ and ‘promising’ applicants in the fields of digital technology, arts and culture.
So what are the changes?
- No cap: There will be no annual cap as previously which meant a maximum of 2,000 annual visas could be made available.
- Longer length visas: Applicants can choose to apply for 1, 2, 3,4 or 5 year visa. This means applicants who wish to come for a shorter duration need not pay the maximum Immigration Health Surcharge.
Endorsements:
Applicants will continue to require endorsement for designated bodies approved by the UK Home office.
Science and Research applicants will apply to UK Research & Innovation (UKRI) for endorsement.
The other endorsement bodies remain the same: Tech National for the digital technology sector, the Royal Society a for science and medicine, The Royal Academy of Engineering for engineering, The British Academy for humanities and Arts Council England, for arts and culture.
Endorsements will be valid for 3 months from date of issue as previously.
A full and final guidance will be published by the Home Office on 20 February 2020.
If you are thinking of making a Global Talent Visa application contact our team of immigration experts.