The UK’s Global Talent visa is one of the most attractive visas available because of its flexibility and – for many – providing an accelerated pathway to Indefinite Leave to Remain within three years rather than five years.
The amount of time visa holders must spend in the UK before being eligible for Indefinite Leave to Remain ("ILR") depends on the type of endorsement and the endorsing body.
The below table sets out who is eligible to apply for ILR within three years and who must wait to complete five years' residence.
Endorsing body | Exceptional Promise/Emerging Leader endorsement | Exceptional Talent/Leader endorsement |
Arts Council England | 5 years | 3 years |
Tech Nation | 5 years | 3 years |
The British Academy | 3 years | 3 years |
Royal Academy of Engineering | 3 years | 3 years |
UK Research and Innovation | 3 years | 3 years |
Applicants who obtained a Global Talent visa through an ‘eligible award’ without the need for an endorsement are also eligible for Indefinite Leave to Remain within three years rather than five.
The dependents (partner and children) of Global Talent applicants must complete five years’ residence before they are eligible for settlement – even if the main applicant is eligible earlier.
With some limited exceptions, applicants must also demonstrate that they have not been absent for more than 180 days in any rolling 12-month period.
Can I combine with time spent on other visas?
Yes, it is possible to combine time spent on certain other visas to meet the residence requirements for ILR.
Global Talent applicants can combine time spent in any combination of the following visas:
- Global Talent
- Skilled Worker / Tier 2 (General)
- Innovator
- Minister of Religion
- Tier 2 Sportsperson or International Sportsperson
- Tier 1 (General, Investor or Entrepreneur)
This means that someone who has a Skilled Worker visa for three years before switching into the Global Talent visa route on a three-year route to settlement is eligible to apply for ILR straight away provided all other requirements are met.
Please note that Global Talent applicants cannot rely on previous time spent in the UK with a Student, Graduate or family visa.
What are the other requirements?
You must:
- still be endorsed by the approved endorsing body (i.e. your endorsement has not been withdrawn)
- have lived in the UK for three or five years (depending on your endorsement)
- have spent no more than 180 days outside the UK in any 12-month period (unless relying on an exception)
- meet the English language requirement (unless exempt)
- have passed the Life in the UK test
- have ‘earned money’ in your field of endorsement
- there are no reasons to refuse based on conduct or criminality
How can Turpin Miller help?
Our experienced team can assess your eligibility for ILR, prepare and submit your ILR application or provide an ‘application checking service’ on an application you have prepared, assist with next steps following a refusal and help you obtain British citizenship once you are settled in the UK. Contact our friendly team for advice and assistance.