
Global Talent Visa: Upcoming Changes in 2025
UK Global Talent visa is an immigration route designed for exceptional international talent who want to work in Britain. This prestigious visa category welcomes leaders and promising individuals in academia, research, digital technology, and arts and culture. Unlike many other work visas, the Global Talent route offers remarkable flexibility – there’s no need for a job offer or sponsorship, and successful applicants can work freely for any employer, be self-employed, or even start their own business. The visa can be granted for up to 5 years initially, with options to extend, and provides a pathway to settlement after 3 or 5 years, depending on your achievements.
A major change to the UK Global Talent visa is approaching. Starting May 1, 2025, a new endorsing body will take over from Tech Nation in assessing digital technology applications. This change could affect how tech professionals’ applications are evaluated and what criteria they need to meet. While the details of the new process are still emerging, the fundamental goal remains the same: to attract exceptional tech talent to the UK while upholding high qualification standards.
Changes to the UK Global Talent visa implemented and those further expected in 2025
-Continuous residence requirements for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) have been updated. Migrants endorsed as “exceptionally promising” by Arts Council England or Tech Nation will need to complete a 5-year continuous residence period to qualify for ILR.
-The endorsement process for the arts and culture sector has been modified. Applicants now need to submit a CV showing their current career stage in addition to existing documents.
-For the Exceptional Promise category in arts and culture, only applicants at the beginning of their careers will be considered, making it more challenging for many to qualify.
-Applicants in the arts and culture sector must have worked with at least one well-known UK-based institution, as evidenced by their reference letters.
-The contract for the endorsing body of the Global Talent scheme for digital tech is being shifted from Tech Nation to a new provider, which may lead to changes in qualifying criteria.
How will the shift in the endorsing body for digital tech affect future applications?
The transition in endorsing bodies marks a significant change for the Global Talent visa scheme. Tech Nation will continue to handle applications through 30 April 2025, assessing candidates under their established criteria. However, from 1 May 2025, responsibility will transfer to a new endorsing body, potentially bringing fresh perspectives to the assessment process.
The Home Office’s substantial investment of £7.5 million for a 2-year and 4-month contract demonstrates their commitment to maintaining excellence in talent acquisition. This change could reshape the landscape for digital technology professionals seeking to work in the UK.
The new endorsing body might introduce more inclusive criteria, potentially welcoming professionals from investment and accelerator sectors. However, drawing from historical precedent when Tech Nation succeeded Tech City, there’s a possibility of more stringent requirements being implemented.
During this transitional phase, we anticipate increased application volumes as candidates seek endorsement under Tech Nation’s familiar criteria. This surge could potentially result in extended processing times and heightened scrutiny of applications.
Network and stay connected: Applicants and Immigration advisors alike should engage with professional networks in the UK tech sector to stay updated on industry trends and potential changes to the visa program.
Be flexible: Prepare for possible changes in the endorsement criteria and be ready to adapt your application accordingly.
Maintain progress: Continue to develop your skills and contribute to your field, as the new endorsing body may assess your recent achievements and progress.
Seek expert advice: Applicants are encouraged to consider consulting with regulated immigration advisors who can provide guidance on the transition process and potential changes.
What are the potential benefits of a new endorsing body for digital tech?
More flexible rules: The new endorsing body may introduce more inclusive criteria, potentially opening up the route to a wider range of applicants, including those working in investment and accelerator areas.
Improved recognition of diverse roles: A new body could better account for the myriad of important roles in the tech sector, potentially recognizing innovative individuals who may have struggled to meet the current criteria.
Enhanced competitiveness: A more flexible approach could improve the UK’s ability to attract the best talent in the global tech sector, ensuring the country remains competitive in the digital technology arena.
Substantial investment: The Home Office has allocated £7.5 million for a 2-year and 4-month contract with the new endorsing body, indicating a significant commitment to maintaining high standards for the Global Talent visa program.
Opportunity for modernisation: The transition to a new endorsing body provides a chance to update and refine the assessment process, potentially incorporating the latest developments in the fast-evolving tech industry.
