Guidance

Global Talent caseworker guidance (accessible)

Updated 17 July 2023

Version 11.0

1. About this guidance

This guidance tells caseworkers about the Global Talent category. It is based on the Immigration Rules, Appendix Global Talent.

This category is for talented and promising individuals in the fields of science, engineering, medicine, humanities, social sciences, digital technology and arts and culture (including film and television, fashion design and architecture) wishing to work in the UK. Applicants will be leaders in their field, or have the potential to be leaders, as determined by a Home Office recognised endorsing body.

All migrants entering the UK under the Global Talent category must have valid entry clearance under this route. If they do not, entry will be refused.

Global Talent replaced Tier 1 (Exceptional talent) on 20 February 2020. Individuals with permission in the Tier 1 (Exceptional talent) route can apply for an extension or settlement under the Global Talent rules.

Global Talent became part of the simplified points-based immigration system on 1 December 2020.

This guidance does not cover cross cutting questions linked to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The latest guidance is available at GOV.UK: Coronavirus (COVID-19): advice for UK visa applicants and temporary UK residents.

1.1 Contacts

If you have any questions about the guidance and your line manager or senior caseworker cannot help you, or you think that the guidance has factual errors, then email the Economic Migration Policy team.

If you notice any formatting errors in this guidance (broken links, spelling mistakes and so on) or have any comments about the layout or navigability of the guidance, then you can email the Guidance Rules and Forms team.

1.2 Publication

Below is information on when this version of the guidance was published:

• version 11.0

• published for Home Office staff on 17 July 2023

1.3 Changes from last version of this guidance

Added a section in the validity requirements for a stage 2 applications which explains the requirements for applicants who are switching from Student permission which applies to applications made on or after 17 July 2023

1.4 Related external links

Immigration Rules, Global Talent

2. Key facts

This page shows you the key facts for the Global Talent category.

2.1 Validity requirements – application for endorsement (Stage 1)

In order for an application for endorsement to be valid the following requirements must be met:

• the application must have been made on the correct form, and applicants applying for endorsement by Tech Nation must have also submitted the additional digital technology form

• the endorsement application fee must have been paid

• the application must be for endorsement by an endorsing body in the field relevant to the applicant

An applicant using a Prestigious Prize to qualify does not require an endorsement.

2.2 Validity requirements – application for permission (Stage 2)

In order for an application for permission to be valid the following requirements must be met:

• the application must have been made on the correct form

• any fee and Immigration Health Charge must have been paid

• the applicant must have provided any required biometrics

• the applicant must have provided a passport or other travel document which satisfactorily establishes their identity and nationality

• the applicant must have been issued with an endorsement letter by a Home Office approved endorsing body or have been awarded a prize listed in Appendix Global Talent: Prestigious Prizes

• if applying for the first grant of permission on the Global Talent route using an endorsement letter, the date of application must be no more than 3 months after the date on the endorsement letter

• the endorsement or prize must not have been withdrawn or suspended

• the applicant must be at least 18 years old on the date of application

If the applicant has, in the last 12 months before the date of application, received an award from a Government agency or international scholarship agency covering both fees and living costs for study in the UK, they must provide written consent to the application from that Government or agency.

If the applicant is in the UK at the time of application they must not have, or have last been granted, permission on any of the following routes:

• visitor

• short-term student

• Parent of a Child Student

• Seasonal Worker

• domestic worker in a private household

or outside the Immigration Rules.

An applicant who is applying for permission to stay and has, or last had, permission as a Student must have completed the course of study for which the Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) was assigned (or a course to which paragraph ST 27.3 of Appendix Student applies). Alternatively, if the course was leading to a PhD award they must have completed at least 24 months of that course.

2.3 Suitability requirement – application for permission (Stage 2)

The applicant must not fall for refusal under Part 9: grounds for refusal.

If applying for permission to stay the applicant must not:

• be in breach of immigration laws, except that where paragraph 39E applies, the relevant period of overstaying will be disregarded; and

• be on immigration bail

2.4 Eligibility requirements – application for endorsement (Stage 1)

This category is for highly skilled people in specific fields who wish to work in the UK.

Applicants will already be internationally recognised at the highest level as leaders in their particular field or have already demonstrated exceptional promise and are likely to become leaders in their particular field.

An endorsing body will assess whether the applicant meets the eligibility requirements on an endorsement application.

An applicant using a Prestigious Prize to qualify does not require an endorsement.

2.5 Eligibility requirements – application for permission (Stage 2)

All applicants must meet the points requirement (70 point required):

• to score 70 points if the applicant is making an initial application and not relying on an endorsement they must have been awarded a prize listed in Appendix Global Talent: Prestigious Prizes

• to score 70 points if the applicant is making an initial application relying on an endorsement:

  • they must have been issued with an endorsement letter by an endorsing body

  • the date of the application must be no more than 3 months after the date on the endorsement letter

  • they must have not had their endorsement withdrawn by the endorsing body

• to score 70 points if the applicant is making an extension application they must:

  • have not had their endorsement withdrawn by the endorsing body (only for applicants who relied on an endorsement to qualify)

  • meet the earned money requirement

Applicants must apply for and obtain entry clearance on the Global Talent route before their arrival in the UK.

Individuals applying for entry clearance must, if paragraph A39 and Appendix T of the Immigration Rules apply, provide a valid medical certificate confirming that they have undergone screening for active pulmonary tuberculosis and that this tuberculosis is not present in them.

2.6 Application forms

Stage 1 (endorsing body consideration): apply online.

Applicants applying for endorsement by Tech Nation must also submit the additional digital technology form.

Applicants who hold a prestigious prize do not need to apply for endorsement.

Stage 2 (Home Office consideration): In UK: apply online

Overseas: apply online or using a VAF 2 (only for applicants in North Korea).

Extension:

In UK: apply online

Overseas: either apply online or using a VAF 2 (only for applicants in North Korea).

Applicants applying for the Isle of Man’s Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent) route use the same stage 1 and stage 2 out of country process as those applying to the UK Global Talent route. Applications made by applicants already in the Isle of Man are made directly to their Immigration Service for stage 2.

2.7 Cost of application

See Fees for Home Office services

2.8 Is entry clearance mandatory?

Yes

2.9 Is biometric information required?

Yes

2.10 Entry clearance endorsement

Global Talent Migrant

Global Talent Prizewinner

2.11 Entry clearance condition code

Code 1 (+Spt) (+Pol)

2.12 Code of permission granted

4B

2.13 Conditions of permission

Permission under this route is subject to the following conditions:

• no access to public funds

• work (including self-employment and voluntary work) permitted except for employment as a professional sportsperson (including as a sports coach)

• study subject to the Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) condition in Appendix ATAS

2.14 How long is permission normally granted for?

Either:

• 1 year

• 2 years

• 3 years

• 4 years

• 5 years

As requested by the applicant.

2.15 Are dependants allowed?

Yes

2.16 Are work and study allowed?

Applicants can be salaried employees, self- employed, contractors, company directors etc.

Study is allowed, subject to the Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) conditions in Appendix ATAS.

