- Prepare evidence and lettersUsually the longest partWeeks to months
- Apply online to the Home OfficeEndorsement fee£561
- Endorsing body decidesDepends on the endorsing body2 to 8+ weeks
- Apply for the visa£205 visa fee plus healthcare surchargeWithin 3 months
We help with Stage 1 only
This guide sets out the published GOV.UK rules beyond Stage 1 so you can plan ahead. Our service covers the Stage 1 endorsement application. Figures and rules checked on GOV.UK on 17 October 2026. Fees can change, so confirm them on GOV.UK before you pay.
3 August 2026
Prize list corrections and an overstayer exception
Statement of changes HC 259 corrected several prize names on the Global Talent prestigious prizes list. The W H Pierce Prize now appears as the WH Pierce Global Impact in Microbiology Prize, awarded by Applied Microbiology International. Applications made before 3 August 2026 are decided under the prize list in force on 2 August 2026. The same statement amended Appendix Global Talent so that an applicant who falls within the exceptions for overstayers in Part Suitability is not refused only for a past period of overstaying or for being on immigration bail. This affects prize-route applicants and a small group of in-UK applicants.
Statement of changes HC 259, 9 July 20261 July 2026
New design industry pathway
A design industry pathway was added to the arts and culture side of the Global Talent route. The Design Business Association judges these applications on behalf of Arts Council England. Applicants may apply under exceptional talent or exceptional promise. The published criteria ask for regular work in the field over the last 5 years, 3 recommendation letters, up to 10 pieces of evidence and a CV. This affects design professionals whose roles were not covered by the existing arts pathways.
GOV.UK: Global Talent, design industry Arts Council England endorsement8 April 2026
Academic appointments fast track simplified
Statement of changes HC 1691 simplified the fast-track option for people appointed to eligible academic or research roles. The criteria now cover all PhD-level roles at an approved UK higher education institution or research institute where the applicant either leads academic, research or innovation work, or performs research or innovation as a primary function. This affects researchers endorsed through the Royal Society, Royal Academy of Engineering and British Academy fast track.
Explanatory memorandum to HC 1691, 5 March 2026 Global Talent for researchersWe help with Stage 1, the endorsement application. Not endorsed yet? Talk to us about your evidence.
Book a free 30-minute call8 April 2026
Settlement fee rises. Global Talent fees unchanged.
In the fee changes from 8 April 2026, the Global Talent fees stayed the same: £561 for the endorsement, £205 for the visa and £766 for dependants. The indefinite leave to remain fee rose from £3,029 to £3,226. This affects Global Talent holders who apply to settle after the 3-year or 5-year qualifying period.
GOV.UK: Home Office immigration and nationality fees, 8 April 2026 Global Talent fees and total cost26 March 2026
B2 English for settlement, from 26 March 2027
Statement of changes HC 1691 amended Appendix Global Talent on 26 March 2026 to raise the English requirement for settlement. Settlement applications made before 26 March 2027 need speaking and listening at CEFR level B1. Applications made on or after 26 March 2027 need at least level B2. The change applies to people already on a pathway to settlement. Exemptions in Appendix English Language may still apply.
Immigration Rules: Appendix Global Talent Global Talent settlement: 3-year and 5-year routes11 November 2025
Architecture evidence widened and 27 prizes added
Statement of changes HC 1333 allowed applicants in architecture to use evidence of their work as a named member of a group or contributor, as well as individual work, and evidence of significantly contributing to a shortlisting or nomination. After consultation with the endorsing bodies, 27 prizes were added to the prestigious prizes list and one prize was removed because it is no longer awarded and has no living former winners.
Explanatory memorandum to HC 1333, 14 October 20259 April 2025
Arts Council England evidence changes
Statement of changes HC 733 made changes requested by Arts Council England and its partner organisations. These included a CV requirement, rules on who letters of support must come from, media recognition for contributing designers, and a rule that awards must usually be won for the applicant's work as an individual. Most changes took effect on 9 April 2025. The memorandum states that certain Global Talent changes took effect on 4 August 2025. Golden Globes awards on the prize list were renamed, and prizes won under the previous names remain acceptable.
Explanatory memorandum to HC 733, 12 March 2025 Arts Council England letters of support9 April 2025
Global Talent fee rises to £766
The endorsement fee rose from £524 to £561 and the visa fee for endorsed applicants rose from £192 to £205. The total rose from £716 to £766, which is also the fee for prize-route applicants and for each dependant. The indefinite leave to remain fee rose from £2,885 to £3,029 on the same date.
GOV.UK: Home Office immigration and nationality fees, 9 April 2025 Global Talent cost calculatorRelated guides
Keep reading
Guides applicants usually read next on this topic.
The UK Global Talent visa: what it is and how Stage 1 endorsement works
The Global Talent visa needs no job offer or sponsor and lets your family join you. Stage 1 is the endorsement application, where an endorsing body decides whether you are a leader or a potential leader in your field.
Read related guideGlobal Talent endorsement requirements: what each endorsing body asks for
Each endorsing body sets its own Stage 1 tests, so the requirements for a software founder, a researcher and a theatre director are very different.
Read related guideGlobal Talent endorsement documents: a checklist for each endorsing body
Each endorsing body has its own document rules, from page limits to who can write your letters.
Read related guideApplying from outside the UK. A dated record of Global Talent route changes, checked against GOV.UK on 17 October 2026.
Article FAQ
Questions to settle before you spend time or money.
Use these answers to check the practical risks, documents, and decisions connected to this topic.
Has the Global Talent fee changed in 2026?
No. The fee tables from 8 April 2026 and 8 October 2026 show the same Global Talent fees: £561 for the endorsement, £205 for the visa and £766 in total.
Has the healthcare surcharge changed?
The GOV.UK healthcare surcharge page shows £1,035 a year for adults and £776 a year for under 18s. Its public last updated date is 28 November 2024.
Does the B2 English rule apply to my Global Talent visa application now?
No. Appendix Global Talent has no English requirement for the first visa. The B1 to B2 change applies to settlement applications made on or after 26 March 2027.
Who endorses design applicants?
Since 1 July 2026, the Design Business Association judges design industry applications on behalf of Arts Council England.
Where can I check for new changes?
The Immigration Rules updates page on GOV.UK records each change to Appendix Global Talent with its date and statement of changes. We update this log when we confirm a new change.
Stage 1 help
Preparing a Stage 1 application under the current rules?
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