GLOBAL TALENT VISA: ARTS AND CULTURE

Talented and promising people in the arts and culture who want to work in the UK can apply for a Global Talent visa.  As judged by Arts Council England, applicants will either be leaders in their profession or have the potential to be leaders.

Applications in the encompassing combined arts, dance, literature, music, theater, and visual arts (including those produced in artistic contexts in galleries and museums) are eligible for endorsement by Arts Council England.

The number of candidates that can be recommended under the Global Talent route’s Arts & Culture subcategory is unlimited.

Global Talent Visa Arts and Culture Requirements

To be eligible for a Global Talent visa in the Arts and Culture field, you have to fulfill the following requirements specified by UK Visas and Immigration:

• You are at least 18 or over;
• Arts Council England has granted you a letter of endorsement, or you’ve won one of the prizes listed in Appendix Global Talent: Prestigious Prizes;
• Your application is not subject to rejection on the general grounds listed below;
• If needed, you have submitted a legitimate TB (Tuberculosis) certificate.

Depending on your situation, there may be differences in the specific standards you must meet.  For expert guidance, you might wish to consult with an immigration attorney.

Requirements for Endorsement by Arts Council England

You must be professionally involved in generating work of outstanding standards that have been performed, presented, distributed, or exhibited worldwide to be eligible for an Arts Council England endorsement in the Arts and Culture.

Applicants of Exceptional Promise must be in the early phases of their careers.  Later in their careers, applicants should apply using the Exceptional Talent criterion.

In addition to being able to demonstrate a significant track record in at least two countries (if applying based on exceptional talent) or a developing track record in one or more countries (if applying based on exceptional promise), you must have been actively working as an expert in your field for the last five years.

Evidence Required for Endorsement by Arts Council England

Three recommendation letters must be included with your application for an Arts Council England Arts and Culture endorsement.

At least one of the two letters of recommendation must be from respected arts and cultural organizations that you have collaborated with and are regarded as professionals in your industry. One of these organizations must also be located in the United Kingdom.

The third recommendation letter must be from a different reputable arts and cultural organization or from a person you have collaborated with and who acknowledged competency in your field.

To help Arts Council England determine which stage you are in your arts and culture career so far, a CV must be included with your application for an Arts and Culture endorsement.

Exceptional Talent Applicants in the Field of Arts and Culture

You must present at least two of the following to demonstrate your exceptional talent in the field of the Arts and Culture:

• Recognition of Media: proof of two or more instances of notable media recognition for your work as an individual, as an identified member of a group, or as a contributor (such as an internationally renowned orchestra or dance troupe) from at least two countries (which may include your country of residence); or
• Awards: proof of having won or helped significantly in the winning of at least one international award for excellence; or
• Performances, publications or exhibitions: To prove your professional excellence on an international level, you must provide evidence from at least two countries, which may include your country of residence. This evidence can take the form of significant appearances, performances, publications, or exhibitions in your field, or extensive international distribution and sales of your work, either individually or as a member of a group or contributor.

Exceptional Promise Applicants in the Field of Arts and Culture

You must present at least two of the following to demonstrate your exceptional promise in the field of the Arts and Culture:

• Recognition of Media: proof of at least two or more instances of notable media recognition for your work as an individual, as an identified member of a group, or as a contributor from at least one country (which may include your country of residence); or
• Awards: proof of having won or helped significantly in the winning of at least one international award for excellence;
• Performances, publications or exhibitions: To prove your professional excellence, you must provide evidence from at least one country, which may include your country of residence. This evidence can take the form of significant appearances, performances, publications, or exhibitions in your field, or extensive international distribution and sales of your work, either individually or as a member of a group or contributor.

Does Arts Council England Require Referees?

To back up your application, you must submit three letters of recommendation to Arts Council England.

One letter must be from a UK-based organization, institution, or business that is well-known nationally and/or worldwide for its expertise in your field of specialization.

The second letter has to come from a firm, organization, or institution that is well-known nationally and/or worldwide for having a high level of competence in your area of expertise.  This second organization, though, can have its headquarters abroad or in the UK.

The third letter may come from an additional organization, institution, or business (UK or abroad) that is well-known both domestically and internationally for having expertise in your field of expertise, or it may come from a distinguished person who is well-known throughout the world for having expertise in your field of specialization.

A senior employee of the company who is aware of your job and qualified to comment on your accomplishments should write the letters. They will need to mention all about your accomplishments in your area of expertise and how you have proven to be a leader in your industry or have the potential to be one, in their opinion.

Does Arts Council England Require a CV?

A CV is required to be included with your application for an Arts and Culture endorsement.  This will help Arts Council England determine which stage you are in your career so far in the arts and culture.

Applicants for Exceptional Promise must be in the early phases of their careers.  Later in their careers, applicants should apply using the Exceptional Talent criterion.

Arts Council England Endorsement Application Decision Times

After submission, Arts Council England typically takes six to eight weeks to decide on an endorsement application.

After submitting your application, the Home Office will send you an email to confirm that it has been forwarded to Arts Council England for review. They will also inform you that a decision should be made within 25 working days.

Global Talent Visa Application Following Endorsement

You will have three months from the date of the endorsement letter to submit your application under the Global Talent category to enter or remain in the UK after receiving your Arts Council endorsement.

If you are currently not allowed 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 to switch to the Global Talent route from within the UK.

If you have previously been granted leave under any of the aforementioned categories, you will need to leave the UK and apply for a Global Talent visa from your home country.

In order to apply for a Global Talent visa, an individual needs to be outside of the UK if they do not already have leave to remain in the country. However, they do not need to return to their home country to submit the application as it can be done from anywhere in the world.

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

The Global Talent visa category has no requirements for maintenance or English language proficiency.

You may request a leave of absence for any length of time, up to a maximum of five years, in full-year increments. Requesting a longer period of leave will not affect your application process, but it will impact the amount you must pay for the Immigration Health Surcharge. You can ask for leave for as long as you like, up to a maximum of five years, throughout full-year periods. Your request for a longer period will not impact the application process, but it will impact the Immigration Health Surcharge amount you must pay.

Global Talent Arts and Culture 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 awarded a qualified prestigious award.

Appendix Global Talent: Prestigious Prizes contains the list of prizes.  This list is periodically updated and is kept under review.

More information on: GOV.UK