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Leaders in a workplace have a demonstrable impact on output, productivity and morale, so it is no surprise that the British government considers leadership skills to be a quality that must be nurtured and encouraged on a global scale. For this reason, they have introduced the Global Talent Visa, which aims to bring overseas leadership talent into the country.

Why global awareness matters in leadership

Research consistently demonstrates that employees who are supervised by highly engaged leaders are 59% [1] more likely to be engaged than those whose supervisors are disengaged from their workforce. Engagement is key to developing a productive culture, and through productivity and collaboration comes profit. Therefore, it is essential that strong and engaged leaders are embedded into every UK organisation in order to improve the country’s economic prospects.

The global element is important. Not only are UK organisations striving to achieve their diversity targets, but bringing in leaders from overseas has a tranche of other business benefits that include:

Bilingual abilities.

As more organisations seek to compete in an increasingly interconnected global marketplace, the ability to speak more than one language becomes ever more important. So too does the experience gained from working in other countries, understanding how different cultures operate and interact, promoting critical thinking skills and collaborating in a culturally appropriate manner.

Global community.

When a business leader has overseas experience, they are able to participate meaningfully in community outreach projects, benefiting their workplace and wider society. They can impart useful knowledge to their teams and encourage employees to recognise, take pride in and appreciate the cultural differences and similarities that bind our society.

Networking.

Specialists who come into the UK via the Global Talent Visa have demonstrated that they are exceptionally skilled leaders in their field and have been endorsed by industry-specific global bodies. These individuals, therefore, have an established professional network which can aid UK industry to form trade links and global connections as well as learn from their experiences and implement policies and practices to increase growth and profitability.

Why the Global Talent Visa exists

Following Brexit, the Global Talent Visa is the appropriate immigration pathway for highly skilled leaders in the areas of academia, arts and culture, STEM and digital technology to enter the country, contribute to the local economy and foster innovation and growth within their sector.

The Global Talent Visa offers an expedited process that allows exceptionally talented individuals, or those who demonstrate outstanding promise in their chosen field, to enter the UK to take up work, launch a business venture or work in a self employed capacity in roles that will have a demonstrable benefit to the country’s economy, culture, or research landscape.

Eligibility criteria

The acceptance criteria for individuals applying to enter the UK under the Global Talent Visa scheme are necessarily rigorous as the scheme aims only to accept those individuals whose professional contributions will enhance the culture and economy of the country.

 

Therefore, the eligibility criteria are strict and require that all candidates provide evidence of their outstanding achievements in their field, a track record of the benefits that they have delivered in leadership roles in their country of origin and evidence of publications, patents, or recognition that they have received from industry bodies or experts in their field.

 

Applicants also need to be in possession of an eligible award [2] or endorsed by a professional body or industry expert. In some instances, this endorsement can be sought from a government body that is capable of assessing the individual’s capacity for contributing to the country in which they wish to live and work.

Benefits of the Global Talent Visa scheme

Applicants who enter the UK under the Global Talent Visa scheme are entitled to seek employment within their field of expertise, launch a business or consult in a self-employed capacity. This flexibility in employment options is not usually available to overseas entrants, so this is a significant benefit, particularly to international leadership talent who may wish to employ flexibility in sharing their skills and experience.

 

Successful applicants can apply to live and work in the UK for a period of up to 5 years, after which point they may apply for permanent residency, which allows them access to benefits such as NHS funded healthcare and state funded schooling for dependent children.

 

When the UK brings in overseas talent through the Global Talent Visa scheme, it is part of a wider strategy aimed at stimulating economic growth, fostering innovation in cutting-edge industries, creating job opportunities and enhancing the country’s advantage in the global market.

Support is available

Although the application process is necessarily rigorous, help is available. Stellar Immigration Services can provide you with tailored, accurate and up-to-date information regarding your eligibility for the Global Talent Visa and support you through the entire process, from application to relocation. To find out more, please contact us today.

 

Resources:

 

[1] http://healthydealer.com/employee-engagement/#:~:text=Employees%20who%20are%20supervised%20by,supervised%20by%20actively%20disengaged%20managers.

