Global Talent Visa for Academic and Research Professionals

An Academic and Research Global Talent Visa allows academics, scientists and researchers to live and work in the UK. This route may be for you if you work in the fields of science, engineering, medicine, social sciences and humanities. It is a great option if you would like to live and work in the UK and are looking for a flexible visa. You do not need sponsorship from an employer, you can be employed, self-employed or start your own company. You will benefit from an accelerated three-year route to settlement. You can bring your partner and children with you. You can also switch to this visa from most visa types if you are already in the UK.

Academic and research endorsement routes

Most applicants need to apply for endorsement before applying for the Global Talent visa. There are four routes for eligible academics and researchers to obtain endorsement:

1.	Academic and research appointments	This route may apply if you have accepted an eligible position at an approved UK higher education institution or research institute.
2.	Individual fellowship	This route may apply if you have been awarded an approved individual fellowship.
3.	Endorsed funder	This route may apply if you will be hosted or employed by an eligible institution to work on an approved grant.
4.	Peer review	This route may apply if you do not have a job offer, but can show that you are an active researcher. You must hold a PhD, or have equivalent research experience, and show that you are either a leader in your field, known as exceptional talent, or a potential leader in your field, known as exceptional promise.

Each route has specific requirements. Choosing the wrong route, or submitting the wrong evidence, can delay your application or affect your chances of success.

Our Global Talent Team can help you understand which route is most suitable for your circumstances.

Academic and Research FAQ

How do I apply?

Applying for a Global Talent visa is a two-stage process. The first stage is to apply for endorsement. If your endorsement is successful, then you can apply for the visa. It is possible to apply for the endorsement and visa at the same time.

Do I need an endorsement to apply?

Most applicants need endorsement before they can apply for the Global Talent visa. You may not need endorsement if you have won an eligible prestigious prize. In that case, you may be able to apply directly for the visa.

What are the endorsement routes for academics and researchers?

There are four endorsement routes for academics and researchers:

Academic or research job offer
Individual fellowship
UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) endorsement
Peer review

The right route will depend on your circumstances.

How long does endorsement take?

For routes 1- 3, you will usually receive a decision within 18 working days. For route 4, you will usually receive a decision within 8 weeks.

Who are the endorsing bodies?

The endorsing bodies are UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), the Royal Society, The Brritish Academy and the Royal Society of Engineering. Applications are considered by the relevant endorsing body for your field. UKRI can endorse applicants from any research field or discipline which meet the requirements of the endorsed funder route. You can find a list of endorsed funders here: UK Research and Innovation endorsed funders - GOV.UK

The Royal Society covers science and medicine. The British Academy covers humanities and social science. The Royal Academy of Engineering covers engineering. You can find the full list of disciplines covered by each endorsing body here.

How long does the visa application take?

You will usually get a visa decision within three weeks if you are outside the UK, or eight weeks if you are inside the UK. You may be able to pay for a faster decision.

How much does a Global Talent visa cost?

GOV.UK currently states that it costs £766 to apply.

If you are applying based on endorsement, this is paid in two parts: £561 when you apply for endorsement, and £205 when you apply for the visa.

If you are applying based on an eligible prize, you pay the full £766 when applying for the visa. You will also need to pay the healthcare surcharge which is currently £1,035 per year

Can I bring my family?

Yes, your partner and children can apply to join you or stay in the UK as your dependants.

How long can I stay in the UK on a Global Talent visa?

You can choose how long you want your visa to last, up to five years at a time.

There is no limit on how long you can stay in the UK in total, but you will need to extend your visa before it expires. You can apply for settlement in the UK after three years on a Global Talent visa (or other eligible route). Dependants must spend five years in the UK as your dependant before they become eligible for settlement.