GLOBAL TALENT /
GLOBAL PROMISE VISA

What Are These Visas?

The Global Talent visa is for established leaders in their field, while the Global Promise visa targets individuals who show exceptional potential. Applicants must be at least 18 years old and demonstrate recognition or promise in one of the following areas:

• Academia or Research
• Arts and Culture
• Digital Technology

Why Choose This Visa?

• Grants 5 years of residence (can be granted for shorter periods upon request)
• Path to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after 3 or 5 years depending on field
• No need for a job offer or employer sponsorship
• Flexibility to work, be self-employed, or run a business
• Dependants (partner and children) can join and work freely
• In some cases, no financial requirement or 185-day residence rule

Who Can Apply?

Individuals who are internationally recognised, published, awarded, or who have contributed significantly to major projects in their field.
Potential leaders (Global Promise applicants) must show early signs of exceptional ability and international recognition.

Eligible Fields Include:

Science, engineering, research, medicine, digital technology, software, hardware, film, photography, music, visual arts, literature, theatre, dance, architecture, design, and more.

Application Process

Applicants must:
• Obtain an endorsement from a recognised UK Endorsing Body (except in some Global Promise cases)
• Submit 2 letters of recommendation from experts or organisations in their field
• Provide 10 pieces of supporting evidence such as awards, international media coverage, publications, exhibitions, contributions to major projects, etc.

Endorsement approval is valid for 3 months – a visa application must be submitted within this period.

Recognised Endorsing Bodies

• Arts Council England: Arts, dance, literature, music, theatre, visual arts
• PACT: Film, TV, animation, VFX
• British Fashion Council: Fashion design
• Royal Institute of British Architects: Architecture
• Royal Society / British Academy / Royal Academy of Engineering: Science, humanities, engineering
• Tech Nation Successor Body: Digital technology
• UK Research and Innovation (UKRI): Academic and research institutions

Important Notes

• Applicants must have been active in their field during the past 5 years
• For ILR: proof of activity in the field during your stay in the UK is required
• Global Promise applicants may not need formal endorsement but must submit strong documentary proof

ILR & Citizenship

• Applicants endorsed in science, engineering, humanities, or medicine may apply for ILR after 3 years
• Others (e.g. arts, culture, digital tech) can apply after 5 years
• UK citizenship may follow one year after receiving ILR

Visa decision times:
• 3 weeks (if applying from outside the UK)
• Up to 8 weeks (if applying from inside the UK)