Potential for improved processing: With a new body taking over, there might be an opportunity to streamline the endorsement process, potentially leading to faster decision-making and improved efficiency.
What are the best practices for communicating with my new endorsing body?
-Establish clear communication from the start. Pay attention to how you and the Endorsing Body communicate in the initial stages, as this is a reliable indicator of future interactions.
-Ensure you’re comfortable with the level and style of communication, as you’ll be working with this body for the duration of your visa.
-Be proactive in scheduling and attending checkpoints. The endorsing body will require at least two contact point meetings at regular intervals during your period of permission.
-Prepare a clear and comprehensive business plan. Be ready to explain how your skills and experience relate to delivering the innovation proposition within your business.
-Use the STAR format (Situation, Task, Action, Result) when presenting your achievements or evidence. This provides clarity and helps create a cohesive narrative.
-Ensure consistency across all your documents, including your CV, evidence pieces, and recommendation letters.
-Be prepared to discuss your career goals, why you want to move to the UK, and how your work will benefit your field and the UK economy.
-Avoid contacting the endorsing body with queries about immigration rules or policies. Instead, refer to the published information on gov.uk for such inquiries.
-Be open and transparent in your communication. Endorsing bodies are expected to be clear in their actions and decisions, and you should reciprocate this approach.
-Be prepared to provide detailed information about your funding sources and ensure there are no concerns about the legitimacy of your business or potential benefits from illicit wealth.
How can I prepare for the transition to a new endorsing body?
For applicants and immigration advisors alike, the upcoming change in endorsing bodies for the Global Talent visa requires careful planning. Here are the essential steps to manage this transition effectively:
Stay informed: Keep track of official announcements from the UK Home Office regarding the new endorsing body, which is set to take over from Tech Nation on May 1, 2025.
Review current criteria: Familiarise yourself with Tech Nation’s existing endorsement requirements, as these may serve as a baseline for the new body’s criteria.
Prepare documentation: Gather and update your professional documents, including your CV, portfolio, and evidence of achievements in the digital tech sector.
Plan your application timing: If you’re eligible and ready, consider applying before April 30, 2025, to be assessed under the known Tech Nation criteria.
Whilst these prospective changes hold promise, their full scope and impact will only become apparent once the new endorsing body commences its operations on 1 May 2025. The transition period presents both opportunities and considerations for prospective applicants.
Throughout this change, maintaining clear communication with the relevant endorsing body remains paramount – not only for a successful application but also for ongoing support throughout your stay in the UK under the Global Talent visa.
As these developments unfold, staying informed and prepared will be key to maximising the opportunities this prestigious visa route offers. To help you stay ahead of these changes, we have numerous courses on Business Immigration and will continue to provide detailed updates through our blog posts and comprehensive coverage via our Mastering Immigration Law subscription service. Our subscribers benefit from in-depth analysis and practical guidance on implementing these changes effectively.
Immigration advisors facing challenges with the upcoming Rules can take advantage of our specialist consultation service. Our experts can help you develop targeted strategies for your clients’ Global Talent applications during this transition period and beyond.
For more information about our services or to book a consultation, please contact us enquiries@hjt-training.co.uk 075 4416 4692
Useful links:
Immigration Rules Appendix Global Talent: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/immigration-rules/immigration-rules-appendix-global-talent
Global Talent caseworker guidance: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/global-talent-appendix-w-workers/global-talent-caseworker-guidance-accessible
Guidance: Global Talent eligible prize lists: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/global-talent-eligible-prize-list
Research and analysis – Global Talent visa evaluation: Wave 2 report: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/global-talent-visa-evaluation-wave-2-report/global-talent-visa-evaluation-wave-2-report
Global Talent : Code of Practice for Endorsing Bodies: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/5e4e981bd3bf7f3938182ca2/Global_Talent_Code_of_Practice_-_February_2020.pdf
Written by Shareen Khan, Legal Content Writer, HJT Training