Alternatives to visa sponsorship

The Global Talent visa is aimed at academics and researchers who can demonstrate that they are either established world leaders in their field or they have the potential to be a world leader in their field.  It has replaced the Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent) visa and allows unrestricted work in the UK.   

Applications are made in two stages; the first stage is to apply for endorsement from one of the listed endorsing bodies, and the second stage is to apply for the visa itself.  

They can apply at any time, and the Global Talent visa is not connected with a job offer.  If they are applying from inside the UK, they must submit their visa application (stage 2) before their current one expires in order to be able to stay in the UK and continue to work. 

Applications can be made from overseas, or individuals may switch from another visa category from within the UK, such as Skilled Worker, if they meet the criteria. 

The key benefits of choosing a Global Talent visa rather than sponsorship are: 

• It is unrestricted.  It allows individuals to work in any role in their field of expertise for any employer during the period of their visa.  Sponsorship is restricted to the job they are being sponsored for and so can limit the range of activities they may wish to undertake in the UK. 
• It allows individuals to settle in the UK after 3 years as opposed to 5 years on a sponsored visa.   
• There are no monitoring or reporting responsibilities attached to Global Talent, because it is doesn’t require sponsorship and is not tied to a specific role. 

Applicants can choose to apply under the Exceptional Talent or Exceptional Promise category, depending on the level at which they are at in their careers. 

‘Exceptional Promise’ is usually for those who have just completed or have recently completed their PhD and are early in their careers.  At LSE, this category is usually suitable for those at either Assistant Professor/LSE Fellow level or Research Officer/Research Fellow level. 

‘Exceptional Talent’ is usually for those who are established in their career and already have a world-leading reputation in their field.  They will have a strong research profile and have an established publication record.  At LSE, this category is usually suitable for those at Associate Professor or Professor level or equivalent role. 

If an individual is unsure which category is most suitable for them, they can aim their application at both categories, and include evidence of how they meet the criteria for them both.  The Endorsing Body will consider the application against both categories and will grant ‘Exceptional Promise’, if they are unable to grant ‘Exceptional Talent’.  There is no detriment to the individual to receive endorsement under the Exceptional Promise level rather than the Exceptional Talent level. 

Applicants are advised to allow around 10-12 weeks for the entire process and, broadly speaking, this equates to 4-6 weeks to apply for endorsement and 4-6 weeks to apply for the visa.  It may be quicker depending on where the person is applying from and if they can use the digital process for uploading their ID documents. 

As the visa is not linked to a job application, individuals are free to decide on the date they wish to come to the UK and then work backwards to decide when they should submit their endorsement application. 

Here is an example timetable for someone wishing to come to the UK on 1 July with their Global Talent visa. 

Once they have received endorsement, they must apply for their visa within 3 months of the date the endorsement was given otherwise it will become invalid and they will need to apply for endorsement again. 

Also, they cannot travel once they have submitted their visa application (stage 2) and so they will need to consider any travel plans they have already committed to and time their application accordingly. 

The individual must choose which Endorsing Body they would like to consider their application. 

The Endorsing Bodies are: The British Academy, The Royal Society, Arts Council England, the Royal Academy of Engineering, Tech Nation and UK Research and Innovation (UKRI).  

LSE academics and researchers tend to use the British Academy, the Royal Society or the UKRI.  

If the individual’s area of expertise is relevant to more than one Endorsing Body, they can choose the one they wish to apply to.  Overall, it is helpful to choose the Endorsing Body that will be best placed to consider the individual’s application. 

Individuals must have a PhD or equivalent research experience (which includes industrial or clinical research).  They must also be an active researcher, for example in a university, research institute or business.  They must also work in an approved research discipline. 

Please refer to the qualifying criteria document for a full list of criteria that an individual must meet to be eligible for endorsement. 

Please note that individuals must be able to demonstrate that they clearly meet all of the criteria set out in the document.  If they do not, their application is likely to be unsuccessful.