Temporary Worker - Religious Worker visa (T5)

Overview

You can apply for a Temporary Worker - Religious Worker visa (T5) if:

you want to do religious work in a non-pastoral role or religious order

you meet the other eligibility requirements

This visa has replaced the Tier 5 (Temporary Worker - Religious Worker) visa.

If you or your family are from the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein

If you or your close family member started living in the UK before 1 January 2021, you may be able to apply to the free EU Settlement Scheme.

Otherwise you need a visa to work in the UK.

Irish citizens do not need to apply for a visa or to the EU Settlement Scheme.

Sponsorship

You must have a certificate of sponsorship from a licensed sponsor before you can apply to come to the UK to work.

The work you do in the UK must relate to your sponsor organisation’s work.

How long it will take

The earliest you can apply for a visa is 3 months before the date you’re due to start work. This date is on your certificate of sponsorship.

You should get a decision on your visa within 3 weeks when you apply from outside the UK.

Find out about paying for a faster decision.

Application fee

The application fee for each person applying is £244.

The fee is the same whether you’re applying from inside or outside the UK.

If you’re from an eligible country

Your application fee will be automatically reduced by £55 if you’re from one of the following countries:

Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Republic of Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden or Turkey.

This reduction only applies to your visa application. Your partner and children will still need to pay the full application fee.

Healthcare surcharge

You’ll also have to pay the healthcare surcharge as part of your application. Check how much you’ll have to pay before you apply.

If you are applying to extend from inside the UK

You’ll need to pay £19.20 to have your biometric information (fingerprints and a photo) taken.

Get a faster decision on your application

If you’re applying to extend from inside the UK you can pay an extra £500 for the priority service to get a decision within 5 working days.

You can pay an extra £800 for the super priority service to get a decision:

by the end of the next working day after providing your biometric information if your appointment is on a weekday

2 working days after providing your biometric information if your appointment is at the weekend

Working days are Monday to Friday, not including bank holidays.

Once you’ve got your decision letter, your biometric residence permit will take up to 10 working days to arrive.

How long you can stay

You’ll be given a visa to live and work in the UK for up to 24 months, or up to 28 days more than the time on your certificate of sponsorship. You may be sponsored for a shorter period.

You can enter the UK up to 14 days before the start date of your job.

What you can and cannot do

You can:

study - for some courses you’ll need an Academic Technology Approval Scheme certificate

work for your sponsor in the job described in your certificate of sponsorship

do a second job in the same sector at the same level as your main job for up to 20 hours per week outside the hours of your main job

do a job on the Skilled Worker shortage occupation list for up to 20 hours per week outside the hours of your main job

bring your partner and children with you as your ‘dependants’, if they’re eligible

You cannot get public funds.

Eligibility

You must have both of the following:

a certificate of sponsorship reference number from your UK sponsor

enough money to support yourself in the UK - you’ll usually need to have at least £1,270 available (unless you’re exempt)

Certificate of sponsorship

A certificate of sponsorship is a unique reference number that holds information about the job you’ll do and your personal details. It’s not an actual certificate or paper document.

Your sponsor will give you the certificate of sponsorship.

Your sponsor must also give you the information they used on your certificate about your job, for example your working hours.

Your sponsor must be recognised by the UK government to issue certificates of sponsorship.

Your certificate of sponsorship is valid for 3 months from the date it is assigned to you.

Multiple entry

Your sponsor can give you a multiple entry certificate of sponsorship so you can leave and return to the UK.

Money to support yourself

You must have at least £1,270 in your bank account to show you can support yourself in the UK.

You will need to have had the money available for at least 28 days in a row. Day 28 must be within 31 days of applying for this visa.

You’ll usually need to show proof of this when you apply, unless either:

you’ve been in the UK with a valid visa for at least 12 months

your employer can cover your costs during your first month in the UK, up to £1,270

Your partner and children will also need to prove they can support themselves while they’re in the UK. Check how much they’ll need.

Read the guidance on financial evidence for more information about the money you need and how to prove it.

If your employer can support you instead

Your certificate of sponsorship must confirm this. Your employer will need to complete the ‘sponsor certifies maintenance’ section on your certificate. This is under ‘Additional data’.

Documents you must provide

When you apply you’ll need to provide:

your certificate of sponsorship reference number - your employer will give you this

a valid passport or other document that shows your identity and nationality

evidence that you have enough personal savings to support yourself in the UK, for example bank statements (unless your certificate of sponsorship shows your employer can support you)

proof of your relationship with your partner or children if they’re applying with you

your tuberculosis (TB) test results if you’re from a country where you have to take the test

You need a blank page in your passport for your visa.

