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 8 October 2026. Fees can change, so confirm them on GOV.UK before you pay.
Who can switch
Most visa holders in the UK can switch
You must be in the UK to switch, and you should apply before your current visa expires. You need either an endorsement or an eligible prestigious prize. GOV.UK sets extra conditions for Student visa holders.
Who cannot switch
Who must apply from outside the UK
You cannot switch if you are in the UK in one of these categories. You must leave the UK and apply for a Global Talent visa from abroad.
- Visit visa
- Short-term student visa
- Parent of a Child Student visa
- Seasonal worker visa
- Domestic worker in a private household visa
- Immigration bail
- Permission to stay outside the Immigration Rules, for example on compassionate grounds
Timing
Plan the endorsement and the switch together
You must apply to switch within 3 months of getting your endorsement, and before your current visa expires. After you apply, you can stay in the UK until you get your decision. If your current visa ends soon, allow for the Stage 1 decision time too, which differs by endorsing body.
Switching on GOV.UK Stage 1 decision times by endorsing bodyWe help with Stage 1, the endorsement application. Not endorsed yet? Talk to us about your evidence.
Book a free 30-minute callFees
What switching costs
Switching costs £766. With an endorsement you pay £561 when you apply for the endorsement and £205 when you apply for the visa. You also pay the healthcare surcharge, usually £1,035 a year. There is no fee for giving fingerprints and a photo.
Fees on GOV.UK See the full cost guideTravel
Do not travel abroad while you wait
Decisions are usually made within 8 weeks of your application date. You must not travel outside the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man until you get a decision. If you do, your application will be withdrawn. You may be able to pay for a faster decision, and you are told if you can when you apply.
Switching on GOV.UKFamily
Your partner and children switch separately
Your partner or children apply separately to switch their visas, either at the same time as you or at any time before their current visa expires. The same excluded categories apply to them, and the same conditions for Student visa holders.
Partners and children on GOV.UKAfter you switch
What changes when you move to Global Talent
GOV.UK says you can stay up to 5 years at a time, extend as often as you meet the requirements, and may settle after 3 or 5 years depending on your field and how you apply. Time as a main applicant on Skilled Worker can count towards Global Talent settlement under GT 11.3.
Appendix Global Talent Read our settlement guideRelated guides
Keep reading
Guides applicants usually read next on this topic.
How long does a Global Talent endorsement take? Decision times by endorsing body
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 guideGlobal Talent visa fees in 2026: application fee, healthcare surcharge and total cost
The Global Talent visa costs £766 per person, plus the healthcare surcharge for each year of the visa. Here is what each person pays, when, with worked totals.
Read related guideGlobal Talent visa settlement (ILR): when you can apply after 3 or 5 years
Whether you can settle after 3 or 5 years depends on your endorsing body and category. Here are the settlement rules from Appendix Global Talent, with the fee and family rules.
Read related guideApplying from outside the UK. If you are outside the UK now, you apply from outside instead. Our Stage 2 guide covers that application.
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.
Can I switch from a Skilled Worker visa to a Global Talent visa?
Yes, from inside the UK, once you have an endorsement or an eligible prize. Apply within 3 months of endorsement and before your Skilled Worker visa expires.
Can I switch from a Student visa?
Only if you have completed your course, or have studied full time for a PhD for at least 24 months.
Can I switch from a Graduate visa?
The Graduate visa is not on the GOV.UK list of visas that cannot switch, so you can apply once endorsed and before it expires.
Can I travel while my switch application is pending?
No. Travelling outside the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man before a decision withdraws your application.
How long does a switch decision take?
Usually 8 weeks from your application date. You may be able to pay for a faster decision.
Does my Skilled Worker time count towards settlement?
Time as a main applicant on Skilled Worker can count towards the Global Talent qualifying period under GT 11.3.
Stage 1 help
Switching starts with your endorsement.
You can switch only once you are endorsed. Check which endorsing body and category fit you, or book a free call about your Stage 1 evidence.