United Kingdom — Work (Global Talent visa (research, digital technology, arts))

Main requirements

You must be a leader or potential leader in academia/research, arts and culture, or digital technology. Either you won a prize on the official list and apply for the visa directly, or you need an endorsement from your field's endorsing body. For digital technology the endorsing body is Tech Nation. Researchers have fast-track options: an eligible academic or research job offer at an approved institution, an individual fellowship, or a UKRI-approved research grant; otherwise the application goes to peer review.

Documents

Passport; evidence of achievements (publications, awards, projects, media coverage, etc.); recommendation letters from recognised people in your field; CV; and for research fast-track, the job offer or fellowship letter.

Language

The visa itself has no English requirement, but documents and letters must be in English or translated. English is needed later for settlement (B2 from 26 March 2027).

Costs and proof of funds

Per the official source as of October 2026, the endorsement route costs £561 at endorsement and £205 at the visa stage (£766 total); the prize route is £766 in one go. Partners and children pay £766 each. IHS is usually £1,035 per person per year, paid upfront for the whole visa (up to 5 years, i.e. up to £5,175).

Steps and timeline

Gather evidence and references; apply for endorsement (digital technology usually 5–8 weeks, research fast-track about 2 weeks, research peer review about 5 weeks); then apply for the visa within 3 months of the endorsement letter (decision usually in 3 weeks from outside the UK).

Notes for Iranian applicants

Where to give biometrics: visa decisions aren't made in Tehran, but GOV.UK's visa application centre finder lists Iran with a link to the VFS page, and Persian sources say the UK visa centre in Tehran (Heravi Center) has been taking applicants again since 21 June 2026. We couldn't open the VFS page itself, so check which centre the online form offers for Iran when you book. If Tehran isn't available, the nearby options are Istanbul and Ankara, Dubai and Abu Dhabi, and Yerevan.

For Iranian researchers, a job offer or fellowship from a UK university is the easiest way in. ATAS isn't an entry requirement for this visa, but study on it in a sensitive subject is subject to the ATAS condition. Men need a service or exemption card. Iranian bank cards don't work for international payments, so plan how to pay the fees in advance.

After arrival (work while studying, post-study stay, path to settlement)

No job offer needed; you can work freely and change jobs. The visa lasts up to 5 years. Researchers can settle after 3 years; in digital technology leaders after 3 years and potential leaders after 5. The earned settlement proposals also keep a 3-year path for Global Talent.