You’ll need to provide a certified translation of any documents that are not in English or Welsh.

You may need to provide additional documents depending on your circumstances.

Read the guide for a full list of documents you can provide.

Apply

Read the full guidance before you apply.

Apply from outside the UK

You must apply online for this visa.

You’ll need to have your fingerprints and photograph taken at a visa application centre (to get a biometric residence permit) as part of your application.

You’ll have to collect your biometric residence permit within 10 days of when you said you’d arrive in the UK (even if you actually arrive at a later date).

Find out how to get your visa decision faster - this depends on what country you’re in. Check if your visa application centre offers faster decisions and other services.

Apply from inside the UK

You can only extend your existing visa if you’re already in the UK.

Extend your visa

You can apply to extend your Temporary Worker - Religious Worker visa (T5).

You should apply before your current visa expires.

Eligibility

You must continue to meet the eligibility rules.

You must apply again if you want to change your job within the same organisation or move to a new organisation.

How long you can stay

You can apply to take your stay in the UK up to a maximum of 24 months, or the time on your certificate of sponsorship plus 14 days - whichever is shorter.

Fees

Check the fees for your visa.

How to extend your visa

You should read the full guidance before you apply.

You must apply online.

Your partner and children

You can add your partner and children to your online application - including children who have turned 18 during your stay.

Providing biometric information and supporting documents

When you apply, you’ll be asked to make an appointment at a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) service point to provide your biometric information (your fingerprints and a photo).

You’ll also need to submit your supporting documents. You can:

upload them into the online service

have them scanned at your UKVCAS appointment

You must not travel outside of the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man until you get a decision. Your application will be withdrawn if you do.

Get help to apply online

You can get help with completing the online form if you:

do not feel confident using a computer or mobile device

do not have internet access

You can only use this service if you’re applying to extend your visa in the UK.

You cannot get immigration advice through this service.

How long it takes

A decision will be made within 8 weeks of your application date if you use the standard service.

If you use the super priority service a decision will be made:

by the end of the next working day after your UKVCAS appointment if your appointment is on a weekday

2 working days after your UKVCAS appointment if your appointment is at the weekend

Working days are Monday to Friday, not including bank holidays.

You’ll be contacted if your application is complex and will take longer, for example because:

your supporting documents need to be verified

you need to attend an interview

of your personal circumstances (for example if you have a criminal conviction)

Your partner and children

Your partner and children can apply to join you or to stay in the UK as your ‘dependants’ if they’re eligible. If their application is successful, their visa will end on the same date as yours.

Your relationship

A dependant partner or child is any of the following:

your husband, wife, civil partner or unmarried partner

your child under 18 - including if they were born in the UK during your stay

your child over 18 if they’re currently in the UK as your dependant

You’ll need to provide evidence of your relationship when you apply.

Your partner

You must be able to prove that either:

you’re in a civil partnership or marriage that’s recognised in the UK

you’ve been living together in a relationship for at least 2 years when you apply

If your child is 16 or over

They must:

live with you (unless they’re in full-time education at boarding school, college or university)

not be married, in a civil partnership or have any children

be financially supported by you

If your child lives with you, you’ll need to provide evidence of their address such as:

a bank statement

credit card bills

driving licence

NHS registration document

an official letter from their university or college

Money they need to support themselves

Your partner or children must have a certain amount of money available to support themselves while they’re in the UK.

You - or your partner or child - will need:

£285 for your partner

£315 for one child

£200 for each additional child

You - or your partner or child - will need to have had the money available for at least 28 days in a row. Day 28 must be within 31 days of you or them applying for this visa.

You’ll usually need to show proof of this when they apply, unless either:

you have all been in the UK with a valid visa for at least 12 months

your employer can cover your family’s costs during your first month in the UK - this must be confirmed on your certificate of sponsorship

If your partner or child is applying at a different time to you, they’ll only need to prove they have enough money to support themselves if they have been in the UK for less than one year.

Apply from outside the UK

Your partner and children must apply online.

Each family member will need to complete a separate application and pay the visa fee. They must apply before they travel to the UK.

They’ll also need your application number - you’ll get this when you apply. This number is called a Global Web Form (GWF) or a Unique Application Number (UAN). You’ll find it on emails and letters from the Home Office about your application.

