Individuals who are talented and show potential in the field of fashion design and wish to work in the UK can now apply for a Global Talent visa. The evaluation process of the applicants will be conducted by the British Fashion Council (BFC) on behalf of Arts Council England. The BFC will assess the applicants to determine if they are leaders in their field or possess the potential to become leaders.

Applications from people in the fashion design industry who play an essential role in the fashion industry’s design can be endorsed by the British Fashion Council.

The number of candidates that can be recommended under the Global Talent route’s fashion industry subcategory is unlimited.

Global Talent Visa Fashion Design Requirements

To be eligible for a Fashion Design Global Talent visa, you must meet the following requirements set out by UK Visas and Immigration:

• You are at least 18 or over;
• You have either received a letter of recommendation from the British Fashion Council (BFC) or have been awarded with a prize that is included 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 specific requirements that you must meet may vary depending on your situation. For expert advice, you may want to consult with an immigration lawyer.

Requirements for Endorsement by the British Fashion Council (BFC)

You must have a significant design role in the fashion industry and be able to demonstrate consistent professional participation in the field for the past five years to be eligible for endorsement in the field of fashion design by the British Fashion Council.

To be eligible for the Exceptional Talent visa, you must have a strong professional background and a proven track record of producing exceptional work that has been sold or exhibited internationally through catwalks or other exhibitions. If you are applying under the Exceptional Talent criteria, you must have a substantial track record in more than one country. If you are applying under the Exceptional Promise criteria, you must have a developing track record in one or more countries and demonstrate professional engagement in producing outstanding work that has been acknowledged by leading industry players.

Evidence Required for Endorsement by the British Fashion Council (BFC)

Three letters of recommendation are required when applying for a BFC Fashion Design endorsement.

The recommendation letters ought to come from reputable businesses with recognized fashion experience on a national or worldwide scale.

At least one of the letters must come from a UK-based organization if you want to demonstrate your extraordinary potential in the field of fashion design.

Exceptional Talent Applicants in the Field of Fashion Design

You must present at least two of the following if you want to demonstrate your exceptional talent in the field of fashion design:

Awards: Proof of winning or assisting in winning an international award for excellence, or being nominated or assisting in being nominated for an award; or

Recognition of Media: For your work to be considered, you must provide proof of at least two instances of notable media recognition from different countries, this may include your country of residence; or

Shows, presentations or exhibitions: List of catwalk displays, talks, or exhibits deemed globally noteworthy in the field of fashion design; or

Distribution and sales: Proof of broad distribution and sales of your collections through your e-commerce platform, your retail outlet, or globally recognized retailers.

Exceptional Promise Applicants in the Field of Fashion Design

To demonstrate your exceptional promise in the fashion design industry, you must present at least two of the following:

Recognition of Media: at least two instances of your personal work that have recently been featured in the UK or abroad; or

Support and sponsorship: proof of sponsorship and support by any of the following channels: (i) support schemes offered by the British Fashion Council; (ii) the Fashion East support scheme; (iii) The Sarabande Foundation; (iv) The Center of Fashion Enterprise; (v) a global counterpart of the British Fashion Council; or

Orders: proof of a minimum of one order placed by a boutique or luxury retailer;

Industry recognition: proof that an exceptional graduating collection has been acknowledged by major industry stakeholders.

Does the BFC Require Referees for a Fashion Design Endorsement?

Three recommendation letters must be submitted to the British Fashion Council in support of your application.

Senior members of reputable organizations with a national or worldwide reputation and acknowledged fashion expertise are required to write reference letters.

If you are submitting under the Exceptional Talent criterion, at least one of the letters must come from a UK organization that is well-known both domestically and abroad, collaborates annually with several international designers and industry professionals, and is generally regarded for its fashion expertise.

The letters ought to come from a senior employee of the company who is knowledgeable about your achievements and can offer insight into your job. They must describe your achievements in your area of expertise and how, in their view, you have proven that you are, or have the potential to be, a leader in your field.

BFC Fashion Design Endorsement Application Decision Times

After submission, the BFC typically takes about four weeks to decide whether to endorse a fashion design.

Global Talent Visa Application Following Endorsement

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

If you do not currently possess, or were not previously granted, permission to remain 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 may apply from within the United Kingdom to switch to the Global Talent route.

Should you currently hold, or were previously granted, leave under any of the aforementioned categories, you will need to depart the UK and apply for a Global Talent visa from your country of residence.

Anybody applying for a Global Talent visa who does not have leave in the UK must make sure they are abroad at the time of application. You do not, however, need to go to your home country in order to submit the application because it can be done from anywhere in the globe.

The Home Office will evaluate your immigration history and character in addition to confirming your endorsement to make sure you are not rejected on the basis of general grounds for refusal.

The Global Talent visa category does not have any maintenance or English language proficiency requirements.

You may seek leave for as long as you like, up to a maximum of five years, throughout full year periods. Your request for a longer period of time will not impact the application process, but it will impact the Immigration Health Surcharge amount you must pay.

Global Talent Fashion Design Prestigious Prizes Route

You will be able to speed up the endorsement application and go straight forward with submitting a single visa application if you have won 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