2.17 Is switching into this category allowed?

See validation requirements.

2.18 Is there a minimum age for the route?

Applicants must be 18 or over.

2.19 Does this category lead to settlement (indefinite leave to remain)?

Yes

2.20 Is knowledge of language and life required?

Yes, for settlement applications.

2.21 Related external links

Immigration Rules, Global Talent

Fees for Home Office services

Immigration Rules, Appendix ATAS

Immigration Rules, Appendix Global Talent: Prestigious Prizes

3. Documents not in English

This page tells you about what an applicant must provide if they are providing a document which is not in English.

All documents provided with an application must be in English or Welsh. If they are not, the applicant must provide the original and a full translation which has been independently verified.

The translation must:

• confirm that it is an accurate translation of the original document

• be dated

• include the full name and signature of the translator or an authorised official of the translation company

• include the translator or translation company’s contact details

• be fully certified and include details of the translator or translation company’s credentials, if the applicant is applying in the UK

4. Initial applications

This section tells you the requirements initial applicants must meet to be granted either entry clearance or permission to stay as a Global Talent migrant.

An initial application for the Global Talent category is different depending on how the applicant will qualify.

If the applicant requires an endorsement, the process is split into 2 parts:

• stage 1 is an application for endorsement by an endorsing body - this is the same process for people applying both in and out of the UK

• stage 2 is an application for entry clearance or permission to stay, following successful endorsement

Stage 1 is not an application for permission to stay or entry clearance, so there is no requirement for applicants to provide their passport or biometrics. You need to check that the application is valid.

If the applicant holds an acceptable prestigious prize, they bypass stage 1 and go straight to stage 2.

Before you consider a stage 2 application you must check:

• the stage 2 application is valid

• the applicant’s passport or travel document is genuine

• whether any general grounds for refusal apply

• both the application and biometric information are registered and verified

5. Stage 1 overview

This section tells you about stage 1 of the Global Talent category.

The requirements to be granted an endorsement at stage 1 by an endorsing body appear in paragraph GTE 2.1 of Appendix Global Talent . The endorsing bodies criteria appears at paragraphs GTE 3.1 to GTE 8.10 of Appendix Global Talent.

Applicants must apply online. They must also submit the supporting documents, including the Tech Nation application form if they are applying under the digital technology criteria, once they have submitted their online application.

You must update the monitoring sheet with all actions to record the progress of the application.

5.1 Validity requirements

In order for an application for endorsement to be valid the following requirements must be met:

• the application must have been made on the correct form, and applicants applying for endorsement by Tech Nation must have also submitted the addition digital technology form to Tech Nation

• the endorsement application fee must have been paid

• the application must be for endorsement by an endorsing body in the field relevant to the applicant

A list of the fields covered by each endorsing body is available on GOV.UK.

An application which does not meet all the validity requirements for the Global Talent route is invalid and may be rejected and not considered.

For more details about validation see validation of application guidance.

5.2 Supporting documents

The applicant must provide the documents required by their chosen endorsing body unless they are a digital technology applicant. Digital technology applicants must upload their supporting documents via the Tech Nation application form. They are requested not to send evidence to the Home Office.

Individuals applying for endorsement in any other sector are asked to provide scanned documents by email once they have submitted their application. If you have any reason to think the scanned supporting documents are not genuine, you can request the originals by post. The scanned documents must be emailed to the endorsing body.

If you have requested original documents, and the applicant has not provided a return method of delivery, these must be returned to the applicant at the Home Office’s expense.

You must inform the applicant if they have been successful in gaining an endorsement using the email address given on their application form.

Further details on the consideration of initial stage 1 applications can be found under Caseworker actions: stage 1.

6. Caseworker actions stage 1

This section tells you the steps to take when you consider documentation submitted under the Global Talent category.

You must check the Global Talent Administration inbox on a daily basis for queries linked to stage 2 applications submitted overseas, for example where a stage 2 application is received without a corresponding stage 1 application.

6.1 Missing evidence

If the application is valid you must contact the applicant and give them 14 days to provide the required document or documents.

If the applicant fails to supply, or they cannot get, the required evidence, you must still refer the case to the endorsing body, but you must tell them missing evidence was requested and has not been received, or that the applicant cannot provide it.

Tech Nation applicants are not required to submit copies of their evidence to the Home Office and, therefore, applications should not be placed on hold.

6.2 Referring a case to the endorsing body

You must fill in the applicant’s basic details and create a unique reference number (URN) on the Global Talent monitoring spreadsheet in the shared drive. The URN is a consistent way of identifying the applicant’s information and is made up of the following details:

• URN

• current financial year

  • the financial year for this route runs from 6 April to 5 April the following year

• endorsing body abbreviations

  • Arts Council England – ACBF (including those for sub-endorsing bodies such as Pact)

  • British Academy - BA

  • Royal Academy of Engineering - RAE

  • Royal Society - RS

  • Tech Nation - TN

  • UKRI - UKRI

• 4-digit applicant number

For example, an Arts Council England application made on 25 March 2024 will be allocated the following URN in the 2023 / 24 financial year: URN2023ACBF1234.

You must check all the relevant documents have been supplied. Different documents are required for different endorsing bodies. Some cross-cutting evidential requirements for documents appear on GOV.UK.

Arts Council England

For an Arts Council England (ACE) application, the requirements differ depending on which body will assess the application. This will be either ACE, the Producers Alliance for Cinema and Television (PACT), the British Fashion Council (BFC) or the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA). The application form will indicate which sub-endorser will consider the application.

ACE applicants must provide:

• a CV

• 3 letters of endorsement that demonstrate their work as an individual or named member of a group:

  • one must be from a UK based arts and cultural organisation, institution or company

  • one must be from an arts and cultural organisation, institution or company, which may or may not be UK based

  • one must be from either a third arts and culture organisation (based either in the UK or overseas) or from an eminent individual with recognised expertise in the applicant’s specialist field

• up to 10 pieces of supporting documentation (which will be listed on the stage 1 application form)

PACT applicants must provide:

• 3 letters of endorsement as described above for ACE applicants, from organisations or individuals in the film and television industry

• evidence of each award they were nominated for or won, including:

  • full details of the production nomination or award, including category and year of nomination or award

  • evidence of the applicant’s involvement if the nomination or award was as part of a group

  • evidence of the credit the applicant received for the nomination or award

  • if the applicant is claiming credit for an award where they made a significant and direct contribution, evidence of their significant and direct contribution to the win or nomination

• up to 10 pieces of supporting documentation (which will be listed on the stage 1 application form)

BFC applicants must provide:

• 3 letters of endorsement from established organisations, institutions or companies with a national or international reputation and recognised expertise in fashion:

  • if applying under Exceptional Talent criteria, at least one of these letters must be from a UK organisation

• up to 10 pieces of supporting documentation (which will be listed on the stage 1 application form)

RIBA applicants must provide:

• 3 letters of endorsement as described above for ACE applicants, from organisations or individuals in the architecture industry

• evidence of each award they were nominated for or won, including:

  • full details of the nomination or award, including category and year of nomination or award

  • evidence of the applicant’s involvement if the nomination or award was as part of a group

  • evidence of the credit the applicant received for the nomination or award

  • if the applicant is claiming credit for an award where they made a significant and direct contribution, evidence of their significant and direct contribution to the win or nomination

• up to 10 pieces of supporting documentation (which will be listed on the stage 1 application form)

Science bodies

For the British Academy, Royal Society or Royal Academy of Engineering applications, non-fast track (peer review) applicants must provide a:

• CV
• letter of recommendation from an eminent person in the UK

Applicants applying under exceptional talent criteria must also provide an additional written assessment from an eminent person, who is part of a reputable UK organisation associated with the applicants work.

UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) only consider fast track applications.

Applicants may qualify to be considered under one of 3 fast track processes - 2 of these are considered by the British Academy, Royal Society or Royal Academy of Engineering and the third is considered by UKRI. The applicant must indicate which fast track route they are applying for on their form. Fast track applicants go through a different consideration process, as they have already been subject to peer review.

They also have different evidential requirements.

Fast-track applications – British Academy, Royal Society or Royal Academy of Engineering

For fast-track applications on a named fellowship considered by the British Academy, Royal Society or Royal Academy of Engineering, applicants must hold a letter of acceptance showing they have been awarded specific research fellowships / awards or research appointment from one of the bodies listed. Applicants must provide confirmation of the relevant fellowship / award which you must forward to the endorsing body for consideration.

A full list of the fellowships eligible for the fast-track process is published at Route 2: Individual fellowships.

For fast track applications for applicants with an eligible appointment considered by the British Academy, Royal Society or Royal Academy of Engineering, applicants must have been appointed to eligible academic or research positions at UK Higher Education Institute (HEI) or research institutes. They are required to provide a mandatory statement of guarantee from the Director of Human Resources or equivalent of the appointing HEI or research institute and a job description.

A list of the research institutes eligible for the fast-track process is published at: The Royal Society website. This page does not contain the full list of eligible HEIs, however this is available at: Check if your university or college can award a degree: recognised bodies.

It is for the relevant endorsing body to decide whether the evidence for fast-track applicants is acceptable. Where the endorsing body decides that the applicant does not meet the requirements to be fast-tracked, it will advise the Home Office. You must then contact the applicant and request the full information required from non- fast track applicants.

Fast-track applications – UKRI

UKRI also run a fast-track scheme. Applicants must be hosted or employed in a UKRI-approved UK research organisation and provide critical contributions to work supported by a substantial research grant or award from an endorsed funder named on the list approved by UKRI.

If the applicants grant or award is hosted on the UKRI approved databases list they must provide specific written confirmation of the relevant link. They can either directly provide the details or the link could be included on evidence from a third party, such as the Director of Human Resources (or equivalent) of the hosting or employing organisation.

If the applicants grant or award is not included on one of the databases, or the database didn’t confirm all the required information, they must also provide written confirmation from the endorsed funder. In all cases, applicants must provide a letter from the Director of Human Resources (or equivalent) at the UKRI approved employer or hosting body confirming details of their research in the UK.

For the list of approved endorsed funders see: UKRI endorsement: endorsed funders (Global Talent visa). For the list of UKRI-approved research organisations see: UKRI endorsement: employing or hosting institutions (Global Talent visa).

Tech Nation

For Tech Nation applications, applicants must provide:

• 3 dated letters of recommendation from 3 different well-established organisations acknowledged as experts in the digital technology field that support the Global Talent application

• a CV

• up to 10 pieces of information to demonstrate that they meet the qualifying criteria:

  • if the applicant has had any active or dissolved digital technology businesses in the last 5 years, or evidence of share ownership through business in a digital technology sector company, their 10 documents must include evidence of this

Tech Nation operates a fast-track option for applicants who can provide evidence of being accepted onto a recognised UK accelerator programme as named on GOV.UK.

If an applicant is requesting that their application is fast-tracked, their Tech Nation application form will show this. There is no difference in the evidential requirements.

As the Tech Nation online application form allows applicants to upload a copy of their evidence directly, there will be no need for you to send any documents to Tech Nation. Applicants are not required to provide evidence to the Home Office, though if any photocopies are provided, these should be retained on file at the Home Office.

6.3 Format of evidence

Submitted evidence cannot include:

• objects

• DVDs

• CDs

• digital files

• web links

If an applicant wants to use the content of a webpage as one of their 10 permitted supporting documents, they must provide a scanned copy of the page which clearly shows the hyperlink for the page.

If applicants do submit physical objects as part of their application, and the object is an original and the applicant is in the UK, you must speak to your manager to arrange an appropriate method of returning the object or objects to them. If the applicant has submitted a copy of the object or objects, speak to your manager about disposing of them appropriately.

If the applicant is outside of the UK and a UK return address cannot be found, the object or objects cannot be returned so you must speak to your manager about disposing of them appropriately.

6.4 Asking the endorsing body to consider an application

You must send referrals to all endorsing bodies as soon as possible.

You must create an endorsement form for the relevant endorsing body and save it in the Global Talent folder for that individual using the unique reference number (URN) as the file name.

For copies of the forms see:

• request for endorsement: Arts Council

• request for endorsement: Science Bodies (Peer Review)

• request for endorsement: Science Bodies (Fast Track)

• request for endorsement: Tech Nation

You must attach both the relevant sections of the stage 1 form and the relevant supporting evidence to an email to send to the endorsing body.

Official – sensitive: start of section

The information on this page has been removed as it is restricted for internal Home Office use.

Official – sensitive: end of section

The maximum file size that can be emailed to the endorsing body is 25MB. If the documentation is larger you must send it in as few emails as possible.

The email is then saved in the Global Talent Administration mailbox in Outlook.

6.5 Response from the endorsing body

When you receive a response, you must save the endorsement form and include “decision” in the filename. You must then update the monitoring spreadsheet with the endorsing body decision into the relevant column of the sheet.

6.6 Relevant letter

The relevant letter used to inform applicants of the decision is automatically selected and despatched via Atlas.

Where the application is refused, you must separately send a copy of the ‘Request for Endorsement’ form to the applicant, or their representative if appropriate. You must redact any personal details of the individual at the endorsing body who made the decision, save the document as a PDF and send it via email.

6.7 Isle of Man applicants

If an applicant has successfully been endorsed under the Isle of Man Isle of Man to advise them.

You should provide:

• the applicant’s name

• the date of birth

• confirmation of the endorsing body who endorsed the application

• the date of the endorsement

7. Stage 1 - endorsement review

This section tells you about the endorsement review for stage 1 applications in the Global Talent category.

If applicants are unsuccessful at stage 1, they can request a review of the decision. They must submit this on the endorsement review form within 28 calendar days of the date of non-endorsement and email it to the Global Talent Endorsements inbox.

The endorsement review requires both the Home Office and relevant endorsing body to confirm that the correct processes were followed. You must check that all relevant documents provided to the Home Office on the original application were correctly forwarded to the endorsing body at the time the original application was considered.