[2] https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/global-talent-eligible-prize-list

The Global Talent Visa is a UK immigration program with the aim of attracting exceptional individuals, including medical professionals, to come to the UK. It replaced the Exceptional Talent Tier 1 visa in February 2020. International collaboration is fundamental for innovation and research, and the British government places increasing importance on these fields.

President of the Royal Society, Venki Ramakrishnan, welcomed the launch of the Global Talent visa, seeing it as an opportunity for the society to work with highly skilled and talented researchers and specialists from across the globe at all stages in their careers. She commented that it is a positive message that the UK is dedicated to collaborating with overseas talent in the field of science and that developments in science can help us address difficult challenges such as disease or climate change.

Successful applicants are granted the right to work in the UK for up to five years without requiring a sponsor, language tests or minimum salary bands, which other UK immigration categories require. Applicants choose the length of the visa, and it can be renewed multiple times. To apply for the Global Talent Visa in the UK, medical professionals need to secure an endorsement from the Royal Society which will verify the candidate’s expertise. The endorsement is based on the applicant’s exceptional talent, exceptional promise, or significant contribution to the field.

 

Applicants must select one of four routes to obtain endorsement for the Global Talent visa, although individuals who have won one of the eligible awards, which can be found on the government website [1] do not need to apply for endorsement and can apply for the visa immediately. Where an endorsement is required, the process varies depending on whether the applicant has an eligible job as a researcher or academic, whether they have an individual fellowship, a UKRI-approved research grant or a peer-reviewed application.

Fast-track Endorsement

In order to qualify for fast-track endorsement, applicants must show that they fulfil certain criteria. Candidates who hold a peer-reviewed research fellowship or have held one in the 5 years before the application will be endorsed. Applicants who have won an award on the list which the Royal Society publishes are eligible. Also eligible are applicants who have been appointed to an academic or research position at one of the approved research institutes or Higher Education organisations.

Applicants who are employed by a research organisation which is on the list published by the UKRI must be able to show that they will be directing a unique research project and that they have a PhD or other equivalent experience in research. They must be able to show they will participate in a relevant field in a UK University or research institute and their post title or name must be on the award or grant as Principal investigator, co-investigator, Post-doctoral researcher, Researcher Co-investigator, Research Assistant or another equivalent position recognised by UKRI.

Applicants who can demonstrate they will make vital contributions to research through their excellence or will develop new methodologies and technologies and hold a UK bachelor’s degree or an equivalent research degree or research experience are also eligible.

Full Peer Review Endorsement

Applicants looking for “Exceptional Talent” endorsement will need to satisfy the Royal Society that they are recognised as exceptional in the medical field and are actively conducting research in a relevant area. They also need to have PhD level research experience. Candidates looking for endorsement as “Exceptional Promise” need to satisfy the Royal Society that they are actively researching a relevant field and have experience in research at PhD level. They must also be early on in their career.

One of the main benefits of the Global Talent Visa is the ability to change roles and organisations without needing to seek permission from the Home Office. It is also possible to enter self-employment, set up a business and earn extra income through consultancy or other routes that do not have to be related to the field in which the applicant gained endorsement. The Global Talent visa has many other advantages for individuals and their families. It allows spouses and dependents of the main applicant to join them in the UK and they can live, work, and study here, subject to certain conditions. Successful applicants can also carry out research overseas without this being counted as an absence when applying for settlement.

The Global Talent Visa provides medical professionals with the opportunity to enhance their professional development. They will have opportunities to work with renowned experts, gain exposure to advanced medical techniques, and broaden their skill set through collaboration with leading healthcare institutions in the UK. The granting of a Global Talent Visa signifies that the medical professional has been recognised as a leader or emerging leader in their field and this recognition can enhance their professional reputation globally and open doors to future career opportunities.

