Global Talent visa — who qualifies and what it costs

Updated: 2026-05-26 · Data checked against gov.uk

Коротко

This visa is for people already recognised as leaders in science, digital technology or the arts. No employer needed. ILR in 3 years. Total visa cost: £766 + IHS. The main barrier is endorsement from a Home Office-approved body.

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£766

Visa total

£561 endorsement + £205 visa fee

3 years

ILR (Talent)

Promise = 5 yrs; academic bodies = 3 yrs for both

£1,035/yr

IHS per adult

Immigration Health Surcharge

99.2%

Stage 2 grants

Once endorsed, visa almost always granted

Is this right for you?

✓You have publications, awards, a senior position or industry recognition

✓You can gather 3 reference letters + 10 evidence items

✓You want freedom — no employer required, you can change companies or freelance

What it costs

Stage 1: endorsement fee£561

Stage 2: visa fee£205

Total visa£766

IHS × 3 years (1 adult)£3,105

Total 3-year visa (1 person)£3,871

Family of 4 × 3 years~£10,740

Biometrics £19.20. Priority service +£750 (Stage 2). Endorsement fee is non-refundable on refusal.

Who endorses

IT / digital technology

Tech Nation — Home Office contract extended to 2028 (£11M). Accepts applications for Exceptional Talent and Exceptional Promise in digital technology.

technation.io/visa →

Science and research

Royal Society, British Academy, Royal Academy of Engineering (RAEng), UK Research and Innovation (UKRI)

Arts and culture

Arts Council England (ACE). Also through ACE: PACT (film/TV), British Film Commission, RIBA (architecture).

How it works: 3 steps

Stage 1: endorsement

Apply to the endorsing body. Takes 4–8 weeks. Costs £561 (non-refundable). You can reapply if refused.

Stage 2: visa application

After endorsement — standard Home Office application. Takes ~3 weeks from outside the UK. 99.2% approval rate at this stage.

Arrive in the UK

Total 5–9 months from starting the process. You can change employers, freelance, or set up a business.

Talent vs Promise

Talent = already a recognised leader in your field. ILR after 3 years. Promise = an emerging talent early in their career. ILR after 5 years (except academic endorsing bodies which give 3 years for both categories). If you are unsure which category fits, discuss with an IAA-regulated adviser — it affects your ILR timeline.

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Endorsement cannot be bought

Endorsement is an independent decision by Tech Nation or another body. Nobody can guarantee a positive result. Agencies offering endorsement for £8–15k are scams. Check any adviser on the IAA register before paying.

Next step

Review whether you meet the endorsing body's criteria (Tech Nation publishes detailed requirements). Then consult an IAA-regulated adviser or SRA solicitor for a personal assessment.

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