You must then forward this form to the relevant endorsing body as soon as possible, as you must respond to endorsement review requests within 28 calendar days. If the applicant has provided any supporting documents with their application, these must also be sent to the endorsing body. You must update the monitoring spreadsheet with details of the endorsement review.

When a response is received from the endorsing body you must:

• update the monitoring spreadsheet

• send a letter to the applicant informing them of the decision

If you receive the form over 28 calendar days after the date of non-endorsement, you must consider if there are any exceptional circumstances to accept the endorsement review. If there are not, you must email the applicant to inform them the endorsement review will not be accepted using the relevant letter.

For copies of the endorsement forms see:

• request for endorsement: Arts Council

• request for endorsement: Science Bodies (Peer Review)

• request for endorsement: Science Bodies (Fast Track)

• request for endorsement: Tech Nation

7.1 Responses taking longer than 28 calendar days

If it is clear that a response will take longer than 28 calendar days, you must contact the applicant to tell them there has been a delay and, after checking with the endorsing body, provide an indication of when the applicant can expect a response.

7.2 Relevant letter

The relevant letter used to inform applicants of the decision is selected and despatched through Atlas.

Where the endorsement review was unsuccessful, you must include the endorsing body explanation for the decision as part of the letter. Relevant reasons for the decision may appear on the ‘Request for Endorsement’ form or the endorsing bodies email. You must not provide any personal details of the individual at the endorsing body who made the decision.

7.3 Administrative actions

If an applicant has requested an endorsement review you must retrieve the applicant’s virtual file on Atlas, and then record the review and date the review was sent to the endorsing body. You must then reopen the application and record the following information on Atlas:

• the name of the endorsing body

• the date the original application was sent to the endorsing body

• the unique reference number used on the initial application

Once the endorsing body has reviewed the decision you must select ‘endorsed’ or ‘not endorsed’ as appropriate and send the relevant letter to the applicant through Atlas. This means a full audit trail of the case is recorded.

If the endorsing body chooses to uphold the decision for non-endorsement following the endorsement review, however this time for fresh reasons compared to the original decision, the applicant is permitted to submit a new endorsement review form to appeal the fresh reasons only. In this instance the review process will restart.

8. Stage 2 - overview

This section tells you about stage 2 of the Global Talent category.

The requirements to be granted at stage 2 appear in paragraphs GT 1.1 to GT 5.3 of Appendix Global Talent.

When the applicant receives their endorsement (stage 1), an application for entry clearance or permission to stay (stage 2) can be considered. Applicants who are relying on a Prestigious Prize only submit the stage 2 application.

A different process exists for applicants applying for the Isle of Man’s Tier 1 (Exceptional talent) route.

In the UK, stage 2 applications are submitted online. You must check the application is valid.

Out of country stage 2 applications are submitted on a separate online form.

8.1 Timing of applications – endorsement applicants

Applicants relying on an endorsement may choose to submit their stage 2 application before the stage 1 application is concluded, for example, if the applicant is in the UK and their permission is due to expire, they will want to make sure they do not overstay in the UK. If this occurs, you must hold the stage 2 application until a decision is made on the stage 1 application.

Applicants may have submitted a stage 2 application without submitting a stage 1. If this occurs, you must accept the stage 2 application, place it on hold and contact the applicant to advise that a stage 1 application must be submitted within 14 calendar days of the date of your request.

If an application is received within 14 calendar days, you must hold stage 2 until a decision is made at stage 1. If no application is submitted within 14 calendar days, you should reject the stage 2 application, as holding a valid endorsement is a validity requirement. Where it is unclear if a stage 1 application has been submitted, you must email the Global Talent caseworking team in Sheffield to confirm.

The Immigration Rules do not require the applicant to send the endorsement letter to the Home Office. The relevant endorsing body’s decision is recorded on Atlas, but if you do not have access to this and need to check the status of a stage 1 application, you must email the Global Talent caseworking team.

8.2 Conditions

Applicants for entry clearance and permission to stay are subject to the following conditions. They:

• are not allowed access to public funds

• cannot be employed as a professional sportsperson (including as a sports coach)

• can only study subject to the ATAS condition as set out in Appendix ATAS

8.3 Monitoring decisions

You must update the monitoring sheet with any actions to record the progress of the application.

If you are based outside the UK and have made a decision on an entry clearance application, you must email the Global Talent caseworking team in Sheffield to make sure the monitoring spreadsheet is updated.

Further details on the consideration of initial stage 2 applications can be found under Caseworker actions - stage 2.

9. Caseworker actions - stage 2

This page tells you the steps to take when you consider a stage 2 application – for Home Office consideration – under the Global Talent category.

9.1 Validity requirements

In order for an application for permission to be valid the following requirements must be met:

• the application must have been made on the correct form

• any fee and Immigration Health Charge must have been paid

• the applicant must have provided any required biometrics

• the applicant must have provided a passport or other travel document which satisfactorily establishes their identity and nationality

• the applicant must have been issued with an endorsement letter by a Home Office approved endorsing body or have been awarded a prize listed in Appendix Global Talent: Prestigious Prizes

• if applying for the first grant of entry clearance or permission to stay on the Global Talent route using an endorsement letter, the date of application must be no more than 3 months after the date on the endorsement letter

• the endorsement or prize must not have been withdrawn or suspended

• the applicant must be at least 18 years old on the date of application

If the applicant has, in the last 12 months before the date of application, received an award from a Government agency or international scholarship agency covering both fees and living costs for study in the UK, they must provide written consent to the application from that Government or agency.

An applicant applying for permission to stay must be in the UK at the time of application and they must also:

• not have, or have last been granted, permission on any of the following routes:

  • visitor

  • short-term student

  • Parent of a Child Student

  • Seasonal Worker

  • domestic worker in a private household

  • or outside the Immigration Rules

An applicant who is applying for permission to stay and has, or last had, permission as a Student must have completed the course of study for which the Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) was assigned (or a course to which paragraph ST 27.3 of Appendix Student applies). Alternatively, if the course was leading to a PhD award they must have completed at least 24 months of that course.

You can normally determine whether the applicant has completed their course by checking the end date on the CAS. However, the applicant may have completed their studies, and therefore met the requirement of the Rules, in advance of the end date on the CAS. If the end date on the CAS indicates they have not yet completed their studies, you should consider whether the course may have been completed by looking at any information provided with the application (for example, a results transcript) and any notifications made by the Student Sponsor. You should also check if the course stated on the CAS was at PhD level, and if so, use the course start date to assess whether they have completed at least 24 months.

If required, you should write to the applicant using the Validity reminder template, advising them that they have not shown that they have completed their studies and giving them an opportunity to do so before rejecting the application as invalid.

An application which does not meet all the above validity requirements is invalid and may be rejected and not considered.

For more details about validation see validation of application guidance.

9.2 Validation – prestigious prizes

If the applicant has stated that they have received a prestigious prize, but you have evidence to suggest they are making a fraudulent claim to that prize, you must consider accepting the application as valid and consider if a part 9 ground for refusal would be appropriate.

An example where this might be appropriate is an applicant claiming a prize won by another individual with the same name.