Proving their identity

As part of their application, your partner and children will need to have their fingerprints and photograph taken at a visa application centre. They may need to travel to get to their nearest centre (this could be in another country).

The visa application centre may need to keep their passport and documents while they process their application.

How long it takes to get a decision

Once they’ve applied online, proved their identity and provided their documents, they’ll usually get a decision within 3 weeks.

They may be able to pay to get their visa faster - check with the visa application centre.

Apply from inside the UK to extend

You can include your partner and children on your application to extend this visa. This includes children who were born or have turned 18 during your stay.

If you cannot apply at the same time, your partner or child can apply to extend their visas at a later date. This must be before their current visa expires.

How to apply

Your partner and children must apply online to either:

extend as a partner

extend as a child

They’ll need your application number - you’ll get this when you apply. This number is called a Global Web Form (GWF) or a Unique Application Number (UAN). You’ll find it on emails and letters from the Home Office about your application.

As part of their application, your partner and children will need to have their fingerprints and photograph taken at a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) service point.

They must not travel outside of the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man until they get a decision. Their application will be withdrawn if they do.

How long it takes to get a decision

Once they’ve applied online, proved their identity and provided their documents, they’ll usually get a decision within 8 weeks.

They may be able to pay to get a faster decision - they’ll be told if they can when they apply.

Children born in the UK

If you have a child while you’re in the UK, they do not automatically become a British citizen.

You can apply online for their visa as your dependant. You must do this if you want to travel in and out of the UK with your child.

You’ll need to provide a full UK birth certificate for each child, showing the names of both parents.

You must apply to add them to your visa before they turn 18 if they want to stay in the UK.


Temporary Worker - Seasonal Worker visa (T5)

Overview

You can apply for a Seasonal Worker visa (T5) if you want to come to the UK for up to 6 months to do farm work. You’ll need to:

have a sponsor

meet the other eligibility requirements

This visa has replaced the Tier 5 Seasonal Worker visa.

If you or your family are from the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein

If you or your close family member started living in the UK before 1 January 2021, you may be able to apply to the free EU Settlement Scheme.

Otherwise you need a visa to work in the UK.

Irish citizens do not need to apply for a visa or to the EU Settlement Scheme.

How long it will take

The earliest you can apply for a visa is 3 months before the date you’re due to start work. This date is on your certificate of sponsorship.

You should get a decision on your visa within 3 weeks when you apply from outside the UK.

Find out about paying for a faster decision.

Fee

The visa costs £244.

If you’re from an eligible country

Your application fee will be automatically reduced by £55 if you’re from one of the following countries:

Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Republic of Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden or Turkey.

How long you can stay

You can stay in the UK for up to 6 months.

You can enter the UK as soon as your visa is valid (up to 14 days before the start date of your job).

What you can and cannot do

You can:

work in the job described in your certificate of sponsorship

study (for some courses you’ll need an Academic Technology Approval Scheme certificate)

You cannot:

take a permanent job

work in a second job or a job that isn’t described in your certificate of sponsorship

get public funds

bring family members with you

Eligibility

You must be 18 or over when you apply and have both of the following:

a certificate of sponsorship reference number from your UK sponsor

enough money to support yourself in the UK - you’ll usually need to have at least £1,270 available (unless you’re exempt)

Certificate of sponsorship

A certificate of sponsorship is a reference number which holds information about the job and your personal details. It’s not an actual certificate or paper document.

Your sponsor will give you your certificate of sponsorship reference number.

You’ll need to add your certificate of sponsorship reference number to your visa application form - you can only use it once.

Your certificate of sponsorship is valid for 3 months from the date it’s assigned to you.

Multiple entry

Your sponsor can give you a multiple entry certificate of sponsorship so you can leave and return to the UK.

Money to support yourself

You must have at least £1,270 in your bank account to show you can support yourself in the UK.

You will need to have had the money available for at least 28 days in a row. Day 28 must be within 31 days of applying for this visa.

You’ll usually need to show proof of this when you apply, unless your sponsor can cover your costs during your first month in the UK, up to £1,270.

Read the guidance on financial evidence for more information about the money you need and how to prove it.

If your sponsor can support you instead

Your certificate of sponsorship must confirm this. Your sponsor will need to complete the ‘sponsor certifies maintenance’ section on your certificate. This is under ‘Additional data’.

