The Global Talent visa route opened yesterday, 20 February 2020, and provides an entrance level for highly talented and promising individuals in the fields of science, technology, engineering, medicine, humanities, culture and the arts to live and work in the UK. It replaces the Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent) category. It is to all extent and purposes an updated version of status which embraces the UK Government's agenda in the overhaul of the current system for workers.

To be considered for entry under the Global Talent visa, applicants must gain an endorsement from one of six endorsing bodies engaged by the Home Office.

If you are applying for endorsement in the fields of science, engineering, medicine, the social sciences or the humanities, the Home Office will refer your application to the British Academy, Royal Academy of Engineering, Royal Society or UK Research and Innovation (UKRI)

If you are applying for endorsement in the fields of arts and culture and digital technology, your application will be referred to Arts Council England or Tech Nation, which follow separate endorsement criteria. Please see the Global Talent visa Immigration Rules for further information.

Appendix W.7(1)

(a) Applications for endorsement must be made to the Home Office but are considered by the endorsing body. Applicants should not contact the endorsing body directly following the submission of their application.

(b) In all cases the endorsing body will advise the Home Office whether or not it endorses the applicant. If the applicant is not considered by the endorsing body to have met the endorsement requirement set out in these Rules, or sufficiently demonstrated that their presence in the UK will contribute to the advancement of their sector, the application will not be endorsed.

(c) If successful, the decision maker will provide the applicant with a dated endorsement letter.

For those individuals who hold immigration permission under Tier 1 Exceptional Talent, the status of those with existing permission will be largely unaffected. Upon expiry of their current permission, Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent) migrants who wish to extend their visa status may do so under the Global Talent route.

Applicants with a valid Tier 1 talent visa endorsement letter who have not applied for immigration permission by 20 February 2020 should be able to apply for permission under the Global Talent route without needing to reapply for an endorsement (provided the endorsement remains valid).

In addition, those who will become eligible to apply for ILR under their existing Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent) leave will be able to apply for ILR under the Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent) category without having to switch into the Global Talent category. For further tier 1 exceptional talent guidance, get in touch with our immigration specialists.