Work in the UK as a researcher or academic leader (Global Talent visa)

Academic or researcher

You can get fast track endorsement for the Global Talent visa if you have an eligible job offer:

as an academic or researcher
at an institution approved by the Royal Society, Royal Academy of Engineering and British Academy - check the list of approved research institutions or the list of officially recognised universities and colleges

If you cannot get endorsement for an eligible job, you may be able to apply another way, for example with an individual fellowship.

Your job offer will need to involve either:

being responsible for academic, research or innovation leadership and development
directing or leading an individual or team research or innovation project or programme of work

You need to provide both:

a full job description
a letter from the director of human resources (or equivalent) at the organisation where you will work

The letter needs to say all of the following:

the name of the position and department where you will work
how the job you’ve been offered is eligible for this visa
that you’ve accepted the job offer
that the position was advertised and the application process was an open competition (or if it was not, the reasons why)
that you gave at least 2 references
that at least 3 academic, research or innovation representatives interviewed you for the role
that an expert in your field was among the interviewers or consulted about your appointment before you were offered the job

Once you have the documents, you can apply for endorsement.

You’ll usually get a decision on your application within 1 week.

You can apply for the Global Talent visa at the same time as you apply for endorsement, or after you have the endorsement confirmed.

If your permission to stay in the UK is about to expire, applying for the visa will extend it until you’ve been given a decision.

You’ll get a response within 3 weeks if you’re outside the UK, and 8 weeks if you’re inside the UK.