Documents you must provide

When you apply you’ll need to provide:

your certificate of sponsorship reference number - your sponsor will give you this

a valid passport or other document that shows your identity and nationality

evidence that you have enough personal savings to support yourself in the UK, for example bank statements (unless your certificate of sponsorship shows your sponsor can support you)

You need a blank page in your passport for your visa. If you have another type of travel document (for example, a stateless person’s travel document) it must have space for your visa.

You must also provide a certified translation of any documents that are not in English or Welsh, apart from your passport.

The Home Office might ask you to provide additional documents after you apply.

Apply

You must apply online for this visa.

You’ll need to have your fingerprints and photograph taken at a visa application centre as part of your application.

Find out how to get your visa decision faster - this depends on what country you’re in. Check if your visa application centre offers faster decisions and other services.

If you have a child while you’re in the UK, they do not automatically become a British citizen.

You can apply online for their visa as your dependant. You must do this if you want to travel in and out of the UK with your child.

You’ll need to provide a full UK birth certificate for each child, showing the names of both parents.


Youth Mobility Scheme visa (T5)

Overview

You can apply for a Youth Mobility Scheme visa (T5) if you:

want to live and work in the UK for up to 2 years

are aged 18 to 30

have £2,530 in savings

have certain types of British Nationality or are from certain countries or territories

meet the other eligibility requirements

This visa has replaced the Tier 5 (Youth Mobility Scheme) visa.

How long it will take

The earliest you can apply for a visa is 6 months before you travel.

You should get a decision on your visa within 3 weeks when you apply from outside the UK.

Find out about paying for a faster decision.

Fees

It costs £244 to apply.

You’ll also have to pay the healthcare surcharge as part of your application. Check how much you’ll have to pay before you apply.

How long you can stay

You’ll be given a visa to live and work in the UK for up to 24 months.

You can enter the UK at any time while your visa is valid, and leave and come back at any time during your stay.

If you turn 31 while you’re in the UK, you can stay for as long as your visa is valid.

What you can and cannot do

You can:

study - for some courses you’ll need an Academic Technology Approval Scheme certificate

work in most jobs

be self-employed and set up a company - as long as your premises are rented, your equipment is not worth more than £5,000 and you do not have any employees

You cannot:

work as a professional sportsperson (for example as a coach)

extend your stay

get public funds

bring in family members on your application - they must apply separately

Eligibility

You can apply for a Youth Mobility Scheme visa (T5) if you’re aged 18 to 30 and you’re from:

Australia

Canada

Monaco

New Zealand

San Marino

You must be selected in the Youth Mobility Scheme ballot before you can apply for your visa if you’re from:

Hong Kong

Japan

South Korea

Taiwan

You must also be aged 18 to 30 on the date you apply for your visa.

You can also apply if you’re 18 to 30 and a:

British overseas citizen

British overseas territories citizen

British national (overseas)

You cannot apply if you have:

children under the age of 18 who live with you

children you’re financially responsible for

already been in the UK under the scheme

Money to support yourself

You must have at least £2,530 in your bank account to show you can support yourself in the UK.

You will need to have had the money available for at least 28 days in a row. Day 28 must be within 31 days of applying for this visa.

You’ll need to show proof of this when you apply.

Read the guidance on financial evidence for more information about the money you need and how to prove it.

Documents you must provide

When you apply you’ll need to provide:

a valid passport or other document that shows your identity and nationality

a bank statement showing you have at least £2,530 in savings

your tuberculosis (TB) test results if you’re from a country where you have to take the test

You need a blank page in your passport for your visa.

You’ll need to provide a certified translation of any documents that are not in English or Welsh.

Read the guide for a full list of documents you can provide.

You may need to provide additional documents depending on your circumstances.

Apply

Read the Youth Mobility Scheme guidance before you apply.

If you’re from Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea or Taiwan, you must be successfully selected in the Youth Mobility Scheme ballot before you can apply for your visa.

Apply from outside the UK

You must apply online for this visa.

You’ll need to have your fingerprints and photograph taken at a visa application centre (to get a biometric residence permit) as part of your application.

You’ll have to collect your biometric residence permit within 10 days of when you said you’d arrive in the UK (even if you actually arrive at a later date).

Find out how to get your visa decision faster - this depends on what country you’re in. Check if your visa application centre offers faster decisions and other services.

If you have a child while you’re in the UK, they do not automatically become a British citizen.

You can apply online for their visa as your dependant. You must do this if you want to travel in and out of the UK with your child.

