Frequently asked questions
Common questions about the UK Global Talent Visa and our advisory service.
Getting started
What is the UK Global Talent Visa?
The Global Talent Visa is a UK immigration route for leaders and potential leaders in the digital technology sector. It does not require a job offer, employer sponsorship, or a minimum salary. Eligibility is determined by a endorsement from an approved body based on demonstrated talent or exceptional promise in technology.
Who is it for?
Technology professionals — engineers, technical leaders, founders, researchers, and product specialists — who can demonstrate significant contribution to the sector, or strong potential for future leadership. The route is competitive and not suited to all experience levels.
What is the difference between Exceptional Talent and Exceptional Promise?
Exceptional Talent is for established professionals with a proven track record — senior leadership, published work, industry recognition, or technical contributions widely adopted by others. Exceptional Promise is for early- to mid-career professionals who show strong trajectory, clear career progression, and credible potential for future leadership.
Eligibility
Do I need a job offer before applying?
No. The Global Talent Visa does not require a job offer or employer sponsorship. You can secure endorsement first and then search for roles, freelance, or start a company in the UK.
Is there a minimum salary requirement?
No. Eligibility is assessed on your talent and professional track record, not your current earnings.
What level of experience do I need?
There is no fixed number of years. For Exceptional Talent, the endorsing body looks for established impact — senior roles, technical contributions recognised by others, published research, or industry awards. For Exceptional Promise, strong career progression and credible evidence of future leadership are assessed. We determine which route you qualify for as part of the initial assessment.
The application
What evidence is required?
A CV, personal statement, and three recommendation letters from senior professionals familiar with your work. Supporting evidence of your contribution — projects, publications, conference talks, open-source work, press coverage — strengthens the application. The quality and framing of evidence matters more than volume.
Who should write my recommendation letters?
Three senior professionals who know your technical work well. At least one should be from outside your current or most recent organisation. Letters must speak to the specific impact and quality of your work — not simply confirm employment or describe your role.
How long does the process take?
Preparation with us typically takes 6–8 weeks, depending on the completeness of your evidence at the start. Once submitted to the endorsing body, decisions are typically issued within 4–8 weeks.
Life in the UK
Can my family join me?
Yes. Your partner and children under 18 can come to the UK as dependants. They are permitted to work and study without restriction.
Do I need to live in the UK full-time?
There is no minimum residence requirement during the visa period itself. However, extended absences during your route to settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain) may affect the continuity of residence required for that application. Absences should be managed carefully if settlement is your goal.
Can I travel freely while on the visa?
Yes. The Global Talent Visa places no re-entry restrictions on travel. You can leave and return to the UK as often as you need during the visa period.
How long until I can apply for permanent residence?
Endorsed as Exceptional Talent: eligible for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after 3 years. Endorsed as Exceptional Promise: eligible after 5 years. One year after ILR, you may apply for British citizenship.
Our service
What do you do?
We provide specialist advisory for UK Global Talent Visa endorsement applications. We assess eligibility, structure evidence, and prepare applications for technology professionals seeking endorsement. We work exclusively in this area and with technology professionals only.
What happens after I submit the assessment form?
We review your submission and respond within two working days. Suitable profiles receive outreach to discuss engagement. Assessment is free and without obligation.
Do I need to be based in the UK to use your service?
No. We work with professionals worldwide. The engagement is conducted remotely by email and video call.
Ready to find out if you qualify?
Assessment is free. We respond within two working days.
Request Assessment