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UK
Global Talent Visa Program
UK Global Talent Visa Program
The UK Global Talent Visa is a prestigious immigration route for leaders and potential leaders in academia or research, arts and culture, or digital technology. It offers flexibility, requiring no job offer, employer sponsorship, or minimum salary, and allows applicants to work and live. Applicants must be at least 18 and secure an endorsement from a designated UK body (or hold an eligible prestigious prize). With no English language test required for the visa (though needed for permanent residence), this pathway enables talented individuals to live and work in the UK for up to 5 years per application, with the option to extend indefinitely. Eligible applicants can apply for permanent residence (Indefinite Leave to Remain) after 3 years (Exceptional Talent) or 5 years (Exceptional Promise).
Time to residency
3 years or 5 years
Residency requirement
Spent no more than 180 days
outside the UK in any 12 months
Visa-free travel
190 countries and regions
Taxation
Remittance basis
Passport rank
5th in the world
Established time
Program launched in 2020
Application requirements
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The applicant must be over 18 years old
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Obtain endorsement from designated government endorsing bodies
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No criminal record
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TB test
For each of the three categories, there are specific application requirements:
Digital Technology
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Engage in IT related jobs, such as software engineer etc.;
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Provide at least two project documents （patent，conference invitation, business contract);
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Provide three references from individuals at the management level within the IT industry.
Academia or Research
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Hold a Ph.D degree;
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Have experience participating in research projects or publishing papers in international journals;
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Provide three references, one of which should come from a referee based in the UK (university professor or other authority figures).
Arts and Culture
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Engage in artistic activities in 1-2 countries;
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Obtain media coverage in 1-2 countries;
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Provide three references, one of which should come from an institution based in the UK.
(If you are working in the film and television industry, you need to have at least 2 films released, 3 national award nominations within 6 years, or you have won 2 national awards before 6 years.)
Program Benefits
Flexible Work Options:
No job offer or employer sponsorship is required. Holders can work as employees, self-employed individuals, or company directors, allowing freedom to pursue different roles in the UK.
Low Application Requirements:
Applicants enjoy a streamlined visa process with no mandatory English language test, minimum salary threshold, prior work experience, or funding source requirements. Preparing contribution materials is also simple. As long as the applicant meets the industry’s contribution criteria, they are eligible to apply.
Family Inclusion:
Dependents (spouse, partner, children under 18) can apply to join the visa holder in the UK with the same visa duration. Dependents can work or study without restrictions.
Flexible Visa Duration and Extensions:
Applicants can choose a visa duration of up to 5 years per application, with the ability to extend indefinitely as long as eligibility criteria are met. No cap on the number of extensions, providing long-term stability in the UK.
Access to UK Opportunities:
Provides access to the UK’s world-class academic institutions, tech ecosystem, and cultural industries, fostering collaboration and career growth. No restriction on changing jobs or roles within the field (unlike sponsored visas tied to specific employers).
