- 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 11 November 2026. Fees can change, so confirm them on GOV.UK before you pay.
Who it is for
Fast track is only for academics and researchers
Fast track endorsement is part of the academia and research route, assessed by the Royal Society, the Royal Academy of Engineering, the British Academy and UKRI. It covers science, medicine, engineering, humanities and social science. Digital technology (Tech Nation) and arts and culture (Arts Council England) applicants do not have a fast track; their decision times are on our processing time guide.
Academics and researchers on GOV.UK Decision times for every endorsing bodyRoute 1
An eligible academic or research job offer
You qualify if you have a job offer as an academic or researcher at an institution approved by the Royal Society, Royal Academy of Engineering and British Academy, or at an officially recognised university or college. The job must involve academic, research or innovation leadership and development, or have research or innovation as its main activities.
- A full job description showing the job needs a PhD or equivalent research experience
- A letter from the director of human resources (or equivalent) confirming the position and department, why the job is eligible, that you accepted the offer, that it was advertised in open competition (or why not), that you gave at least 2 references, that at least 3 academic, research or innovation representatives interviewed you, and that an expert in your field was among the interviewers or consulted
Route 2
An individual fellowship
You qualify if you have held an eligible fellowship in the last 5 years, approved by the Royal Society for science and medicine, the British Academy for humanities, or the Royal Academy of Engineering. The fellowship decides whether you apply as Exceptional Talent or Exceptional Promise. You send a copy of your fellowship award letter.
Individual fellowship on GOV.UKWe help with Stage 1, the endorsement application. Not endorsed yet? Talk to us about your evidence.
Book a free 30-minute callRoute 3
A research grant from a UKRI endorsed funder
You qualify if you work on a grant or award from a funder on UKRI's endorsed funders list, and the organisation employing or hosting you is approved by UKRI and based in the UK.
- At least 1 year left on your employment contract or hosting agreement
- At least half of your time spent on the grant
- A grant worth at least £30,000 covering at least 2 years
- A one-off grant, or a renewable award with regular peer review
- A letter from the director of human resources (or equivalent), and a database link or a letter from your endorsed funder
Timing
How long fast track takes
GOV.UK says you will usually get a decision within 1 week on the job offer and fellowship routes. Its overview page gives 2 weeks for fast track, against 5 weeks for peer review. On the fast track routes, you can apply for the visa at the same time as the endorsement, or after it is confirmed. The visa decision then usually takes 3 weeks from outside the UK and 8 weeks from inside.
Decision times on GOV.UKNo fast track route
Peer review is the alternative
If you have none of these, you can still apply through peer review, where the endorsing body assesses your CV, personal statement and letters against its criteria. It takes longer, usually 5 weeks for the endorsement decision.
Peer review on GOV.UK How peer review worksRelated guides
Keep reading
Guides applicants usually read next on this topic.
UKRI Global Talent endorsement: how the endorsed funder route works
A step-by-step guide to the UKRI fast-track route for researchers who already work on a qualifying grant.
Read related guideRoyal Society Global Talent visa: how peer review endorsement works
Find out which of the four routes fits you, what the Royal Society checks and what to send for peer review.
Read related guideGlobal Talent visa processing time and timeline: how long each stage takes
Stage 1 decisions range from 14 working days on fast-track research routes to up to 8 weeks for peer review, usually 5 to 8 weeks for Tech Nation, and longer for the arts.
Read related guideApplying from outside the UK. Facts for researchers and academics, checked against GOV.UK on 11 November 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.
What is the Global Talent visa fast track?
A faster endorsement for academics and researchers who have an eligible job offer, an approved individual fellowship or a UKRI-endorsed research grant. GOV.UK says decisions usually take 1 week on these routes, against 5 weeks for peer review.
Is there a fast track for Tech Nation or Arts Council England?
No. Fast track endorsement is only part of the academia and research route.
Can I apply for the visa at the same time as fast track endorsement?
Yes. On the fast track routes GOV.UK says you can apply for the visa at the same time as the endorsement, or after it is confirmed.
What if my fellowship is not on the list?
You may be able to apply through UKRI if you have another type of grant, or through peer review.
Who can help me choose between fast track and peer review?
Tier 1 Global Talent Visa, led by founder Mihir Thaker, works only on the Stage 1 endorsement. We check which route your job, fellowship or grant fits and what documents it needs. We do not give immigration advice and cannot promise an outcome.
Stage 1 help
Not sure which research route fits?
Check which endorsing body and route fit you, or book a free call about your Stage 1 evidence.
Which field is your work in?