Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 30 October 2026
What the visa asks for
The Global Talent overview says you must be at least 18 and a leader or potential leader in academia or research, arts and culture, or digital technology. If you have won a prize on the eligible prestigious prize list, you apply for the visa directly; otherwise you need an endorsement first.
The full guide lists the documents: a valid passport or other identity document, tuberculosis test results if you come from a country where the test is required, and written permission from the funder if you had an award or scholarship to study in the UK in the last year. English appears only in the rule that documents not in English or Welsh need a certified translation.
Fees and how long you can stay
From the gov.uk Global Talent guide.
Rules change, sometimes at short notice. Confirm the current requirement on the gov.uk Global Talent page before you book a test or apply. This guide restates the official page; it is not legal or immigration advice.
| Item | Gov.uk figure |
|---|---|
| Total cost | £766 |
| Endorsement route | £561 for the endorsement, then £205 for the visa |
| Prize route | £766 when you apply for the visa |
| Healthcare surcharge | Usually £1,035 per year for each person |
| Stay per grant | Up to 5 years; each extension 1 to 5 years |
| Settlement (ILR) | After 3 or 5 years, depending on field and how you apply |
Need a SELT for a UK visa?
Where the Home Office asks for a Secure English Language Test, IELTS for UKVI and PTE Academic UKVI are approved. Practise the format free.
Free IELTS for UKVI practice →Practise before you book: free IELTS mock test, IELTS reading practice, IELTS listening practice and IELTS speaking predictions.
Global Talent in the UK vs Australia
Do not confuse this route with Australia's subclass 858 National Innovation visa, which was previously called Global Talent. Its English rules are covered in IELTS for the 858 visa.
If you later apply to settle in the UK, check the English requirement for settlement separately: see ILR and British citizenship English level.
Frequently asked questions
Does the Global Talent visa have a CEFR level?+
Gov.uk's Global Talent guide does not set one. It has no knowledge of English section, unlike the Skilled Worker or Innovator Founder pages.
How long does a Global Talent decision take?+
Gov.uk says usually within 3 weeks if you are outside the UK and 8 weeks if you are inside the UK, after you prove your identity and provide documents.
Do my partner and children pay the same fee?+
Yes. Gov.uk says each partner or child included in the application needs to pay £766.
Can I apply without an endorsement?+
Only if you are the named winner of a prize on the eligible prestigious prize list. Other prizes from the same institutions do not count.
Keep reading
Related
- IELTS for UK ILR and citizenship
- IELTS for the Australian 858 visa
- Innovator Founder visa English level
- IELTS for the UK: scores by route
- All 3112 guides
Guide updated on 30 October 2026. Individual prices and policies may have earlier observation dates. Confirm current details on the linked official pages before you book or apply.
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