Where they are relying on the fact that they have been awarded a prize not on the list, you must reject the application in line with the validation guidance.

9.3 Stage 2 application received

You must update the monitoring sheet in the shared drive, to show the stage 2 application has been received and further update it when a decision is made, including where the applicant is applying under the Isle of Man Tier 1 (Exceptional talent) route.

9.4 Suitability requirements

Applicants must not fall for refusal under Part 9 of the Immigration Rules.

If the applicant is applying for permission to stay, they must not:

• be in the UK in breach of immigration laws, except that any period of overstaying will be disregarded where any of the circumstances set out in paragraph 39E of the Immigration Rules apply

• be on immigration bail

9.5 Eligibility requirement - points scoring

All applicants must score a total of 70 points in order to be granted permission in the Global Talent route. Points are awarded for:

Requirement	Point available
An applicant making an initial application not relying on an endorsement: has been awarded a prize listed in Appendix Global Talent: Prestigious Prizes	70
An applicant making an initial application relying on an endorsement: has been issued with an endorsement letter by an endorsing body; and the date of application is no more than 3 months after the date on the endorsement letter; and the endorsement has not been withdrawn by the endorsing body	70
Total number of points required	70

In most cases, if an applicant met the validity requirements for a stage 2 application, they will automatically score the required points.

9.6 Eligibility requirement – the applicant has been awarded a prestigious prize

The applicant must be a named recipient of the prize and the prize issued by the relevant body must not have been withdrawn or suspended.

For more details about assessing eligibility for prestigious prizes see: Appendix Global Talent: Prestigious Prizes.

9.7 Eligibility requirement - the endorsement has not been withdrawn

The endorsing body must not have withdrawn the endorsement given on the stage 1 application.

If the endorsing body no longer wishes to endorse the applicant, they must inform the Home Office through the Global Talent administration mailbox. You must record this information on the monitoring spreadsheet.

If you do not have access to this spreadsheet, you must email the Global Talent caseworking team in Sheffield.

As this also forms part of the validity requirements for a stage 2 application, this would only by used to refuse an applicant if you have used discretion to accept the application as valid.

9.8 Relevant letters

The relevant letters used to inform applicants of a permission to stay decision are available in Atlas.

The relevant letters used to inform applicants of an entry clearance decision are available on Proviso or Atlas, depending on the applicant’s circumstances.

9.9 Granting permission

You must grant permission to stay from the date you make the decision, not the date the applicant’s previous permission expires.

10. Caseworker actions - prestigious prizes

This section tells you about the prestigious prize fast-track pathway of the Global Talent route.

Applicants who hold a recognised prize do not need to apply for endorsement. There is no limit on the amount of time an applicant has held their prize for, meaning an applicant could have been awarded their prize at any point in their career and still qualify. The full criteria appear in paragraphs paragraph GT 4.1 and GT 4.1A of Appendix Global Talent. The list of acceptable prizes appears in Appendix Global Talent: Prestigious Prizes.

10.1 Verification process

The applicant must provide details of the prize they hold as part of their application, but they are not asked to provide evidence. You must therefore verify their claim using trusted sources, in most cases the website of the awarding body. See Global Talent eligible prize list.

If the website of the awarding body does not list the applicant as a winner, you must conduct further open source checks, for example via official media reports. You must not rely on information held on third party websites, such as Wikipedia, which can be edited by the general public.

If you have sufficient reason to think the claim is not genuine, or if you cannot verify the claim using open sources, you can request evidence from the applicant, for example a copy of an award certificate.

10.2 Group prizes

If the applicant states they have been awarded a prize listed in Appendix Global Talent: Prestigious Prizes, but that prize was awarded to a group or organisation the migrant is associated with, they will not normally qualify unless the award specifically names the applicant as part of the group or organisation.

For example:

Applicant is a member of band X which wins a prestigious prize. The website of the awarding body lists band X as the winner, but also names the applicant and the other band members as recipients of the award. This would meet the requirements.

10.3 Withdrawn or suspended prizes

If the applicant has claimed they were awarded a prestigious prize, but verification shows this was later withdrawn from the applicant or is currently suspended by the awarding body, the action you take will depend on the reason the prize was withdrawn or suspended. You must refuse the application if the reason for the withdrawal or suspension indicates the applicant used deception or acted in a way that would result in a refusal under Part 9 grounds for refusal. Alternatively, where there are no immigration concerns around the prize being withdrawn or suspended, the application must be rejected. Before rejecting or refusing an application in these circumstances you must email the Economic Migration Policy Team to inform them of the details.

If the applicant is relying on a prize which is no longer given out by the relevant awarding body, they can still qualify with the award, as long as it remains listed in Appendix Global Talent: Prestigious Prizes.

For example:

A prestigious prize withdraws its ‘best actor’ and ‘best actress’ awards and introduces a single inclusive prize for all genders. An applicant who had previous received a ‘best actress’ award prior to the change, can qualify with this award if it remains on the list of prestigious prizes and has not been withdrawn from the applicant or suspended by the awarding body.

11. Grant or refuse entry clearance - stage 2

This page tells you about granting or refusing a stage 2 application made overseas to come to the UK in the Global Talent category.

11.1 Submitting applications

Global Talent applicants can submit applications at the visa application centre in the country or territory where they are situated at the time of the application, provided that:

• the visa application centre has been designated by the Secretary of State to accept applications for entry clearance for that purpose and from that category of applicant

• the applicant is able to demonstrate to the entry clearance officer that they have authority to be living in that country or territory in accordance with its immigration laws

• when they were given authority to live in that country or territory, it was for a period of more than 6 months – applicants who are known to the authorities of that country or territory but who have not been given permission to live in that country or territory will not be eligible to make an application

11.2 Grant entry clearance

You must issue entry clearance if:

• the applicant meets all the relevant requirements of Appendix Global Talent to the Immigration Rules

• none of the general grounds for refusal in part 9: grounds for refusal apply

Further guidance on Part 9 is available in the guidance on grounds for refusal.

11.3 Length of entry clearance

Applicants can select one of the following options:

• 1 year

• 2 years

• 3 years

• 4 years

• 5 years

Applicants must have paid the correct Immigration Health Charge (IHC) for the period of time they requested on their stage 2 application. For example, if they paid the IHC for 1 year but request a 3 year grant, you may request a top-up payment via the IHC portal. If the applicant does not pay the correct IHC after the deadline you must refuse the application.

For more information on the IHC, including how to check that the applicant made the correct payment, see: Immigration Health Charge.

The endorsement is always one of the following and must be valid from the date the applicant intends to travel to the UK:

• Global Talent Migrant - Code 1 (+spt) (+pol)

• Global Talent Prizewinner – Code 1 (+spt) (+pol)

• Global Talent Migrant Partner - Code 1 (+doc)(+spt) (+pol)

• Global Talent Migrant Child - Code 1 (+spt) (+pol)

11.4 Refusing entry clearance

You must refuse the application:

• when the applicant has not provided the required evidence to show they meet all the relevant requirements of the Immigration Rules

• if any of the general grounds for refusal in part 9: grounds for refusal apply

The only exception is if the applicant indicates they have submitted their stage 1 application and is awaiting a response from the Home Office. In this situation, the overseas post must contact the email the Global Talent caseworking team in Sheffield, to establish what action has been taken on the stage 1 application.

