Professionals pursuing international careers in academia, the arts, culture or IT often require talent visas. Career consultancy specialists EP Advisory have updated their comprehensive step-by-step guide to this category of visas. Kommersant UK has published a slightly abridged version of their guide.
The Two-Stage Process
The process of obtaining the UK Global Talent visa consists of two main stages.
1. Stage 1 – Endorsement:
Submit your credentials to a relevant endorsing body, such as Tech Nation for technology professionals or Arts Council England for creatives. Your application should include recommendation letters, a detailed CV, evidence of achievements, and a personal statement. This stage determines your eligibility for the visa based on your skills, contributions, and leadership in your field.
2. Stage 2 – Visa Application:
Upon receiving an endorsement, you apply to the UK Home Office for your visa. This stage involves completing immigration formalities, such as providing biometric data and paying associated fees.
For example, if you are a product marketing professional with entrepreneurial background, you could establish a new startup in London and at the same time work as a fractional leader providing interim CMO or product marketing services to the UK startups. This is a great story of why you are applying for this specific visa (as opposed to Skilled Worker or Start-up visas) – you want to have the freedom to develop your own startup while at the same time engage in other projects.
Elizaveta Morjan, Founder of EP Advisory, UK Global Talent Visa Expert
Key Steps in Stage 1: Preparing for Endorsement
Step 1: Identify Your Endorsing Body
Choose the organisation most relevant to your field:
Tech Nation – for professionals in digital technology.
Arts Council England – for professionals in arts and culture.
The Royal Society – for professionals in science.
The Royal Academy of Engineering – for those in engineering.
The British Academy – for individuals in humanities and social sciences.
UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) – for researchers in science and academia.
Step 2: Prepare Your Documents
Prepare a total of 15 documents, including:
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Three Letters of Recommendation: These should be from respected individuals familiar with your work. Each letter must detail their relationship with you, your impact, and why you qualify for this visa.
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CV: Highlight quantifiable achievements, leadership roles, and key contributions. Ensure consistency across all documents.
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Personal Statement: Explain why you’re moving to the UK, your career goals, and how you’ll contribute to your field in the UK. Be specific and avoid vague statements.
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Up to 10 Evidence Pieces: Include tangible proof of your work, such as awards, media coverage, innovative projects, or event participation. Group related items for clarity, and ensure third-party verification for credibility.
Step 3: Submit Your Application
Applications are submitted online via the endorsing body’s portal. Review the guidelines specific to your field and ensure all required documents are in order.
Step 4: Await the Endorsement Decision
Decisions can take up to 8 weeks. Successful applicants receive an endorsement letter, allowing them to proceed to Stage 2.
Tips for Success
1. Quantify Your Achievements: Use numbers to showcase your impact—such as revenue generated, audiences reached, or innovations launched.
Example 1: Led a global strategy for a cybersecurity company, managing a team of 14 people across EMEA, APAC, and the Americas. Grew annual revenue to $120 million and secured 120+ new clients in Global 2000 companies.
Example 2: Co-founded a game development startup that successfully raised £500,000+ in investment. Released the game ‘XYZ in 2023, achieving sales of 119,637 units with a net revenue of £526,764
2. Tell a Cohesive Story: Ensure your CV, letters, and evidence pieces form a consistent narrative of your professional journey.
Example 1: Senior IT & business professional with 16+ years of experience in cybersecurity and data centre transformation. Proven track record in delivering high-impact projects, such as a cybersecurity initiative recognised by the government for improving the security of 13 million citizens. Expertise in business optimisation, team leadership, and creating strategic partnerships with Fortune 500 clients.
Example 2: An academic professor, researcher, and medical innovator with extensive experience in non-invasive neurosurgical treatments. Co-founded the first MRgFUS centre in XYZ country, overseeing the successful treatment of over 11,000 patients while also pioneering the introduction of advanced technologies like Optical Coherence Tomography and TAVI.
3. Leverage Third-Party Evidence: Avoid relying solely on self-certified claims. Use external sources, such as media articles, awards, or official documentation, to validate your work.
Example 1: Recipient of the President’s Club award in 2021 and 2022, achieving 189%-229% of sales quota and delivering $25 million in revenue.
Example 2: Won 1st place at the ‘Colors of Indie Awards’ in 2022 for the game ‘XYZ’ recognised for innovation and creative design.
4. Tailor for Specific Bodies: Understand the criteria of your endorsing body and align your documents accordingly.
The CV for the UK Global Talent visa application will differ from your general CV for job applications. For your Global Talent visa application, in your CV you should include sections like ‘media recognition’, ‘awards’, ‘conferences’, ‘interviews’, ‘podcasts’, etc. – some of which you don’t typically include in your CV when looking for a job. Also, keep your CV to 2 pages A4.
Elizaveta Morjan
Stage 2: Visa Application
Once endorsed, submit your visa application to the UK Home Office. Required documents include your endorsement letter, passport, and biometric data.
Key Notes
There is no need for an English proficiency test or a job offer.
Processing times range from 3 to 8 weeks. Expedited options are available in some locations.
Fees and Duration
• Endorsement Fee: £524 (2024).
• Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): £1,054 per year.
• Visa Fee: Based on the selected duration (e.g., 2, 3, or 5 years).
Many applicants choose a 2-year visa initially to manage costs, with the option to extend later.
Final Thoughts
The UK Global Talent Visa is a flexible pathway for exceptional individuals seeking to make a significant impact in the UK. By carefully preparing your endorsement application and aligning it with the endorsing body’s criteria, you can increase your chances of success and unlock opportunities for career growth in one of the world’s leading innovation hubs.
Get the full guide on how to get an endorsement for the UK Global Talent Visa. If you’re interested in the Global Talent visa, try EP Advisory short test and find out if you are eligible.
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