You’ll need to provide a full UK birth certificate for each child, showing the names of both parents.


Innovator visa

Overview

You can apply for an Innovator 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

If you’re from the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein

If you or your close family member started living in the UK before 1 January 2021, you may be able to apply to the free EU Settlement Scheme.

Otherwise you need a visa to work in the UK.

Irish citizens do not need to apply for a visa or to the EU Settlement Scheme.

Eligibility

You must be able to show that your business idea is:

new - you cannot join a business that is already trading

innovative - you must have an original business idea which is different from anything else on the market

viable, with potential for growth

Knowledge of English

You must be able to speak, read, write and understand English. You’ll usually need to prove your knowledge of English when you apply.

If you’re not eligible for an Innovator visa

You may be eligible for another type of visa to work in the UK.

How long you can stay

You can stay for 3 years if you either:

come to the UK on an Innovator visa

switch to this visa from another visa while in the UK

If you want to stay longer in the UK

You can apply to extend your stay for another 3 years when your visa is due to expire. There’s no limit on the number of times you can extend.

You may be able to apply for settlement once you’ve been in the UK for 3 years.

If your endorsement is withdrawn

Your visa may be cut short if your endorsement is withdrawn by the endorsing body. If you want to stay longer, you must re-apply with a new endorsement before your current visa expires.

How to apply

You must apply online.

How you apply depends on whether you’re:

outside the UK and are coming to the UK

inside the UK and extending your current visa

inside the UK and switching from a different visa

You can include your partner and children in your application to stay in the UK if they are eligible.

How long it takes

As part of your application, you’ll need to prove your identity and provide your documents.

You may need to allow extra time if you need an appointment to do this. You’ll find out if you need one when you start your application.

Getting a decision

Once you’ve applied online, proved your identity and provided your documents, you’ll usually get a decision on your visa within:

3 weeks, if you’re outside the UK

8 weeks, if you’re inside the UK

If you need to go to an appointment, you may be able to pay for a faster decision. How you do this depends on whether you’re outside the UK or inside the UK.

Fees

How much you pay for an Innovator visa depends on your situation and where you apply from.

Who you’re applying for | Apply (outside the UK) | Extend or switch (in the UK)

You | £1,021 | £1,277

Your partner and children | £1,021 each person | £1,277 each person

You must pay the visa fee for each person that applies at the same time as you or applies later to join you in the UK.

Healthcare surcharge

You’ll also have to pay the healthcare surcharge as part of your application.

Check how much you’ll have to pay before you apply.

If you’re from an eligible country

Your application fee will be automatically reduced by £55 if you’re from one of the following countries:

Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Republic of Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden or Turkey.

This reduction only applies to your visa application. Your partner and children will still need to pay the full application fee.

If you’re applying to extend or switch in the UK

You may need to pay £19.20 to have your biometric information (fingerprints and a photo) taken.

What you can and cannot do

With an Innovator visa you can:

set up a business or several businesses

work for your business - this includes being employed as a director, or self-employed as a member of a business partnership

bring your partner and children with you as your ‘dependants’, if they’re eligible

travel abroad and return to the UK

apply to settle permanently in the UK (also known as ‘indefinite leave to remain’) if you’ve lived in the UK for 3 years and meet the other eligibility requirements

You cannot:

do any work outside your business, for example work where you’re employed by another business

work as a professional sportsperson, for example a sports coach

apply for most benefits (public funds), or the State Pension

If your application is successful, you’ll get a full list of what you can and cannot do with an Innovator visa.

Eligibility

Before you apply you need to have your business or business idea assessed by an endorsing body.

They will provide you with an endorsement letter if your business is eligible.

You must also:

meet the English language requirement

be at least 18 years old

be able to prove that you have enough personal savings to support yourself while you’re in the UK

Read the specific requirements for the Innovator visa before you apply.

If you want to set up a new business

You must have at least £50,000 in investment funds to apply for an Innovator visa if you want to set up a new business.

You’ll need to prove where you got your funding from.

You do not need any investment funds if either:

your business is already established and has been endorsed for an earlier visa

you’ve changed your business and already agreed it with your endorsing body

Supporting yourself

You need to have had at least £1,270 in your bank account for 28 consecutive days before you either:

apply for an Innovator visa

apply to extend your Innovator visa or switch to an Innovator visa if you’ve been in the UK for less than a year

You cannot use either of the following to support yourself:

money from your investment funds

money earned while working in the UK illegally

Read the guidance on financial evidence for more information about the money you need and how to prove it.