11.5 Biometric information for entry clearance

Successful applicants for entry clearance are not given a vignette in their passport for the full length of the grant. If successful, they must be given a 90-day visa to allow them to collect their biometric residence permit (BRP) after they have arrived in the UK. For more information on this, please see the Biometric Residence Permits page on GOV.UK.

The above does not apply to applicants who use the UK Immigration: ID Check app. Digital status is available for EU nationals and some in-country applicants. Most overseas applicants still currently need to go to a Visa Application Centre to enrol fingerprints and facial image and are given a vignette in their passport to get them to the UK and then collect their BRP when they arrive.

11.6 Administrative review - out of country applications

If an application for entry clearance is refused, the applicant cannot appeal against the decision. However, they may apply for an administrative review if they think the Home Office has made an error in considering their application.

For further information on administrative review, please see: Ask for a visa administrative review.

11.7 Updating the monitoring spreadsheet

Once you have made a decision on a case you must email the Global Talent caseworking team so the monitoring spreadsheet can be updated. This includes applications which are overturned at administrative review.

12. Extension applications - overview

This page tells you about extension applications in the Global Talent category. The requirements to be granted an extension appear in of Appendix Global Talent.

Applicants can extend their permission from outside the UK. The requirements are the same regardless of where the applicant submits their extension application.

12.1 Conditions

Applicants for entry clearance and permission to stay are subject to the following conditions. They:

• are not allowed access to public funds

• cannot be employed as a professional sportsperson (including as a sports coach)

• can only study subject to the restrictions set out in Appendix ATAS

12.2 Monitoring decisions

You must update the monitoring sheet with any actions to record the progress of the application.

If you are based outside the UK and have made a decision on an entry clearance application, you must email the Global Talent caseworking team in Sheffield to make sure the monitoring spreadsheet is updated.

Further details on the consideration of extension applications can be found under caseworker actions: extension applications.

12.3 Extending Tier 1 (Exceptional talent) permission to stay

Applicants who already hold Tier 1 (Exceptional talent) permission to stay and who wish to extend this must do so under the Global Talent category. The extension requirements mirror those previously applied to Tier 1 (Exceptional talent) applicants.

13. Caseworker actions - extension applications

This page tells you how to consider an extension application under the Global Talent category.

In the UK, extension applications are submitted online. You must check the application is valid.

Out of country extension applications are submitted on a separate online form.

13.1 Validity requirements

In order for an application for permission to be valid the following requirements must be met:

• the application must have been made on the correct form

• any fee and Immigration Health Charge must have been paid

• the applicant must have provided any required biometrics

• the applicant must have provided a passport or other travel document which satisfactorily established their identity and nationality

• the endorsement or prize must not have been withdrawn or suspended

• the applicant must be at least 18 years old on the date of application

If the applicant has, in the last 12 months before the date of application, received an award from a Government agency or international scholarship agency covering both fees and living costs for study in the UK, they must provide written consent to the application from that Government or agency.

Applicants who qualified with an endorsement, are not required to obtain a new endorsement decision to make a valid extension application, but the endorsing body must not have withdrawn its endorsement of the applicant.

An application which does not meet all the validity requirements for the Global Talent route is invalid and may be rejected and not considered.

For more details about validation see validation of application guidance.

13.2 Suitability Requirements

Applicants must not:

• be in the UK in breach of immigration laws, except that any period of overstaying will be disregarded where any of the circumstances set out in paragraph 39E of the Immigration Rules apply

• be on immigration bail

13.3 Eligibility requirement - points scoring

All applicants must score a total of 70 points in order to be granted permission in the Global Talent route. Points are awarded for:

Requirement	Points available
An applicant applying for an extension of their permission: has not had their endorsement withdrawn by the endorsing body, if they initially qualified using an endorsement has met the earned money requirement	70
Total number of points required	70

An applicant for extension of permission who has held Global Talent permission in the 12 months immediately before the date of application must be considered under the extension of permission requirements.

13.4 Eligibility requirement – the endorsement has not been withdrawn

The endorsing body must not have withdrawn the endorsement given on the initial application.

If the endorsing body no longer wishes to endorse the applicant, they must inform the Home Office through the Global Talent administration mailbox. You must record this information on the monitoring spreadsheet.

If you do not have access to this spreadsheet, you must email the Global Talent caseworking team in Sheffield.

As this also forms part of the validity requirements for an extension application, this would only be used to refuse an applicant if you have used discretion to accept the application as valid.

13.5 Eligibility requirement - applicant has earned money in the UK in their expert field

The applicant must have earned money in the UK during their last grant of entry clearance or permission to stay. The earnings must be linked to the expert field which led to their initial endorsement, or a field related to the subject matter of their prize, depending on how they initially qualified for the route.

Details of the evidential requirement can be found in the evidence for an extension or settlement section of this guidance.

13.6 Relevant letters

The relevant letters used to inform applicants of a permission to stay decision are available in Atlas.

The relevant letters used to inform applicants of an entry clearance decision are available on Proviso or Atlas, depending on the applicant’s circumstances.

14. Grant or refuse permission to stay - extensions

This page tells you when to grant or refuse an extension of stay to a person who seeks an extension of stay under the Global Talent category in the UK.

14.1 Grant extension

You must grant permission to stay if:

• the applicant meets all the requirements of Appendix Global Talent of the Immigration Rules

• none of the general grounds for refusal in part 9: grounds for refusal apply

Further guidance on Part 9 is available in the guidance on general grounds for refusal.

You must grant permission on code 4B.

The wording on the biometric residence permit (BRP) is: GLOBAL TALENT MIGRANT

LEAVE TO REMAIN

RESTRICTED WORK NO SPORT

NO PUBLIC FUNDS

14.2 Length of permission

Applicants can select one of the following options:

• 1 year

• 2 years

• 3 years

• 4 years

• 5 years

Applicants must have paid the correct Immigration Health Charge (IHC) for the period of time they requested on their stage 2 application. For example, if they paid the IHC for one year but request a 3-year grant, you may request an additional IHC payment via the IHC Portal. If the applicant does not pay the correct IHC after the deadline you must reject the application.

For more information on the IHC, including how to check that the applicant made the correct payment, see: Immigration Health Charge.

14.3 Refuse an extension

You must refuse permission to stay if:

• the applicant does not meet all of the relevant requirements of Appendix Global Talent of the Immigration Rules

• any of the grounds for refusal in part 9: grounds for refusal apply

• the applicant is in breach of UK immigration laws, except for any period of overstaying allowed by the Immigration rules which will be disregarded

14.4 Rights of appeal and administrative review

Applicants cannot appeal against the decision. However, if they think the Home Office has made an error in considering their application, they can apply for an administrative review. Details of how to make an administrative review application must be included in the decision letter.