Resources:

[1] https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/global-talent-eligible-prize-list/global-talent-science-engineering-humanities-and-medicine-prizes

[2] https://royalsociety.org/news/2020/01/response-to-global-talent-visa/

The United Kingdom’s Global Talent Visa is a visa category designed to attract highly skilled and promising individuals in various fields, including engineering, to work and contribute to the UK’s economy. Applicants in the field of engineering must usually be endorsed by the Royal Academy of Engineering, although winners of some prestigious prizes [1] do not need to go through the endorsement stage and can apply for a visa straight away.

Obtaining endorsement

The are four routes available for gaining endorsement for the Global Talent Visa in the field of engineering.

Route 1 – Academic and research appointments

This route is for individuals who have accepted an offer of a senior appointment at a UK higher education institution which is approved by the Royal Academy of Engineering. This is for those who have been offered a role as a Professor, an Associate Professor or equivalent. Candidates will require a statement of guarantee from the HR director at the institution to support the application. They must demonstrate that they will be responsible for leading an individual or team to carry out research or innovation projects. This must be a significant part of the role.

Route 2 – Individual fellowships

Applicants who have been offered an individual fellowship can apply via this route. The institution must be on the Royal Academy of Engineering’s approved list. Applicants need to provide a copy of their fellowship award. Individuals who hold a fellowship that appears in the ‘exceptional talent’ or ‘exceptional promise’ list or have held one in the last five years will be awarded fast track endorsement.

Route 3

The third route of the Global Talent Visa is for specialists or researchers whose job title or name is included in a successful grant application. This must be from an endorsed funder who is approved by UK Research & Innovation (UKRI). A list of all endorsed funders and eligible organisations can be accessed on GOV.UK [2]. The grant or award must be for a minimum of £30,000 and cover a period of at least two years.

They also require a dated statement of guarantee on headed paper from the eligible research organisation. It must confirm that the employing organisation is included on the list of eligible organisations and that the applicant is needed in order for the grant or award to be executed.

Route 4 – Peer review

Route 4 of the Global Talent Visa is for individuals who want to be considered for endorsement via a peer review carried out by the Royal Academy of Engineering. Applicants can choose whether to be considered under the ‘exceptional talent’ aimed at leaders in their chosen field, or ‘exceptional promise’ which is for potential leaders at an early stage in their career. This is not a fast-track route and individuals with or without a job offer may apply.

The endorsing body will conduct an eligibility check to check that the applicant is an active researcher, has either a PhD or equivalent experience of research experience and that, in the case of an exceptional promise path, that they are at an early stage in their career. These initial checks do not guarantee endorsement will be granted, just that it will be sent for peer review.

If the mandatory eligibility criteria are met, the application will then be passed on to be peer reviewed by experts in the field. They look at the strength of the evidence provided to decide whether the application proves exceptional talent or promise. Assessors examine the applicant’s body of work, such as research papers, patents, publications, projects, or designs, to assess its quality, significance, and impact in the field.

They consider factors such as originality, innovation, technical proficiency, and any transformative contributions made. They evaluate the level of recognition the applicant has received within the engineering community. This may include prestigious awards, honours, fellowships, or invitations to speak at conferences or events. Such recognition helps establish the applicant’s credibility and impact in their field.

They will also assess the applicant’s leadership abilities, including their capacity to drive change, inspire others, and make an impact beyond their own work. They look for evidence of the applicant’s ability to influence the engineering community, mentor others, or contribute to policy development. They consider the applicant’s collaborations and networking activities within the engineering field, looking for evidence of the applicant’s ability to collaborate effectively with other experts, organisations, or industry partners.

If the applicant is being assessed based on exceptional promise rather than exceptional talent, assessors evaluate the potential for future contributions to the field of engineering. They consider factors such as the applicant’s track record, early achievements, trajectory, and potential for significant impact in the future.

Assessors take into account the letters of support or recommendation provided by experts, peers, or influential figures in the field of engineering. These letters help assessors gauge the applicant’s reputation, the significance of their work, and the level of support they have garnered from respected individuals within the industry.

Resources:

[1] https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/global-talent-eligible-prize-list/global-talent-science-engineering-humanities-and-medicine-prizes

[2] https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/ukri-endorsement-endorsed-funders-global-talent-visa

As our world becomes increasingly interconnected, and we continue to be challenged by a skills shortage in certain key industry sectors such as digital technology, science and engineering, humanities and life sciences [1], attracting overseas talent to UK positions becomes an ever-more important focus.

