United Kingdom. A UK visa to live and work for leaders and potential leaders in academia or research, arts and culture, or digital technology.
Information, not immigration advice. Rules change: confirm on the official page, and speak to a qualified adviser if you are unsure.
What to gather
Before you apply
- Check you are a leader or potential leader in academia or research, arts and culture, or digital technology
You can apply for a Global Talent visa to work in the UK if you’re a leader or potential leader in one of the following fields: Source
- Get an endorsement from an approved organisation, unless you have won an eligible prestigious prize
you’ll need to get an endorsement first to prove that you’re a leader or potential leader in your field. Source
- Apply for the visa within 3 months of your endorsement letter
you’re applying within 3 months of receiving your endorsement letter Source
Documents
- A valid passport or other document that shows your identity and nationality
a valid passport or other document that shows your identity and nationality Source
- Tuberculosis test results, if you are from a country where you have to take the test
your tuberculosis test results if you’re from a country where you have to take the test Source
- Written permission to apply, if you had an award or scholarship to study in the UK in the last year
If you’ve had an award or scholarship to study in the UK in the last year, you’ll also need written permission to apply from the agency or government that granted it. Source
- A certified translation of any document that is not in English or Welsh
If your documents are not in English or Welsh you’ll also need to provide a certified translation Source
Apply
- Apply online
You can apply online for a Global Talent visa. Source
- Prove your identity with the UK Immigration: ID Check app, or at a visa application centre
use the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app to scan your identity document Source
- Pay the application fee and the healthcare surcharge
It costs £766 to apply. Source
Cost and who it is for
It costs £766 to apply. Source
£561 when you apply for the endorsement Source
£205 when you apply for the visa itself Source
usually £1,035 per year for each person applying Source
You can apply for a Global Talent visa to work in the UK if you’re a leader or potential leader in one of the following fields: Source
You must also be at least 18 years old. Source
If you’ve not won an eligible prestigious prize, you’ll need to get an endorsement first to prove that you’re a leader or potential leader in your field. Source
The checklist has 10 items. Tick them off and keep your progress, or read the official page. Read there on 27 October 2026, quoted word for word.