GLOBAL TALENT VISA: ARCHITECTURE

Individuals who possess potential and promise in the field of architecture and desire to work in the UK can apply for the Global Talent visa. The Arts Council England, in collaboration with The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), will determine whether the applicants are already leaders in their area or have the potential to become one.

The Architecture subcategory of the Global Talent route allows for an unlimited number of recommended candidates.

Global Talent Visa Architecture Requirements

You must fulfill specific requirements outlined by UK Visas and Immigration to be eligible for a Global Talent visa in the field of architecture:

• You are at least 18 or over;
• The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has granted you an endorsement letter, or you have received a prize listed in Appendix Global Talent: Prestigious Prizes.
• Your application is not subject to rejection based on the general grounds listed below;
• If needed, you have submitted a legitimate TB (Tuberculosis) certificate.

The requirements you must meet can change based on your situation. For professional guidance, you may want to consult with an immigration lawyer.

Requirements for Endorsement by The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA)

The Royal Institute of British Architects requires practicing professional architects to have exceptional work, published, presented, or shown abroad, to be eligible for endorsement.

If you are applying under the Exceptional Talent criteria, you need to have an exceptional track record in at least two countries. However, if you are applying under the Exceptional Promise criteria, you need to have a developing track record in at least one country. In addition to this, you must have been regularly engaged as a professional architect for the past five years.

Evidence Required for Endorsement by The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA)

When applying for a RIBA endorsement in architecture, you must submit three recommendation letters.

You will require two recommendation letters, at least one of which must be from a UK-based, reputable architecture organization that is recognized as an expert in your field of work.

The third reference letter must be from a different reputable architecture organization or from a person who is acknowledged as an expert in your field.

Exceptional Talent Applicants in the Field of Architecture

To demonstrate exceptional talent in architecture, you need to present at least two of the following:

Awards: Proof of acquiring an international award for excellence or playing a major role in its acquisition is required; or

Recognition of Media: For your application, you must provide evidence of significant media coverage for your work in two or more countries, which can include your current country of residence; or

Publications or exhibitions: As part of your application, you must demonstrate significant media coverage of your work in at least two countries, including your current country of residence. For your application, you must provide evidence of significant media coverage for your work in two or more countries, which can include your current country of residence.

Exceptional Promise Applicants in the Field of Architecture

To demonstrate exceptional promise in architecture, you need to present at least two of the following:

Awards: Proof of winning, assisting in winning, or being nominated for an international award for excellence in the past 5 years is required; or

Recognition of Media: To meet the requirements, you must provide proof of recent media recognition for your contributions or individual efforts. You should have at least two instances of recognition from one country, which may include your country of residency; or

Publications or exhibitions: For the past five years, a minimum of two globally noteworthy publications or exhibitions that are recognized in your field from at least one country, which might include your country of residence, must be presented as evidence.

Does RIBA Require Referees for Architecture Endorsements?

To support your application, you must submit three recommendation letters to RIBA.

One letter has to come from a UK-based organization that is well-known both nationally and globally and is highly regarded as having proficiency in your area of expertise.

The second letter must also come from a reputable national or international organization that is well-known for knowing your area of expertise.  This second organization, though, can have its headquarters abroad or in the UK.

The third letter of recommendation can be obtained from a reputable organization, either domestic or foreign, with expertise in your field. Alternatively, it may be obtained from a distinguished individual who is globally recognized for their competence in your field of expertise.

To obtain a letter of recommendation, it is advisable to approach a senior employee of the company who is familiar with your work and can provide valuable insight into your job. The letter should highlight your accomplishments in your area of expertise and how, in their opinion, you have demonstrated that you are a leader in your field or have the potential to be one.

RIBA Architecture Endorsement Application Decision Times

Typically, it takes RIBA four weeks to decide whether to support an architectural design after receiving an application.

Global Talent Visa Application Following Endorsement

You have three months from the date of the endorsement letter to submit your application under the Global Talent category if you receive your Royal Institute of British Architects endorsement. This will allow you to enter or remain in the UK.

If you are not already authorized or haven’t received permission to stay in the UK as a Visitor, Short-term Student, Parent of a Child Student, Seasonal Worker, Domestic Worker in a Private Household, or outside the Immigration Rules, you can apply from within the UK to switch to the Global Talent route.

If you have any of the aforementioned conditions or have been granted leave in the past, you must leave the UK and apply for a Global Talent visa in your home country.

If you don’t have permission to stay in the UK and want to apply for a Global Talent visa, you need to be outside the country. However, you don’t necessarily have to return to your home country to apply. You may apply from anywhere in the world.

The Home Office will evaluate your immigration history, character, and endorsement to ensure you are not rejected based on general grounds for rejection.

The Global Talent visa category has no requirements for language proficiency or financial support.

You can request a leave of absence for any period of time up to a maximum of five years, but it should be in full-year periods. If you need to take a longer break, it won’t affect your application process, but the amount you need to pay for the Immigration Health Surcharge will increase.

Global Talent Architecture Prestigious Prizes Route

You will be able to quicken the endorsement application and go straight forward with submitting a single visa application if you have been the recipient of a qualified prestigious award.

Appendix Global Talent: Prestigious Prizes is an accurate list of prizes that is updated on a regular basis and is continually examined.

More information on: GOV.UK