The Global Talent visa (Arts and Culture) is rolled out for the artists, performers, and creative professionals who want to live and work in the UK. For the global talent visa application, the applicant must be engaged professionally in producing, performing, presenting, or distributing internationally acclaimed work. They must have displayed regular professional engagement in their field for 5 years leading up to the date of application. This visa has two subcategories, namely, exceptional talent and exceptional promise. In this article, prepared by the leading UK immigration solicitors, we delve into details of the global talent immigration route.
Visa Application Process
Applying for this visa is a two-step process. First, the applicant must submit their artwork to the Arts Council England. They will then consider the artwork and decide whether the artwork is to be endorsed or not. The decision on endorsement will be taken within a maximum of 8 weeks. While the decision on endorsement visa application is awaited, applicants can move freely in and out of the UK.
If the endorsement visa application is approved, the applicant can then make the visa application to the UKVI. The visa application must not be made from within the UK. However, if the endorsement visa is not approved, the applicant can submit their endorsement for review through UKVI. The review decision will be returned within 3 weeks. The application fee for the endorsement is 456 pounds and for the visa application is 152 pounds.
Documents Required for Global Talent Visa (Arts and Culture)
Applicants must submit their artwork evidence to the Art Council England which is the endorsing body. In both talent and promise routes, applicants must furnish three letters of recommendation, out of which:
- Two letters must be from well-established organisations recognised as experts in the applicant’s fields.
- The third letter can either be from an organisation or an individual with acknowledged expertise in the field of applicant.
- At least one must be from an organisation based out of the UK.
The letters must state how the applicant will benefit from living in the UK and how they would contribute to the cultural life in the UK. Apart from the letters of recommendation, the applicant should also include two proofs of media recognition, awards, and proof of performances/exhibitions/global distribution.
Eligibility for the Global Talent Visa Application
The global talent (arts and culture) visa application is available for individuals engaged in the following fields:
- Dance
- Literature
- Music
- Theatre
- Visual Arts
- Combined Arts
- Museums and Galleries
Fields outside of Arts and Culture:
Arts Council England does not endorse applications made by those who are engaged in film and television, fashion, or architecture. These art forms have their respective endorsing bodies. You can consult with UK immigration solicitors to get help with the correct endorsement application.
What can you do with a Global Talent (Arts and Culture) Visa?
This visa allows the applicant to:
- Choose how long their visa is up for, maximum limit of 5 years
- Be self-employed, employed at a company, or a director of a company
- Change and quit their job without informing the Home Office
- Bring their spouse, children, or any dependents if they are eligible
- Move freely in and out of the UK
How can the UK Immigration Solicitors at Osbourne Pinner help you?
Our UK Immigration Solicitors in London have vast experience in handling the global talent visa application in the fields of art and culture. We assist with applying to the Arts Council England for endorsement visa and the visa application to the Home Office. Our UK Immigration Solicitors will walk you through the complex immigration laws surrounding the immigration route of global talent for art professionals.
