SWITCHING TO THE GLOBAL TALENT VISA FROM A DIFFERENT TYPE OF VISA

If you want to switch to the Global Talent Visa you must be in the UK and have either:

• Proven that you are a leader or a potential leader in one of the fields covered by this route (digital technology in particular) –– this means getting an endorsement. The process is similar to getting an endorsement “from scratch”, i.e. outside of the UK. You must apply to switch to the Global Talent visa within 3 months of getting an endorsement.
• Have won an eligible award.

You can apply to switch to the Global Talent visa if you are already in the UK on one of the following visa types:

• Tier 1 (Investor visa) – this route has been shut down in February 2022. If you already have this visa (or had one in the last 12 months and it was your most recent visa), you can still apply to switch to the Global Talent visa.
• Tier 2 (Skilled Worker visa)
• Tier 5 (Temporary Worker visa)
• Start-up visa
• Innovator visa

You should apply before your current visa expires.

Your partner or children will need to apply separately to switch their visa. They can either apply at the same time as you, or at any time before their current visa expires.

You are not eligible for a visa switch if you’re currently in the UK in one of the following circumstances:

• On a Visitor 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
• On immigration bail
• You were given permission to stay outside the immigration rules, for example on compassionate grounds

In this case, you must leave the UK and apply for the Global Talent visa from abroad.

Additionally, you need to keep in mind your eligibility for indefinite leave to remain (ILR). To satisfy the five-year qualifying time required for ILR, you can combine the time spent on any of the following visa types:

• Skilled worker visa that has replaced the Tier 1 (General) route
• Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) – a cancelled route
• Innovator visa

You will need to submit:

• Your current passport or other valid travel documentation
• Your endorsement letter
• Payment for the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)
• The result of your tuberculosis test (if applicable)

Switching to a Global Talent Visa costs £623.

If you’re applying based on an endorsement, you’ll pay the £623 in two parts:

1. £456 when you apply for the endorsement
2. £167 when you apply for the visa itself

Have any remaining questions? Be sure to sign up for a free consultation – our team will be happy to help you out.