What is a Global talent visa?
The Global Talent visa is a UK immigration category, aimed at individuals with exceptional talents in the fields of science, digital technology, and arts and culture, wishing to work in the UK. It was introduced and implemented in February 2020, replacing the traditional route through Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent) Visa category.
What makes this type of visa more unique is, the Global Talent visa option allows more flexibility as it does not require the applicant to obtain sponsorship from an employer or restrict the type of work they can do.
Furthermore, this route offers Global Talent Visa holders a fast-tracked settlement in the UK for eligible individuals, allowing applicants to obtain indefinite leave to remain after only 3 years.
Global talent dependants:
Family members of the Global Talent visa holder can apply for a Dependant Visa to travel with the main applicant (Global Talent Visa holder) as “dependants”. They may also choose to join them later in the UK. Under the UK Immigration rules a “dependant” is defined as any of the following:
- Husband, wife, or partner.
- Child under 18, (a child aged 16 or over must not be leading an independent life)
- Child over 18 if they are currently in the UK.
The application can be made together with the main applicant, or once the main applicant has obtained their visa.
Each family member is required to complete their own application if they are applying from outside the UK. If the family member are already in the UK, they can apply to switch as the Global Talent visa holders’ dependant.
Becoming dependants of Global Talent Visa Holder:
Bringing your partner
The partner of the Global Talent Visa holder must apply for a Dependant Visa to join their Global Talent partner. The partner, or the applicant, must:
- Be over the age of 18 on the date of the application.
- Be the partner of a person who already has permission, or who is applying and being granted at the same time permission, to enter the UK on the Global Talent route.
If the applicant and their Global Talent partner are married or in a civil partnership, the partner must be able to evidence this with the relevant certificate that is recognised in the UK.
On the other hand, if they are not married or in a civil partnership, they must prove the following:
- They have been living together in a relationship for at least 2 years before the date of application; and,
- Any previous relationship of the applicant or their Global Talent partner with another person must have permanently broken down; and,
- The applicant and their Global Talent partner must not be so closely related that they would not be allowed to marry or form a civil partnership in the UK.
More guidance on bringing a partner can be found on the gov.uk website
Bringing your children
A Global Talent visa holder may apply for a Dependant Visa for their children. The Dependent child must be the child of the Global Talent Visa holder and this must be evidenced.
The Global Talent Visa holder must also meet one of the following conditions:
- The parent has gained permission to enter the UK on the Global Talent route; or
- The parent is, at the same time, applying for (and is granted) permission on the Global Talent route; or
- The parent is settled or has become a British citizen
The dependant child applying must also meet the following conditions:
- The dependant child must be under the age of 18, unless they were last granted permission as the dependent child of their parent or parents.
- The applicant’s parents must either be lawfully present in the UK or being granted permission to enter or permission to stay at the same time as the applicant, other than as a visitor unless:
- the main applicant is the applicant’s sole surviving parent; or
- the main applicant is the parent that has and has had sole responsibility for the applicant’s upbringing; or
- there are serious or compelling reasons which would make it desirable not to refuse the application.
It is important to note that if the child is under the age of 18, there must be suitable arrangements for their care and accommodation in the UK, which must comply with relevant UK legislation and regulations.
If the dependant child is over the age of 18, they cannot apply for a Dependant Visa, unless they are applying from inside the UK. They would need to obtain their own immigration status to live in the UK.
Applications:
Application from inside the UK
Family members already in the UK can apply to extend or switch their visa to stay with the Global Talent visa holder as their “dependant”, unless they are currently in the UK in one of the following circumstances:
- On a visit visa
- On a short-term student visa
- On a Parent of a Child Student visa
- On a seasonal worker visa
- On a domestic worker in a private household visa
- They were given permission to stay outside the immigration rules
Dependants applying must fill out their own application. The family members must fill out the appropriate application online. They must select either:
As part of their application, the applicant will be asked to make an appointment at a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) to provide their biometric information (fingerprints and a photo).
They’ll also need to submit their supporting documents. These can be done by:
- Upload them into the online service; or
- Have them scanned at their UKVCAS appointment
Application from outside the UK
The family members can choose to apply for the dependent visa at the same time as the main applicant, or once the main applicant has obtained their visa.
If a dependant child is over the age of 18, they cannot apply for a dependant visa and would need to obtain their own immigration status to live in the UK.
The family members must fill out the appropriate application online. They must select either:
Each family member will need to complete a separate application and pay the visa fee. They must apply before they travel to the UK.
Children born in the UK:
If you have children while you are in the UK, they do not automatically become British citizens.
The Global Talent Visa holder may apply online for their dependant visa. You must do this if you want to travel in and out of the UK with your child.
Duration of Visa:
The duration of how long the visa will last depends on the status of the Global Talent Visa holder. If the main applicant (Global Talent Visa holder) has not been granted indefinite leave to remain, the dependant’s visa end date will match that of the main applicants.
On the other hand, if the main applicant has been granted indefinite leave to remain, the dependants will be granted 3 years permission.
Fees:
The application costs £608 per dependant. They will also need to pay for the Immigration Health Charge:
- Immigration Health Charge for adults – £624/year
- Immigration Health Charge for children – £470/year
If the dependants are applying from the UK, they will also need to pay £19.20 to have their biometric information (fingerprints and photo) taken.
