Human Resources

Global Talent visas

Find out about Global Talent visas, the available routes for endorsement, and a comparison with the Skilled Worker visa

The Global Talent visa is available to leaders in academia and research, arts and culture, and digital technology. It’s a two-stage process, with individuals first applying for endorsement, and then applying for the visa itself once endorsement has been granted.

The University of Sussex may be able to provide a Statement of Guarantee to support an application for a Global Talent visa, if eligibility requirements are met.

There are four routes available for making a Global Talent visa application. These are:

  • Route 1: Academic and research appointments
  • Route 2: Individual fellowships
  • Route 3: Endorsed funders
  • Route 4: Peer review

A Statement of Guarantee is only required for Routes 1 and 3. If you’re interested in applying for a Global Talent visa under Routes 1 or 3, your line manager will be asked to complete an assessment form. The HR Compliance team will review the completed form for eligibility, and either issue you with a Statement of Guarantee or advise you on alternative options.

Below is a brief overview of the two routes for which the University may be able to support an application. Please follow the links to read up on the full eligibility requirements for each route.

 

Applying under Route 1: Academic and research appointments

In order to be eligible for this route, you must be responsible for leading or directing your own individual or group research projects. If this isn’t a significant portion of your role, or your research is in a support rather than leading role, then you’re unlikely to be eligible.

The responsibility for leading/directing research must be evident in the job description, as a copy of this will be provided along with the Statement of Guarantee to the endorsing body.

Read more about Route 1 here.

 

Applying under Route 3: Endorsed funders

In order to be eligible for this route, you must be working on a project which is funded by a grant from the Gov.UK approved list of funders.

The grant must be worth at least £30,000, and you must be spending at least 50% of your work time on the project. Your name or role must also be named on the grant.

Read more about Route 3 here.

 

Applying under Routes 2 and 4

If you’re interested in applying through Route 2 (Individual fellowship) or Route 4 (Peer review), you can do this without a Statement of Guarantee. Route 2 requires proof that you have been awarded a listed fellowship. Route 4 comprises a complete review of your research career to date and is supported by letters of recommendation from eminent individuals in your field, chosen by you.

 

Comparison with Skilled Worker visa

The Global Talent visa has several key differences with the Skilled Worker visa. It’s a shorter route to Settlement, requiring only three years residence in the UK rather than five. It’s also not tied to a specific job, so you can retain the visa even if you switch roles or employers.

Below is a comparison table for an overview of the main differences between the Skilled Worker and Global Talent visas. This is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as advice on which route is right for you. If you require personalised immigration advice, then please seek guidance from an OISC-accredited immigration advisor.

 

 

Skilled Worker visa

Global Talent visa

Application fee

£719 - £1,636, according to individual circumstances

£716 (£542 for endorsement and £192 for the visa)

Restrictions
  • Must only undertake work in the job for which you are sponsored.
  • Any supplementary work limited to 20 hours per week.
  • Must apply for a new visa if switching employer or type of job.
  • No requirement to stay within your original role, but must be able to prove you’ve earned money in your specialist field if applying to extend the visa.
  • No limit on supplementary work.
  • Can retain your visa even if switching employer or job.

Time to Settlement

5 years

3 years

Can bring dependants

Yes

Yes

Immigration Health Surcharge fee

Yes, paid at usual rate (£1,035 per year)

Yes, paid at usual rate (£1,035 per year)

Eligible for University reimbursement scheme

Yes, main applicant and dependants

Yes, main applicant only

 

If you would like more information about the Skilled Worker visa, please read the guidance on the Gov.UK website. For detailed information about the Skilled Worker salary thresholds and the tradeable points mechanism, please see our information tables on the University’s website.