The United Kingdom’s Global Talent Visa has received only three applicants in two years. The scheme was introduced on February 20, 2020, in order to attract exceptional talent into the country, thus replacing the Tier 1 Exceptional Talent Visa.
The Global Talent Visa for the UK allows foreigners engaged in fields such as academia and research, arts and culture, as well as digital technology, to work in Britain for a period of five years without a sponsor or a job.
However, the scheme did not manage to attract a larger number of talents as it first was expected, VisaGuide.World reports.
Former Home Secretary Priti Patel, back in 2021, said that winners of such awards have reached the pinnacle of their careers and have too much to offer to Britain. She stressed that these important changes will also give them the freedom to work in UK’s world-leading arts, music, sciences, and film industries as we build back better.
Back then, she said that this is exactly what the new point-based immigration system projected for attracting the best and brightest based on their skills and talent, not where they’ve come from.
Research Professional News previously noted that the visa scheme only saw three applications in two years; two applicants were granted in 2022, while this year, just one.
“Due to the exclusivity of the prizes which qualify under the ‘prestigious prize’ pathway of the Global Talent route, we do not expect a high volume of applications in comparison with other immigration routes,” a Home Office spokesperson told RPN.
In order to benefit from this visa, applicants have to submit the required documents that differ depending on their qualifications.
The application process for a Global Visa for the United Kingdom is divided into two parts:
- Applying for endorsement from an organisation that is recognized as an expert in a specific field
- Applying for the Global Talent Visa
The visa is valid for a period of five years, with the possibility of renewal. If persons apply as a leader or exceptional talent, they can apply for settlement in the UK after three years of residence. If they apply as a potential leader, they can apply for settlement after five years.
The fee for a Global Visa is £608 per person:
- £456 for the endorsement
- £152 for the visa (£97 if you’re from Turkey or North Macedonia)
Persons who benefit from a Global Talent visa are eligible to bring their families with them to the UK, and they can all apply at the same time. This includes spouses and any minor or dependent children. It has been emphasized that each of the applicants’ dependent family members they are required to pay an extra application fee of £608 and also bring the relevant documents.