Introducing the Global Talent visa 

The Global Talent visa is designed for exceptionally gifted international individuals working in the fields of academia and research, arts and culture, and digital technology.

This visa option is open to both experts with an established track record in their field (the “exceptional talent” route) as well as to individuals who are very likely to succeed in their chosen area (the “exceptional promise” route).

The Global Talent visa application process includes two key stages: an application to secure endorsement from a relevant institution recognised by the Home Office and the visa application itself.  Receiving your endorsement letter is the key step of the process. A global talent visa specialist will be able to tailor your application to reflect your unique contributions to field.

Global Talent visa holders may be eligible for settlement after 3 or 5 years spent in the UK, depending on whether they had been granted the Exceptional Talent or the Exceptional Promise visa option.

Global Talent visa requirements

To secure endorsement, applicants will be asked to provide evidence of any qualifications, accolades, and achievements within their field of expertise, including any awards, nominations, proof of commercial success, notable publications, academic qualifications, and media coverage. The specific type of documents required will depend on the applicant’s individual field of expertise and skill set.

Applicants will also be asked to provide letters of recommendation from referees of recognised standing within the relevant field.

Referee letters are a crucial component of the UK Global Talent visa application. These letters serve as formal endorsements of your skills, experience, and global impact from experts who are recognised leaders in the field.

What Are Referee Letters?

Referee letters, sometimes known as letters of recommendation, are written testimonials provided by individuals who can credibly attest to the achievements and standing in the particular sector. The Global Talent visa requires submitting three letters from senior professionals who are:

• Familiar with the applicant’s work and accomplishments
• Recognised as leaders and experts in the field – both in the UK and internationally
• Independent of the application – ideally not colleagues or close collaborators.

Key Requirements for Referee Letters

According to the official guidelines, each letter must:

• Be dated and personally signed by the referee
• Be written specifically for your Global Talent application (generic letters will be rejected)
• Include the referree’s name; position and organization; contact details; qualifications or authority to comment on the applicant’s work
• Explain how the referee knows the applicant and why they consider them a leader, or emerging leader) in their field
• Highlight the contributions achievements, and the impact of the applicant’s work
• Explain why the presence in the UK would benefit the field.

Who Can Be a Referee?

Referees should be established professionals with a strong reputation. They can include:

• Professors or senior researchers (for academic applicants)
• Industry leaders or executives
• Directors of respected institutions, programs, or international organisations
• Founders of influential companies or non-profit organisations in the applicant’s field

 The referees should not be:

• Direct relatives
• Personal friends
• Current close collaborators or co-founders

Tips for Strong Referee Letters

Choose wisely: quality matters more than titles. A well-written letter from a credible expert who knows the applicant’s work is better than a generic letter from a high-profile figure.

Be specific: letters should reference key projects, achievements, awards, or innovations.

Tailor for impact: avoid generic praise. Instead, emphasise your contribution to the field and potential to influence the UK’s ecosystem.

How can we help?

Crafting compelling referee letters requires more than just impressive credentials. At IMD Corporate we:

• Advise you on the best choice of referees
• Help outline and structure the content of each letter
• Ensure alignment with Home Office and endorsing body criteria
• Offer review and feedback services to polish and final drafts

What other supporting evidence is required?

• Personal letter explaining the applicant’s career to date, plans in the UK, and reason for applying for the Global Talent Visa.
• Proof of recognised work or achievements; awards, prizes, fellowships; press coverage with date, publication, and the role highlighted; published work, software and creative outputs
• Significant contributions: evidence of impact on the particular sector, e.g. created a widely adopted tool or framework, or led a successful product; open-source contributions (in fintech)
• Innovation or Thought Leadership: speaking engagements at major conferences or summits; panel appearances, keynote talks; published research or thought pieces
• Media recognitions: articles   in high-profile or industry – specific media outlets; TV or radio interviews; features or profiles about the work
• Leadership Roles: evidence of holding senior, founding or leadership roles (e.g. Head of Product, Research Lead, Art Director); Company registration documents if the applicant is a founder
• Mentorsihp or Teacher: proof of mentoring others formally (e.g. in accelerators or academic settings); guest lectures, workshops, curriculum contributions
• Commercial or cultural impacts: business success, revenue growth, user base, investments, acquisitions; artistic impact ,e.g. work featured in galleries, festivals or by major clients.

Important Notes

All evidence must be in English or officially translated.

Combine multiple items into one document (e.g. media clippings or awards).

All documents should be clearly labelled and relevant to the filed of application. Avoid duplication – each piece should add something new.

Once endorsement is obtained, applicants can submit their visa application to the Home Office. Notably, there are no English language or financial requirements attached to the Global Talent route.

Global Talent visa application process

STAGE 1: Endorsment Application

The applicant must first be endorsed by a relevant UK endorsing body to prove they are a leader  (Exceptional Talent) or an emerging leader (Exceptional Promise) in their field.

Step 1: Choose Your Endorsing Body

Select the mist appropriate body based on your expertise:

• Tech Nation Legacy for digital technology
• Arts Council England for arts, culture, fashion, film or architecture
• UKRI/The Royal Society/British Academy/Royal Academy of Engineering for science, research, and academia
• Other bodies e.g. British Fashion Council, ScreenSkills, RIBA

Step 2: Prepare Your Application Prepare your documents: a personal statement; three referee letters; up to 10 supporting documents; CV

Step 3: Both the endorsement and visa applications are submitted online.

Completion of the endorsement application is the cornerstone of the entire process. The assessment of your endorsement application can be highly subjective, making the diligent preparation of the supporting evidence a priority.

If the endorsement application is refused, applicants can reapply or make a reconsideration request free of charge within 28 days from the date of the refusal notice. The review of the original decision normally takes up to 28 days from the date of submission.

The endorsement application fee is £456. It usually takes 6-8 weeks for an endorsing body to reach a decision.

Step 4: Wait for a Decision

Most decisions are made within 8 weeks. The applicants will receive a letter confirming endorsement.

STAGE 2: Visa Application (Immigration Permission)

Once the applicant receives and endorsmentl they can apply for the Global Talent visa.

Step 5: Submit visa application

Get in touch

An experienced UK immigration lawyer Jarmila Entezari will be able to guide you through the Global Talent visa application process and ensure your application meets the stringent requirements set by the endorsing bodies and the Home Office.

We support clients with:

• Documents review & strategy
• Referee letter guidance
• Endorsement and visa filing
• Fast-track and appeals support

Enquire today

Call us on 0330 107 0106 or email at business@imd.co.uk.