Longer term visas
Global Talent Visa
The Global Talent visa is a UK immigration category for talented and promising individuals in specific sectors wishing to work in the UK.
To be considered for entry under the Global Talent visa, applicants must gain an endorsement* from one of six endorsing bodies engaged by the Home Office.
If you are applying for endorsement in the fields of science, engineering, medicine, the social sciences or the humanities or for other academic and research roles, the Home Office will refer your application to the British Academy, Royal Academy of Engineering, Royal Society or UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) which will make an endorsement decision based on the evidence you provide.
If you are applying for endorsement in non-academic fields of arts and culture and digital technology, your application will be referred to Arts Council England or Tech Nation, which follow separate endorsement criteria.
If the endorsement is granted, the final immigration decision rests with the Home Office.
*Holders of certain prestigious prizes can apply for a visa without going through the initial endorsement stage. For example, if you are coming to the UK having received a Horizon Europe Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) award. The list of eligible awards and further information is available on GOV.UK.
There are four routes for eligible academics and researchers to obtain endorsement for a Global Talent visa. The Home Office Guidance sets these out under the heading Science, engineering, humanities and medicine applicants, though a full range of academic and research disciplines are covered:
- Academic and research appointments – fast-track endorsement for individuals who have accepted a position at an approved UK higher education institution or research institute with responsibility either for academic, research or innovation leadership and development, or for directing or leading an individual or team research or innovation project or programme of work. This route is administered by the British Academy, Royal Academy of Engineering and the Royal Society.
- Individual fellowships – fast-track endorsement for individuals who have been awarded an individual fellowship on the list approved by the British Academy, Royal Academy of Engineering and the Royal Society. The fellowship must be held currently or within the last 12 months.
- Endorsed funders – fast-track endorsement for researchers and specialists whose name or job title is specified in a successful grant application from an endorsed funder approved by UKRI. In order to be eligible, researchers must be hosted or employed by an eligible institution approved by UKRI.
- Peer review – standard endorsement for individuals who submit an application for full peer review by the British Academy, Royal Academy of Engineering or Royal Society.
High Potential Individual Visa
A High Potential Individual (HPI) visa gives you permission to stay in the UK for at least 2 years. To apply, you must have been awarded a qualification by an eligible university in the last 5 years. An HPI visa usually lasts for 2 years. If you have a PhD or other doctoral qualification, it will last for 3 years. Find out more about this visa here: https://www.gov.uk/high-potential-individual-visa
Future Technology Research and Innovation (FTRI) Government Authorised Exchange (GAE) Scheme
This is a new visa scheme that enables UK businesses to sponsor international researchers and research interns to carry out short-term work, research, or training placements in the UK. This applies to the critical technologies specified in the UK’s Science & Technology Framework. These critical technologies are:
- artificial intelligence (AI)
- engineering biology
- future telecommunications
- quantum technologies
- semiconductors
You can learn more here.
Innovator Founder
You can apply to come to the UK as an Entrepreneur by applying for an Innovator Founder visa if:
- you want to set up and run an innovative business in the UK - it must be something that’s different from anything else on the market
- your business or business idea has been endorsed by an approved body, also known as an endorsing body
- you meet the other eligibility requirements
Find out more on the eligibility requirements here: https://www.gov.uk/innovator-founder-visa
Skilled Worker Visa
A Skilled Worker visa allows you to come to or stay in the UK to do an eligible job with an approved employer.
To qualify for a Skilled Worker visa, you must:
- work for a UK employer that’s been approved by the Home Office
- have a ‘certificate of sponsorship’ from your employer with information about the role you’ve been offered in the UK
- do a job that’s on the list of eligible occupations
- be paid a minimum salary - how much depends on the type of work you do
The specific eligibility depends on your job. You can find further information on this visa here:
https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa
Other Work Visas
You can find a list of current work visas for the UK here: https://www.gov.uk/browse/visas-immigration/work-visas
Student Visa
Find visa information on coming to the UK to study here: https://www.gov.uk/student-visa/course
Can I work if I am a student?
This will depend on your immigration status and what is allowed under your visa.
A useful resource is the website for The UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA), where they provide information and advice on when students and working legally in the UK.
Ukrainian Nationals
The Ukraine Family Scheme closed at 3pm on 19 February 2024. It is no longer possible to apply under this scheme. You can find information for Ukrainian nationals coming to the UK here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/support-for-family-members-of-british-nationals-in-ukraine-and-ukrainian-nationals-in-ukraine-and-the-uk
You can also find some information here: https://www.euraxess.org.uk/ukraine
Refugees
You can access information on applying to the UK as a refugee here: https://www.gov.uk/claim-asylum
Yo can find EURAXESS resources for refugee researchers here: https://euraxess.ec.europa.eu/jobs/science4refugees