The Global Talent Visa was introduced as a replacement for the Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent) visa, which was discontinued in February 2020. This specialised visa aims to facilitate the entry of highly skilled individuals, including humanities scholars, into appropriate UK roles that will allow them to showcase their expertise and contribute to the intellectual development of the country.

The purpose of the Global Talent Visa

The Global Talent Visa is designed to promote international collaboration whilst bolstering the growth of particular industry sectors, sharing best practice on a global scale and enriching the cultural fabric of the host country.

Eligibility for the Global Talent Visa

Humanities scholars wishing to enter the UK on a Global Talent Visa must demonstrate exceptional skills, experience and achievements in their particular field, or exceptional promise where those skills are emerging but not yet fully developed.

Applicants must be at least 18 years of age and have either won an eligible award [2] or possess an endorsement that proves leadership ability or potential. They must also demonstrate their abilities in the five key areas that are detailed below.

Academic prowess

Individuals applying for entrance to the UK under this scheme must demonstrate a strong academic background with a proven track record of their achievements which may include publications in recognised industry journals or awards. Doctoral level degrees or equivalent levels of research in related fields of study can reinforce an application, so where these qualifications exist, it is highly recommended that they are clearly detailed.

Advancement of their field

Applicants for the Global Talent Visa must demonstrate the manner in which their work has contributed to the advancement of their field. This need not be restricted to discoveries or a candidate’s input to policy, but can include contributions to theoretical frameworks and new or innovative methods of applying their knowledge which can demonstrably improve outcomes for UK business and society.

Global collaboration

Applications for the Global Talent Visa will be strengthened by a demonstration of the applicant’s ability to collaborate on a global scale. This may include membership of professional bodies, attendance at or presenting at global conferences related to their field of study or collaborations with leading scholars in the country in which they are applying for work.

Commitment to human values

Humanities scholars should demonstrate a deep commitment to human values. They should detail the way in which they will engage with society in their host country, the manner in which they will integrate with the community in which they will live and work, and the way in which they intend to disseminate their knowledge and practical applications thereof.

Support wider priorities

In order to successfully secure a Global Talent Visa, candidates would be wise to articulate the way in which their future plans and work will contribute to their host country’s societal needs and research priorities. They should detail any plans that they have for collaborating with educational institutions, any mentoring that they plan to deliver or seek from leading industry experts, and the way in which they plan to engage with the public.

A beacon of hope

The Global Talent Visa offers humanities scholars a beacon of hope. It will allow them to transcend geographical boundaries, improve their prospects, collaborate with industry experts, share best practice and contribute to the global intellectual landscape.

By attracting overseas talent into the UK, we can reduce our skills shortage, foster cultural diversity, and benefit from rapid improvements in innovation and academic development. The Global Talent Visa is necessarily restricted to only those individuals who possess exceptionally strong skill sets or promise in their chosen field and applicants must therefore take every opportunity to promote their academic ability and experience during the application process.

Although the application process is challenging, the benefits offered are significant, with successful applicants benefiting from the ability to collaborate globally with like-minded professionals, make lasting contributions to society and broaden their horizons.

Specialist help is available

Stellar Immigrations Services is a highly experienced immigration consulting service with a detailed understanding of the requirements of the Global Talent Visa. Our experts can help overseas humanities scholars to articulate the requisite skills and experience that they possess and which is required by the UK’s humanities sector.

Our services are individually tailored to the bespoke needs of our clients, so to find out how we can help you to achieve your dream of living and working in the UK, please contact us today.

Resources:

[1] https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/skilled-worker-visa-shortage-occupations/skilled-worker-visa-shortage-occupations

[2] https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/global-talent-eligible-prize-list/global-talent-science-engineering-humanities-and-medicine-prizes

Digital technology is a thriving UK industry, with the economic output of the digital sector having risen by 12% since February 2020, whilst the overall economy has stagnated at 0.1% [1]. In order to drive innovation and shape the future of our country, it is necessary to continuously upskill and empower digital technology experts, and one way in which this goal can be achieved is through the Global Talent Visa.