Sharing investment funds

You can form a team with other Innovator applicants, but you cannot share the same investment funds.

Your team must have £50,000 for each Innovator applicant. For example, if you have 2 Innovator applicants, your team must have £100,000 to invest.

Knowledge of English

You’ll usually need to prove your knowledge of the English language when you apply, unless you did this in a previous successful visa application.

Level of English

You must prove you can read, write, speak and understand English to a level B2 on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) scale.

You can prove your knowledge of English by:

passing a Secure English Language Test (SELT) from an approved provider

having a GCSE, A level, Scottish National Qualification level 4 or 5, Scottish Higher or Advanced Higher in English gained through study at a UK school that you began when you were under 18

having a degree-level academic qualification that was taught in English - if you studied abroad, you’ll need to apply for confirmation through Ecctis (formerly UK NARIC) that your qualification is equivalent to a UK bachelor’s degree, master’s degree or PhD

Who does not need to prove their knowledge of English

You do not need to prove your knowledge of English if you’re a national of one of the following countries:

Antigua and Barbuda

Australia

the Bahamas

Barbados

Belize

Canada

Dominica

Grenada

Guyana

Jamaica

Malta

New Zealand

St Kitts and Nevis

St Lucia

St Vincent and the Grenadines

Trinidad and Tobago

USA

Documents you’ll need to apply

When you apply you need to provide an ‘endorsement letter’ to show that an endorsing body has assessed your business or business idea.

You also need to provide:

a valid passport or other document that shows your identity and nationality

bank statements showing you’ve had at least £1,270 in savings in your bank account for 28 consecutive days before you apply

proof that you meet the English language requirement

evidence of your investment funds (if you’re setting up a new business)

your tuberculosis test results if you’re from a country where you have to take the test

If your documents are not in English or Welsh you’ll also need to provide a certified translation.

You’ll need a blank page in your passport for your visa if you’re:

from outside the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein

from the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein but do not have a biometric passport with a chip in it

You may need to provide additional documents depending on your circumstances.

Apply from outside the UK

You must apply online for an Innovator visa.

Check which documents you’ll need to apply.

Your partner or children will need to apply separately.

Proving your identity and supplying supporting documents

As part of your application, you’ll need to prove your identity. How you do this depends on where you’re from and what type of passport you have.

You’ll either:

have your fingerprints and photograph taken at a visa application centre - this is to get a biometric residence permit

use the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app to scan your identity document - you’ll also create or sign into your UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account

You’ll be told what you need to do when you apply.

If you do need an appointment:

the centre may need to keep your passport and documents while they process your application

you may have to travel to get to your nearest visa application centre (this could be in another country)

Apply for an Innovator visa

Once you’ve started your application, you can save your form and complete it later.

Start now

Continue your application

Sign in to your account using the link from your sign-up email.

How long it takes to get a decision

Once you’ve applied online, proved your identity and provided your documents, you’ll usually get a decision within 3 weeks.

You’ll be contacted if your application will take longer, for example:

if you’re applying with a family member who needs an appointment but you do not

if your supporting documents need to be verified

if you need to attend an interview

because of your personal circumstances, for example if you have a criminal conviction

If you’ve applied through a visa application centre, find out if you can pay to get a faster decision - this depends on where you’re applying from.

After you apply

If you need to change something in your application after you’ve sent it contact UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).

You can ask to cancel your application. You’ll only get your fee refunded if UKVI has not started processing your application.

You’ll get an email or a letter containing the decision on your application. This will explain what you need to do next.

Your partner and children

Your partner and children can apply to join you or to stay in the UK as your ‘dependants’ if they’re eligible. If their application is successful, their visa will end on the same date as yours.

Your relationship

A dependant partner or child is any of the following:

your husband, wife, civil partner or unmarried partner

your child under 18 - including if they were born in the UK during your stay

your child over 18 if they’re currently in the UK as your dependant

You’ll need to provide evidence of your relationship when you apply.

Your partner

You must be able to prove that either:

you’re in a civil partnership or marriage that’s recognised in the UK

you’ve been living together in a relationship for at least 2 years when you apply

If your child is 16 or over

They must:

live with you (unless they’re in full-time education at boarding school, college or university)

not be married, in a civil partnership or have any children

be financially supported by you

If your child lives with you, you’ll need to provide 2 of the following documents confirming their address:

a bank statement

credit card bills

driving licence

NHS registration document

an official letter from their university or college

Money they need to support themselves

Your partner and children must each have a certain amount of money available to support themselves while they’re in the UK.

