The UK Global Talent visa scheme enables highly skilled individuals in specific fields to live and work in the United Kingdom. It was introduced post-Brexit as a new visa route for bright, promising individuals in industries in which the UK wishes to excel. It aims to attract and retain talented individuals who can contribute to the country’s economy. For applicants with an artistic or creative background, the Global Talent Visa is also referred to as the UK Artist visa, and it allows leaders or potential leaders in a variety of artistic fields to work in the UK.
The UK Artist visa is aimed specifically at leaders and potential leaders in combined arts, dance, music, theatre, literature or visual arts, architecture, fashion design, film and television, including visual effects, animation and post-production. There are two visa routes from which to choose. The Exceptional Talent route is for those who are already leaders in their chosen field. The Exceptional Promise route is for people who can demonstrate they have the potential to become a leader in the future.
To apply for the Global Talent Visa as an artist, an endorsement from one of the designated endorsing bodies in the UK is needed. They are the Arts Council England, the British Fashion Council, the Royal Institute of British Architects and the Producers’ Alliance for Cinema and Television. Applications are assessed based on specific criteria, such as the quality of work, recognition in the field, and potential impact on the arts sector in the UK. You can find information on the number of applications received and endorsements given at the Arts Council [1].
Holders of a UK Artist visa can stay in the UK for a period of 5 years. They must then choose to renew their visa or apply for indefinite leave to remain (ILR) and settle in the UK permanently. Many applicants choose the UK Artist visa because there is potential to be granted ILR after only 3 years, rather than 5. Artists who are approved as a leader in their field are eligible for the accelerated settlement option.
The eligibility criteria for The UK Artist visa differ according to the specific artistic field, but in general terms, applicants will have been working in their chosen discipline regularly for a minimum of 5 years. Below, we list some of the key criteria for each qualifying artistic field.
Combined arts, dance, music, theatre, literature or visual arts
Applicants in this field must be able to demonstrate that they have performed or published work internationally and that this was judged to be outstanding by Arts Council England. If applying as a leader, they must be able to show a “substantial” record of working in at least two different countries, one of which can be their native country. If they are applying as a potential leader, they must be able to show a “developing work record” in a minimum of two countries. They must also be able to show that there has been engagement with their work. This could be through appearances, exhibitions, publications or performances.
Architecture
In order to apply for the UK Artist visa in this field, applicants must show that they have performed or published work internationally and that this was judged to be “outstanding” by the Royal Institute of British Architects. They must have produced work that is recognised and well known in a minimum of two countries, one of which can be their native country. Evidence of a minimum of two of the following is also needed: international awards, international media recognition or international publication or exhibitions. The UK Government site provides a list of recognised awards in the field of architecture [2].
Fashion Design
In order to apply as a leader in fashion design, applicants must be able to demonstrate they produce work that is exhibited internationally at catwalk exhibitions or sold internationally. Their work must be considered to be “outstanding” by the British Fashion Council, and they must be well-known in at least two countries. Potential leaders must prove that the work they produce is exhibited or sold internationally and is recognised by the leading figures in the fashion industry.
Film and television
In the field of film and television, applicants must show that the Producers Alliance for Cinema and Television has endorsed their work in television, film, animation, visual effects or post production. They must also provide evidence of an award such as a BAFTA, an Academy Award, an Emmy, a Golden Globe or some other form of industry recognition. You can find a full list of all eligible prizes on the government website [3].
If you are interested in applying for a Global Talent Visa, Stellar Immigration Services offers flexible consulting and legal services tailored to the needs of the individual client. To find out more, please contact us.
Resources:
[1] https://www.artscouncil.org.uk/sites/default/files/download-file/Global_Talent_FAQs_and_Other_Useful_Information_July_2021.pdf
[2] https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/global-talent-eligible-prize-list/global-talent-architecture-prizes
[3] https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/global-talent-eligible-prize-list/global-talent-film-and-television-prizes