Work Permit
Skilled Worker
Work in the UK for a Home Office–approved employer in an eligible skilled job. A route to settlement after 5 years.
- Processing time
- ~3 weeks
- Government fee
- From £819
Work PermitUK Global Talent Visa
Live and work in the UK without a job offer if you are a leader or potential leader in academia, research, arts and culture or digital technology.
- Processing
- Usually within 3 weeks for the visa
- Government fee
- From £766
- Visa length
- Up to 5 years at a time
Overview
The Global Talent visa is for people who are already recognised, or are emerging, as leaders in academia or research, arts and culture, or digital technology. Unlike most work visas, you do not need a job offer or a sponsor: you can work for an employer, be self-employed, start a business or change jobs freely.
Most people first apply for an endorsement from the approved body for their field (for example, the Royal Society, the British Academy, the Royal Academy of Engineering or Arts Council England). If you have won an eligible prestigious prize, you can skip the endorsement and apply for the visa directly.
We help you work out which field and criteria fit your profile, plan your evidence and recommendation letters, prepare a strong endorsement application, and then complete the visa application for you and your family.
Who can apply
The main requirements. A counsellor will check your situation in detail.
- Aged 18 or over
- A leader or potential leader in academia or research, arts and culture, or digital technology
- An endorsement from the approved body for your field, or a named win of an eligible prestigious prize
- Apply for the visa within 3 months of receiving your endorsement letter
- No job offer, sponsor or minimum salary needed
Documents you’ll need
A typical list. We’ll give you a personal checklist in your consultation.
- Valid passport
- Your endorsement letter (or details of your eligible prize)
- Evidence for your endorsement, such as a CV, publications, awards, press coverage or portfolio
- Recommendation letters from established people in your field (for most endorsement routes)
- Tuberculosis test results (required for applicants from Bangladesh)
- Certified translations of any documents not in English
Fees & timing
| Endorsement application | £561 |
|---|---|
| Visa application | £205 |
| Immigration Health Surcharge | £1,035 per year |
| Example: 5-year visa (IHS £5,175) | £5,941 |
- Processing time
- Usually within 3 weeks for the visa when applying from outside the UK. Allow extra time before that for the endorsement; how long it takes depends on the endorsing body.
- Visa length
- Up to 5 years at a time, then extendable. Settlement possible after 3 or 5 years, depending on your field and route.
- Government fee
- £766 in total (£561 for the endorsement + £205 for the visa), plus the Immigration Health Surcharge (£1,035 per year)
- Our service fee
- Ask us for the current figure
Government fees and processing times change. We confirm the latest figures before you apply. Source: GOV.UK , checked on 19 September 2026.
How it works
- 1
Free consultation
Tell us your plans. We explain your options and honest chances.
- 2
Your personal checklist
We list exactly what you need and review every document.
- 3
Application & biometrics
We complete the forms with you and prepare you for your appointment.
- 4
Decision & travel
We track your application and help you get ready to go.
Frequently asked questions
Still have questions? Ask a counsellor, it’s free.
Important information
Pick Time Consultancy is an independent consultancy. We are not part of, or endorsed by, UK Visas and Immigration, the Home Office or the Australian Department of Home Affairs. This page is general information, not legal advice, and immigration rules change often. Always check the official source before you apply.
Other UK visas
View allWork Permit
Health and Care Worker
For qualified doctors, nurses and health and adult social care professionals with a job offer from an approved UK employer.
- Processing time
- ~3 weeks
- Government fee
- From £324
Work Permit
Graduate
Stay in the UK to work or look for work after successfully completing your degree. No job offer needed.
- Processing time
- ~8 weeks
- Government fee
- From £937
Talk to an expert
Get free advice on the UK Global Talent Visa
Tell us a little about your situation. A counsellor will check your eligibility and explain the next steps.