In addition to the £1,270 you must have to support yourself, you - or your partner or child - will need:

£285 for your partner

£315 for one child

£200 for each additional child

You’ll need to have had the money in your bank account or your dependant’s bank account for at least 28 days before you or they apply.

You’ll usually need to show proof of this when you apply, unless you or they are applying from inside the UK and you’ve been here for 1 year or more.

Apply from outside the UK

Your partner and children must either:

apply online as a partner

apply online as a child

Each family member will need to complete a separate application and pay the visa fee). They must apply before they travel to the UK.

Each family member will need to complete a separate application and pay the visa fee.

They’ll also need your application number - you’ll get this when you apply. This number is called a Global Web Form (GWF) or a Unique Application Number (UAN). You’ll find it on emails and letters from the Home Office about your application.

As part of their application, they’ll need to have their fingerprints and photograph taken at a visa application centre. This is to get a biometric residence permit, which they’ll need to collect within 10 days of when they said they’d arrive in the UK.

How long it takes to get a decision

Once they’ve applied online, proved their identity and provided their documents, they’ll usually get a decision within 3 weeks.

They may be able to pay to get their visa faster or use other services depending on which country they’re in - check with the visa application centre.

Apply from inside the UK (extend or switch)

Apply for your partner or child’s visa at the same time as you apply to extend or switch your own visa. This includes children who were born or have turned 18 during your stay.

If you cannot apply at the same time, your partner or child can apply to extend or switch their visas at a later date. This must be before their current visa expires.

Your partner or children will not be able to apply to switch to an Innovator visa if they are currently in the UK in one of the following circumstances:

on a visit visa

on a short-term student visa

on a Parent of a Child Student visa

on a seasonal worker visa

on a domestic worker in a private household visa

on immigration bail

they were given permission to stay outside the immigration rules, for example on compassionate grounds

How to apply

Your partner and child must apply online to either:

extend or switch to an Innovator visa as your partner

extend or switch to an Innovator visa as your child

They’ll need your application number - you’ll get this when you apply. This number is called a Global Web Form (GWF) or a Unique Application Number (UAN). You’ll find it on emails and letters from the Home Office about your application.

As part of their application, they’ll be asked to make an appointment at a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) service point to provide their biometric information (fingerprints and a photo).

They’ll also need to submit their supporting documents. They can:

upload them into the online service

have them scanned at their UKVCAS appointment

They must not travel outside of the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man until they get a decision. Their application will be withdrawn if they do.

Getting a faster decision

They may be able to pay to get a faster decision - they’ll be told if they can when they apply.

Children born in the UK

If you have a child while you’re in the UK, they do not automatically become a British citizen.

You can apply online for their dependant visa. You must do this if you want to travel in and out of the UK with your child.

You’ll need to provide a full UK birth certificate for each child, showing the names of both parents.

You must apply for their dependant visa before they turn 18 if they want to stay in the UK.

Extend your visa

You can usually apply to extend an Innovator visa if both of the following apply:

you meet the eligibility requirements

you’re still running a business in the UK or want to set up a new one

Your partner or children will need to apply separately.

You should apply before your current visa expires.

You must have £50,000 in investment funds if you want to set up a new business. You do not need funds if either:

your business is already established and has been endorsed for an earlier visa

you’ve changed your business and already agreed it with your endorsing body

You need to have your business or business idea assessed by an endorsing body when you extend your visa.

Fees

Check how much money you’ll need to extend your visa and support yourself while you’re in the UK.

In addition to the application fee, you may need to pay £19.20 to have your biometric information (fingerprints and a photo) taken.

Proving your identity and supplying supporting documents

You’ll either:

give your fingerprints and a photograph (biometric information) at a
UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) service point - this is to get a biometric residence permit

You’ll be told what you need to do when you apply.

If you do need an appointment:

the centre may need to keep your passport and documents while they process your application

you may have to travel to get to your nearest visa application centre (this could be in another country)

Apply in the UK

You must apply online.

Once you’ve started your application, you can save your form and complete it later.

Start now

You must not travel outside of the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man until you get a decision. Your application will be withdrawn if you do.

Apply outside the UK

You can apply online to extend an Innovator visa you’ve had in the last year.