15. Grant or refuse entry clearance - extensions

This section tells you about granting or refusing an extension application made overseas to return to the UK in the Global Talent category.

15.1 Grant entry clearance

You must issue entry clearance if the applicant:

• meets all the requirements of Appendix Global Talent of the Immigration Rules

• none of the general grounds for refusal in part 9: grounds for refusal apply

Further guidance on Part 9 is available in the guidance on general grounds for refusal.

15.2 Length of entry clearance

Applicants can select one of the following options:

• 1 year

• 2 years

• 3 years

• 4 years

• 5 years

Applicants must have paid the correct Immigration Health Charge (IHC) for the period of time they requested on their stage 2 application. For example, if they paid the IHC for one year but request a 3-year grant, you may request a top-up payment via the IHC portal. If the applicant does not pay the correct IHC after the deadline you must reject the application.

For more information on the IHC, including how to check that the applicant made the correct payment, see: Immigration Health Charge.

The endorsement is one of the following and must be valid from the date the applicant intends to travel to the UK:

• Global Talent Extension Migrant - Code 1 (+spt) (+pol)

• Global Talent Partner - Code 1 (+spt) (+pol)

• Global Talent Child - Code 1 (+spt) (+pol)

15.3 Refusing entry clearance

You must refuse the application when:

• the applicant has not provided the required evidence to show they meet all the relevant paragraphs of the Immigration Rules

• any of the general grounds for refusal in part 9: grounds for refusal apply

15.4 Biometric information for entry clearance

Successful applicants for entry clearance are not given a vignette in their passport for the full length of the grant. If successful, they must be given a 90-day visa to allow them to collect their biometric residence permit (BRP) after they have arrived in the UK. For more information on this please see the Biometric Residence Permits page on GOV.UK.

15.5 Administrative review - out of country applications

If an application for entry clearance is refused, the applicant cannot appeal against the decision. However, if they think the Home Office has made an error in considering their application, they can apply for an administrative review. For further information on administrative reviews, see: Ask for an administrative review.

15.6 Updating the monitoring spreadsheet

Once you have made a decision on your case you must email the Global Talent caseworking team so the monitoring spreadsheet can be updated. This includes applications which are overturned at appeal or administrative review.

16. Global Talent evidence for an extension of permission or settlement

This page tells you the documents that an applicant can provide with their application for an extension of permission to stay or application for settlement (indefinite leave to remain (ILR)).

16.1 Applicant is still endorsed by the relevant endorsing body

This only applies if the applicant initially qualified on the basis of an endorsement.

There are no documentary requirements to demonstrate applicants are still endorsed by the relevant endorsing body.

If the relevant endorsing body decides to withdraw its endorsement of a migrant, they will inform the Global Talent caseworking team based in Sheffield who will update the monitoring spreadsheet to record this information. Atlas must also be updated with details.

If you are considering an extension of permission or a settlement application, there are no comments on Atlas indicating an endorsement has been withdrawn and you do not have access to the monitoring spreadsheet, you must email the Global Talent caseworking team to confirm the endorsement is still valid.

16.2 Applicant has earned money in the UK in their field

The Immigration Rules (paragraph GT 13.1) do not require specific evidence to meet this requirement. Applicants can provide any evidence as long as it is from an independent source which can be verified if required. The Global Talent website gives a list of potential forms of evidence they may choose to provide, but this is not exhaustive.

If the applicant provides a different form of evidence, you can choose to accept this if you are content that it is independent and demonstrates they have earned money in the UK in their expert field during their last permission. If you are not satisfied with the evidence provided, you must contact the applicant to give them the opportunity to provide a further acceptable form of evidence.

16.3 Applicant still holds a prestigious prize

This only applies if the applicant initially qualified on the basis of a prestigious prize.

The eligibility rules don’t require an applicant to still hold the prestigious prize at extension or settlement stage. However, in order for the application to be valid, the applicant must have not had their prize withdrawn or suspended.

If the applicant’s prize was withdrawn or suspended and the reasons for the withdrawal or suspension could lead to a refusal under part 9 ground for refusal, please contact Economic Migration policy for further guidance.

17. Settlement overview

This section tells you about settlement applications in the Global Talent category.

The requirements to be granted settlement appear in paragraphs GT 8.1 to GT 15.2 of Appendix Global Talent.

17.1 Monitoring decisions

You must update the monitoring sheet with the outcome of any settlement application.

If you do not have access to the monitoring spreadsheet, you must email the Global Talent caseworking team in Sheffield to make sure this is updated.

Further details on the consideration of extension applications can be found under caseworker actions - settlement applications.

18. Caseworker actions – settlement applications

This page tells you how to consider a settlement application under the Global Talent category.

18.1 Validity requirements

In order for an application for settlement to be valid the following requirements must be met:

• the application must have been made on the correct form

• any fee and Immigration Health Charge must have been paid

• the applicant must have provided any required biometrics

• the applicant must have provided a passport or other travel document which satisfactorily established their identity and nationality

• the applicant must be in the UK

• the applicant must have, or have been granted, permission on the Global Talent route (including where permission was granted under the Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent) route)

• the endorsement or prize must not have been withdrawn or suspended

Applicants who qualified with an endorsement, are not required to obtain a new endorsement decision to make a valid settlement application, but the endorsing body must not have withdrawn its endorsement of the applicant.

An application which does not meet all the validity requirements for the Global Talent route is invalid and may be rejected and not considered.

For more details about validation see validation of application guidance.

18.2 Suitability requirements

Applicants must not:

• be in the UK in breach of immigration laws, except that any period of overstaying will be disregarded where any of the circumstances set out in paragraph 39E of the Immigration Rules apply

• be on immigration bail

18.3 Eligibility requirement - the endorsement has not been withdrawn

The endorsing body must not have withdrawn the endorsement given on the initial application.

If the endorsing body no longer wishes to endorse the applicant, they must inform the Home Office through the Global Talent administration mailbox. You must record this information on the monitoring spreadsheet.

If you do not have access to this spreadsheet, you must email the Global Talent caseworking team in Sheffield.

18.4 Eligibility requirements - applicant has earned money in the UK in their expert field

The applicant must have earned money in the UK during their permission to stay. The earnings must be linked to the field which led to their initial endorsement, or a field related to the subject matter of their prize, depending on how they initially qualified for the route.

Details of the evidential requirement can be found in the evidence for an extension or settlement section of this guidance.

18.5 Eligibility requirement - continuous period

The continuous period varies depending on a migrant’s specific circumstances. The applicant must have spent a continuous period of:

• 3 years lawfully in the UK, if:

  • they were granted their initial application using a prize listed in Appendix Global Talent: Prestigious Prizes

  • they were endorsed by The Royal Society, The Royal Academy of Engineering or The British Academy criteria or UK Research and Innovation (UKRI)

  • they were endorsed under the exceptional talent criteria by Arts Council England or Tech Nation

• 5 years lawfully in the UK, if they were endorsed under the exceptional promise criteria by Arts Council England or Tech Nation

Applicants may combine time spent in the following categories towards the qualifying period:

• Global Talent (including Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent))

• Tier 1 (General)

• Tier 1 (Entrepreneur)

• Tier 1 (Investor)

• Skilled worker (including Tier 2 (General))

• T2 Minister of Religion (including Tier 2 (Minister of religion))

• International Sportsperson (including Tier 2 (Sportsperson))

• Innovator

• Scale-Up

• Representative of an Overseas Business

18.6 Eligibility requirement - absences during the continuous period

Applicants are able to have absences from the UK of no more than 180 days in any continuous 12 calendar months during that period, unless the exception below applies.

