At a glance
Stage 1 decision times for every endorsing body
These are the published times for the Stage 1 endorsement decision. Times run from when the Home Office or the endorsing body receives your application, not from when you start preparing it.
Research routes
Fast track usually takes 14 working days; peer review takes longer
If you have an eligible academic post, individual fellowship or research grant, the endorsing bodies usually decide within 14 working days. Peer review usually takes 5 weeks. It can take up to 8 weeks from when the Home Office receives your application, with the endorsing body usually deciding within 5 weeks of that.
- Royal Society, Royal Academy of Engineering, British Academy fast track: usually within 14 working days
- UKRI endorsed funder route: usually within 14 working days
- Peer review: usually 5 weeks, up to 8 weeks
Digital technology
Tech Nation usually decides within 5 to 8 weeks
You will usually get a decision within 5 to 8 weeks. Tech Nation's own guide says up to 8 weeks. The Home Office tells you the outcome.
Read the official guidanceReading the rules is one thing. Knowing how they apply to your own evidence is another.
Book a free 30-minute callArts and culture
Arts Council England aims for 8 weeks, with no fast track
Arts Council England aims to decide within 8 weeks, and there is no fast-track service. The target is normally 8 weeks from when Arts Council England receives the application from UK Visas and Immigration. High volumes have recently meant some decisions take longer than this target.
- Film and television: Pact on average takes 2 to 3 weeks to review after receiving the application from Arts Council England
- Fashion, architecture and design are also assessed by partners on Arts Council England's behalf
Preparation
Preparing the application usually takes longer than the decision
The decision clock starts only when you submit. Before that, letters and evidence usually take the longest. Letter writers are busy, letters must be written specifically for your application, and some endorsing bodies need signed letters on headed paper with the author's CV. Tech Nation recommends allowing up to 12 weeks to prepare.
Planning
How to plan backwards from the date you want to apply
Add the preparation time to the decision time. This is our planning suggestion, not a published rule. Tech Nation recommends allowing up to 12 weeks to prepare, and the same allowance is sensible for most routes because letters take the longest.
If refused
A review must be requested within 28 days
If you think your application was not judged correctly, you can ask for a review within 28 days of the decision. There is no fee. You will be told by email within 28 days if the review is successful. You cannot add new evidence as part of a review.
Read the official guidanceAfter Stage 1
The visa decision is separate
Stage 2 is a separate application to the Home Office after endorsement, with its own timing.
What happens at Stage 2Related 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 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 guideWhy are Global Talent endorsement applications refused?
Find out the published reasons endorsing bodies turn applications down, and what you can and cannot do after a refusal.
Read related guideApplying from outside the UK. If your letter writers or evidence sources are in different countries, allow extra time to collect signed letters, accounts and translations before you submit.
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.
Does Arts Council England offer a fast track?
No. Arts Council England aims to decide within 8 weeks, says decisions are taking longer, and has no fast-track service.
Which route is quickest?
The research fast-track routes. Decisions usually take 14 working days.
Does the clock start when I send my letters to the endorsing body?
No. You submit online, and timings run from when the Home Office or the endorsing body receives the application.
How long does an endorsement review take?
You will be told by email within 28 days if the review is successful. You must request it within 28 days of the decision.
Does this include the visa decision?
No. These times cover Stage 1 only; Stage 2 is a separate application to the Home Office.
How long should I allow for Stage 1 in total?
Add preparation to the decision time. For Tech Nation, for example, allow up to 12 weeks to prepare (Tech Nation's own advice) and usually 5 to 8 weeks for the decision.
Which endorsing body takes the longest?
Arts Council England, because it says decisions are taking longer than its 8-week target, and it has no fast-track service. Research peer review and Tech Nation can each take up to 8 weeks.
Plan your timeline
Want a realistic Stage 1 timeline?
We can help you plan your letters and evidence so your application is ready when you want to submit. We do not promise outcomes or decision dates.