By Mihir Thaker, Founder·Updated 4 October 2026·5 min read
Quick answer
Appendix Global Talent is the part of the UK Immigration Rules that sets out the Global Talent route. Its endorsement rules, numbered GTE, cover Stage 1: how to apply, which field you apply in, and what the endorsing body must be satisfied of. Each endorsing body's guidance then explains how to evidence those rules.
If your evidence comes from outside the UK, explain its standing in terms a UK assessor can judge, and provide English translations where the endorsing body asks for them.
Who this guide helps
Applicants who want to read the rules behind the guidance
Founders and engineers applying to Tech Nation
Researchers choosing between fast track and peer review
Anyone who has seen 'GTE' references and wants them explained
What you will know
Most applicants apply in two parts: endorsement first, then the visa.
The endorsement application must be made online, with the fee paid, to the endorsing body for your field.
There are three fields: digital technology; science, engineering, humanities, social science and medicine; and arts and culture.
GTE 7 sets the digital technology rules and GTE 8 sets the research rules.
Winners of a listed prestigious prize do not need an endorsement.
What Appendix Global Talent is, and where Stage 1 fits
Appendix Global Talent is the section of the Immigration Rules for the Global Talent route. For most people it is a two-part process: an application for endorsement, then an application for the visa itself. The endorsement rules are numbered GTE. This guide covers those endorsement rules only.
Part 1: endorsement by the endorsing body for your field
Part 2: the visa application, which is a separate step
You can make the two applications one after the other or at the same time
A winner of a prize listed in Appendix Global Talent: Prestigious Prizes does not need an endorsement
The endorsement application must be made online on the specified form, "Apply for Global Talent endorsement - stage 1". The fee must be paid, and the application must be for the endorsing body in the field relevant to you. An application that does not meet these validity requirements may be rejected as invalid and not considered.
Every application must be made under one field and meet the endorsement requirements for that field. Choosing the wrong field is one of the simplest ways to lose an application.
Digital technology: Tech Nation
Science, engineering, humanities, social science and medicine: the Royal Society, the Royal Academy of Engineering, the British Academy and UKRI
Arts and culture: Arts Council England, with partner bodies such as Pact for film and television
You must satisfy Tech Nation that you have been recognised as an exceptional talent, or as someone with exceptional promise, in digital technology in the last 5 years. You must also show proven technical expertise, or proven commercial, investment or product expertise in building digital products.
GTE 7.2: a CV and 3 dated letters from 3 different experts who have known your work for 12 months or more
The letters must cover how the author knows you, your achievements, why you show exceptional talent or promise, and your expected contribution to the UK digital economy
GTE 7.3: Exceptional Talent applicants need at least 2 pieces of evidence for 2 of the optional criteria
GTE 7.4: Exceptional Promise applicants must also be at an early stage in their career
GTE 7.5: you must give evidence of any businesses you founded or led as a senior executive in the last 5 years, including dissolved ones
The research rules: fast track or full peer review
You must be an active researcher in an academic, industry or government research institution. You then apply either on a fast track or for full peer review.
GTE 8.2(a): a listed peer-reviewed fellowship or award, held now or in the last 5 years
GTE 8.2(b): an eligible academic or research post at an approved UK institution
GTE 8.2(c): critical work on a grant from a UKRI endorsed funder; GTE 8.7A sets a minimum of £30,000 over at least two years
GTE 8.8 and 8.9: full peer review, under Exceptional Talent or Exceptional Promise
The arts and culture rules sit with Arts Council England
Arts and culture applications are assessed by Arts Council England, which passes film and television applications to Pact. The detailed evidence rules, such as the number of documents and letters, are set out in Arts Council England's guidance.
The rules set the test; the guidance explains the evidence
The GTE rules say what you must show. Each endorsing body's guidance explains what evidence it accepts and how to present it. Tech Nation's own guide says it is not a substitute for the official guidance, and that applications are assessed against the official guidance. Read both before you apply.
Questions to settle before you spend time or money.
Use these answers to check the practical risks, documents, and decisions connected to this topic.
What is Appendix Global Talent?
It is the part of the UK Immigration Rules that sets out the Global Talent route, including the GTE rules for Stage 1 endorsement.
Do I need an endorsement if I have won a major prize?
Not if the prize is listed in Appendix Global Talent: Prestigious Prizes. A listed prize counts as showing exceptional talent.
Which rule sets the Tech Nation letter requirements?
GTE 7.2. It asks for 3 dated letters from 3 different experts who have known your work for 12 months or more.
Can I apply for endorsement and the visa at the same time?
Yes, the rules allow both. For advice on the visa stage, please speak to an immigration solicitor.
What happens if my application does not meet the validity rules?
It may be rejected as invalid and not considered, so check the form, the fee and the field before you submit.
Stage 1 help
Not sure which GTE rules apply to you?
In a free 30-minute call we look at your background against the rules for your field and the endorsing body's guidance. We do not promise outcomes. We are experts in the Stage 1 endorsement application for the UK Global Talent Visa. For immigration advice, please seek the services of an immigration solicitor.
