Global Talent Endorsement: How It Works
Endorsement is the gateway to the Global Talent visa. Before you can apply for the visa itself, an approved body must confirm that you are an exceptional talent or show exceptional promise. This guide explains the process for all fields.
- Section
- Global Talent
- Reading time
- 9 min
- Last checked
- 2 September 2026
- Source
- The published Immigration Rules and GOV.UK guidance, linked throughout this guide.
- Rowan does not
- Look at your own case, tell you which route to choose, or say what the Home Office will decide. This guide shows the published rules and where to read them.
In short
- Endorsement comes before the visa, unless you have won an eligible prestigious prize.
- Different endorsing bodies for different fields.
- You have 3 months after endorsement to apply for the visa.
- Endorsement fee is £561 (non-refundable). The visa itself is a further £205.
Global Talent endorsement is a two-stage application. First, you apply to an endorsing body who assesses your evidence. If endorsed, you then apply for the visa. This guide covers all endorsing bodies, evidence requirements, and the timeline.
The Two-Stage Process
The Global Talent visa uses a two-stage application:
- Stage 1: Endorsement. You apply to an approved endorsing body with evidence of your talent.
- Stage 2: Visa application. After endorsement, you apply for the visa through GOV.UK.
Endorsing Bodies
Each endorsing body covers specific fields:
- Tech Nation: Digital technology
- The Royal Society: Science and medicine
- The Royal Academy of Engineering: Engineering and technology
- The British Academy: Humanities and social science
- Arts Council England: Arts and culture
- UK Research and Innovation (UKRI): Research and innovation (with eligible fellowship or grant)
GOV.UK publishes the full list of disciplines each body covers. Some applicants can use a faster route: an eligible job offer as an academic or researcher, an eligible individual fellowship, or a research grant from a UK Research and Innovation approved funder. Winners of an eligible prestigious prize skip endorsement entirely and apply straight for the visa. Check the requirements guide for details.
Evidence You Need
While each endorsing body has specific criteria, common evidence includes:
- A detailed CV or portfolio
- Letters of recommendation from established leaders in your field
- Evidence of significant contribution (publications, patents, awards, performances)
- Press coverage and media recognition
- Evidence of impact on the field
- A personal statement explaining your achievements and UK plans
Processing Times
GOV.UK publishes these times for the endorsement stage:
- Tech Nation, for digital technology: usually 5 to 8 weeks
- Arts Council England, for arts and culture: within 8 weeks
- Peer review, by the Royal Society, the British Academy, or the Royal Academy of Engineering: usually 5 weeks
- The faster academic and research routes (an eligible job offer, an individual fellowship, or a grant from an approved funder): usually 1 week
After endorsement, you have 3 months to apply for the visa.
Costs
The endorsement application fee is £561 (non-refundable). The visa itself costs a further £205 at the second stage, so £766 in total, whatever length of visa you apply for. Someone who skips endorsement after winning an eligible prestigious prize pays the £766 in one payment. The Immigration Health Surcharge is paid separately at the visa stage. See the Global Talent cost guide.
If Endorsement Is Refused
If your endorsement application is refused:
- You can ask the endorsing body for an endorsement review. GOV.UK says asking for a review does not extend your permission to stay if it is running out
- You can reapply with stronger evidence
- Consider whether an alternative route (such as the Skilled Worker visa) may be more appropriate
After Endorsement
Once endorsed, apply for the visa, bring dependants, and plan your move to the UK. The visa allows you to work without a sponsor, change employers freely, and eventually apply for ILR.
Next Steps
Identify the right endorsing body for your field and prepare your evidence. Apply through GOV.UK.
Related guides:
Questions and answers
What is Global Talent endorsement?
Endorsement is the first stage of the Global Talent visa. An approved endorsing body assesses your evidence and confirms that you are an exceptional talent or show exceptional promise in your field. Most people need it before they can apply for the visa. The exception is winners of an eligible prestigious prize, who skip the endorsement stage.
Which bodies can endorse me?
The endorsing body depends on your field: Tech Nation for digital technology, the Royal Society for science and medicine, the Royal Academy of Engineering for engineering and technology, the British Academy for humanities and social science, and Arts Council England for arts and culture. UK Research and Innovation handles applications based on an eligible job offer, fellowship, or research grant.
How long is the endorsement valid?
Once endorsed, you have 3 months to apply for the Global Talent visa. If you do not apply within this period, you will need to seek endorsement again.
This guide is general information about published immigration rules. It is not advice about an individual application under s.82 Immigration and Asylum Act 1999, and Rowan is not regulated by the Immigration Advice Authority. Immigration rules change several times a year. For advice on a particular situation, contact an adviser authorised by the Immigration Advice Authority or an immigration solicitor. Always check GOV.UK for the authoritative current rules.