Where the applicant was endorsed by The Royal Society, The Royal Academy of Engineering, The British Academy or UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), any absence linked to their permission to stay (such as a scientist undertaking research overseas), does not count as an absence, regardless of its length.

If the applicant qualified on the basis of a prestigious prize in Table 6 of Appendix Global Talent: Prestigious Prizes, they also benefit from the research exemption listed above.

Applicants are not requested to provide specific evidence to demonstrate that the absence was for reasons linked to their endorsement or prestigious prize; however, if you have concerns you may request further details from the applicant such as a letter from their employing / hosting organisation confirming the reasons for the absence.

For further details on the continuous period see: Indefinite leave to remain: calculating continuous period in UK.

18.7 Eligibility requirement - English language

The applicant must have at least a B1 level of English language ability, as defined in the Council of Europe’s common European framework for language and learning, unless an exemption applies.

How an applicant can demonstrate that they meet this requirement is set out in Appendix English Language to the Immigration Rules.

18.8 Eligibility requirement – knowledge of life in the UK

The applicant must meet the knowledge of life in the UK requirement in Appendix KOL UK.

18.9 Relevant letters

The relevant letters to use to inform applicants of the decision are available in Atlas. If the applicant does not meet the relevant criteria, you must refuse their application.

18.10 Administrative review

If an application for settlement is refused, the applicant cannot appeal against the decision. However, they may apply for an administrative review if they think the Home Office has made an error in considering their application.

For further information on administrative review, please see: Ask for a visa administrative review.

19. Refusing entry at a UK port

This section tells you about refusing entry at a UK port to a person seeking to enter the UK in the Global Talent category.

19.1 Refusal of entry

You must refuse under paragraph 9.14.1 of the Immigration Rules if someone seeks to enter under the Global Talent category without a valid UK entry clearance or leave to remain for this purpose.

If you are considering cancelling an applicant’s entry clearance or permission to stay under the Global Talent category, you must refer to Part 9 of the Immigration Rules.

Further guidance on Part 9 is available in the guidance on general grounds for refusal.

20. Cancellation of permission to stay

This section tells you about cancelling the permission to stay of a Global Talent migrant.

You may cancel a person’s permission in this category if the endorsing body that endorsed the application for the current permission withdraws the person’s endorsement.

You may also consider cancelling permission if the endorsing body who endorsed the applicant ceases to be a Global Talent endorsing body.

If the applicant was granted their initial application using a prize listed in Appendix Global Talent: Prestigious Prizes, you may consider curtailing their permission if this prize is withdrawn from the person or is suspended.

Your decision to curtail leave will need to take into account the reason for the withdrawal of the endorsing body or withdrawal or suspension of the prize. For example, if an endorsing body decided by mutual consent with the Home Office, that they no longer wished to be a Global Talent endorsing body, curtailment may not be appropriate. However, if the body ceased to be involved in the route as a result of its own inappropriate actions, curtailment may be more likely.

You can email the Economic Migration Policy Team for further guidance if the above curtailment grounds apply.

There is separate cancellation guidance which explains additional reasons which may result in the cancellation of an individual’s permission.

21. Change of circumstances

This section tells you where to find more information on changes of circumstances for a Global Talent migrant.

The applicant is required to undertake different actions depending on whether they are inside or outside the UK and whether they have a biometric residence permit (BRP). There are more details on how to report a change of circumstances available on GOV.UK.

22. Dependants

This section tells caseworkers about dependants in the Global Talent category.

The Immigration Rules covering permission for Global Talent dependants appear in paragraph 16.1 to 24.3 of Appendix Global Talent.

The Immigration Rules covering settlement for Global Talent dependants appear in paragraph 25.1 to 34.2 of Appendix Global Talent.

For more information on the requirements that dependants must meet in order to be granted permission in line with a Global Talent migrant, see: family members of points-based system migrants.

23. Global Talent managing the mailboxes

This section tells you the steps to take to manage the Global Talent mailboxes.

There are 2 mailboxes for Global Talent: one primarily for communicating with applicants and the other for administration purposes.

Overseas posts may use the administration mailbox to query stage 1 endorsements, including where an application is outstanding, or when considering an extension application, to confirm that the endorsing body has not withdrawn its endorsement.

This mailbox must also be used by caseworkers in the Isle of Man when checking endorsements under their Tier 1 (Exceptional talent) route. The administration mailbox must be checked twice daily, and action taken as appropriate.

If the endorsing body has withdrawn its endorsement of an applicant who was previously approved, it uses the administration mailbox to tell the Home Office. You must update the monitoring spreadsheet and Atlas / CID with this information. In addition, curtailment may be appropriate.

Atlas / CID should be updated with relevant information as a priority to allow posts to check this data using I-Search. This reduces the number of queries sent to the administration mailbox and speeds up the consideration time for entry clearance applications.

The external mailbox is used to inform applicants of the progress and outcome of their stage 1 application. It is the applicant’s main way of communicating with the Home Office. The mailbox must be checked frequently, and appropriate action taken.

All caseworkers who consider in UK applications must be given access to the relevant mailboxes. If you do not have access, you must request this from your line manager.

24. Tier 1 (Exceptional talent): The Isle of Man

This section tells you how to deal with applications under the Isle of Man Tier 1 (Exceptional talent) category.

The Isle of Man has its own separate Immigration Rules. They introduced a Tier 1 (Exceptional talent) route in March 2016 and this remains in place following the closure of the UK Tier 1 (Exceptional talent) category. They make use of the UK endorsing bodies to consider their applications, however UK Research and Innovation are not currently an endorsing body under the Isle of Man Immigration Rules and the prestigious prize list pathway is not available to applicants.

24.1 Application process

Stage 1 applications are handled by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) in the same way as applications under the UK’s Global Talent route.

Stage 2 applications are handled differently, depending on where the applicant is located. If they apply for entry clearance, this is submitted using Home Office online form. This should then be forwarded to the Isle of Man for consideration. Once considered, the entry clearance officer must issue a vignette for any successful application (the Isle of Man do not currently use biometric enrolment).

If the applicant is already in the Isle of Man, they must apply directly to the Isle of Man immigration authorities. UKVI have no involvement in these applications and the Isle of Man should inform UKVI of the outcome.

Extension applications will also be considered by the Isle of Man immigration authorities.

24.2 Caseworker actions

You must tell the applicant of your decision once you have completed the stage 1 application. You must select the correct option to tell the applicant how to apply for stage 2 for the Isle of Man.

You must update the monitoring sheet after a decision is made on any stage 2 application.