The Global Talent Visa

The Global Talent Visa is a visa category that allows exceptionally talented digital technology leaders from overseas to live and work in the UK, crossing borders and bringing their talents, skills, networks and professional expertise with them to the benefit of the UK economy.

The Global Talent Visa offers a number of benefits to both successful applicants and their host country.

Life experience

Successful applicants benefit from the opportunity to live and work abroad, developing their skills and experience and gaining exposure to different perspectives and cultures. This can support them in forming collaborations and partnerships with global industry leaders, which will fuel creativity and inspire technological breakthroughs.

Enhanced professional reputation

Digital technology experts who secure overseas work through the Global Talent Visa have an unparalleled opportunity to showcase their skills on a global stage as this visa is only open to individuals with an exceptional skill set. Successful applicants often secure employment in world-renowned tech hubs, where their innovations help them to gain credibility and recognition within their field of expertise. This can enhance their professional reputation and help them to fast track their career.

Facilitated collaboration

The Global Talent Visa provides successful applicants with access to industry-specific resources and support, such as mentorship initiatives and innovation grants, which can nurture and support them in collaborating with industry experts and turning their ideas and aspirations into successful entrepreneurial ventures.

Pathway to permanent residency

Digital technology experts wishing to live abroad permanently can benefit from the opportunities offered by the Global Talent Visa. Initially granting the opportunity to live and work abroad for periods of up to five years, demonstration of the exceptional skills necessary to fulfil the requirements of the visa can result in permanent residency, thus offering long-term stability and access to UK benefits, including NHS healthcare and state funded education for dependent children.

Host countries such as the UK benefit from welcoming international specialists with a different skill set to their native technology experts. By embracing the diversity that these specialists bring with them, we can enrich the cultural fabric of our country, form social and professional connections with their countries of origin and continue to improve our economic standing.

Candidate requirements

The Global Talent Visa requires applicants to meet a stringent set of criteria in order to qualify. This includes a demonstrable track record of exceptional performance in related fields, digital technology achievements and awards and endorsements from industry experts and bodies.

Further, successful candidates should deliver a plan detailing the manner in which their contributions will enhance the tech ecosystem of their host country. Those applicants that demonstrate exceptionally high levels of experience and ambition stand the greatest chance of success in securing a visa and the opportunity to work overseas in a leadership role of their choice.

The Global Talent Visa application process is necessarily rigorous, as it aims to introduce only the strongest candidates to the UK’s digital technology marketplace. This is essential in order to drive rapid advancements in innovation and digital security for the benefit of the country’s standing in the global technology sector.

Digital technology sectors

The digital technology sectors in which applicants are highly sought after to bolster the UK workforce are fintech, gaming, artificial intelligence and cyber security [2]. Candidates who have won a Turing Award or an ACM Prize in Computing are also encouraged to apply for a Global Talent Visa to live and work in the UK, and it is important to note that both technical and business candidates are required.

Technical applicants are those directly involved in developing technology in either engineering, data scientist or similar roles. Those with demonstrably exceptional skill sets and those with emerging skill sets with significant potential for later expertise are invited to apply although a Tech Nation endorsement is required to support the application.

Business applicants are those with commercial, investment or digital product expertise and who are currently employed or running a technology business overseas. Successful Global Talent Visa applicants need not become employees once in the UK, but may run their own business or work in a self-employed capacity.

In conclusion

Digital technology experts who are seeking international success should consider applying to live and work in the UK via a Global Talent Visa. This visa will empower them to thrive in a global ecosystem and unlock significant opportunities for success on an international scale.

For bespoke advice that is tailored to your specific needs, please contact Stellar Immigration Services today.

Resources:

[1] https://commonslibrary.parliament.uk/research-briefings/cdp-2023-0137/#:~:text=In%20March%202023%2C%20economic%20output,2023%20than%20in%20February%202020.

[2] https://www.gov.uk/global-talent-digital-technology