You may also be able to apply at a visa application centre. You can apply from any country as long as you’ve been given permission to live there for at least 6 months. Check if there’s a visa application centre that you can travel to that accepts Innovator visa applications.

How long it takes to get a decision

You’ll usually get a decision within 8 weeks of your application date.

You’ll be contacted if your application will take longer, for example:

if you’re applying with a family member who needs an appointment but you do not

if your supporting documents need to be verified

if you need to attend an interview

because of your personal circumstances, for example if you have a criminal conviction

You may be able to pay to get a faster decision - you’ll be told if you can when you apply.

After you apply

If you need to change something in your application after you’ve sent it contact UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).

Once you’ve applied you can stay in the UK until you’ve been given a decision, as long as you applied before your last visa expired.

Switch to this visa

You might be able to apply to change (‘switch’) to an Innovator visa if you’re already in the UK on a different type of visa.

Your partner or children will need to apply separately.

You should apply before your current visa expires.

Eligibility

You can apply to switch to this visa if you meet the eligibility requirements.

Who cannot apply to switch to this visa

You cannot switch to this visa if you have one of the following:

a visit visa

a short-term student visa

a Parent of a Child Student visa

a seasonal worker visa

a domestic worker in a private household visa

immigration bail

permission to stay outside the immigration rules, for example on compassionate grounds

How long you can stay

You can stay for 3 years after switching to an Innovator visa.

There’s no limit on the number of times you can extend your visa.

How much it costs

Check the visa application fees.

If you’ve been in the UK for less than 1 year, you’ll also need to prove you have enough money to support yourself.

Proving your identity and supplying supporting documents

You’ll either:

You’ll be told what you need to do when you apply.

If you do need an appointment:

the centre may need to keep your passport and documents while they process your application

you may have to travel to get to your nearest visa application centre (this could be in another country)

Apply to switch to an Innovator visa

You must apply online.

Once you’ve started your application, you can save your form and complete it later.

Start now

Continue your application

Sign in to your account using the link from your sign-up email.

How long it takes to get a decision

You’ll usually get a decision within 8 weeks of your application date.

You’ll be contacted if your application will take longer, for example:

if you’re applying with a family member who needs an appointment but you do not

if your supporting documents need to be verified

if you need to attend an interview

because of your personal circumstances, for example if you have a criminal conviction

You may be able to pay to get a faster decision - you’ll be told if you can when you apply.

After you apply

If you need to change something in your application after you’ve sent it contact UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).


Start-up visa

Overview

You can apply for a Start-up visa if:

you want to set up an innovative business in the UK - it must be something that’s different from anything else on the market

you meet the other eligibility requirements

If you’re from the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein

If you or your close family member started living in the UK before 1 January 2021, you may be able to apply to the free EU Settlement Scheme.

Otherwise you need a visa to work in the UK.

Irish citizens do not need to apply for a visa or to the EU Settlement Scheme.

Eligibility

You must be endorsed by an authorised body that is either:

a UK higher education institution

a business organisation with a history of supporting UK entrepreneurs

You must be able to show that your business idea is:

a new idea - you cannot join in a business that is already trading

innovative - you must have an original business idea which is different from anything else on the market

viable - it has potential for growth

If you’re not eligible for a Start-up visa

You may be eligible for another type of visa to work in the UK.

How long you can stay

You can stay for 2 years if you either:

come to the UK on a Start-up visa

switch to this visa from another visa while in the UK

If you want to stay longer in the UK

You cannot apply to extend this visa.

You may be able to switch to an Innovator visa if you set up a business while on a Start-up visa and:

your endorsing body assessed and agreed it

it is active, trading and sustainable

you have day to day involvement in it

If your endorsement is withdrawn

Your visa may be cut short if your endorsement is withdrawn by the endorsing body. If you want to stay longer, you must re-apply with a new endorsement before your current visa expires.

You can only stay for a total of 2 years even if you’re granted a new visa with a new endorsement.

How to apply

You must apply online.

How you apply depends on whether you’re:

outside the UK and are coming to the UK

inside the UK and switching from a different visa

You can include your partner and children in your application to stay in the UK if they are eligible.

How long it takes

As part of your application, you’ll need to prove your identity and provide your documents.

You may need to allow extra time if you need an appointment to do this. You’ll find out if you need one when you start your application.

Getting a decision

Once you’ve applied online, proved your identity and provided your documents, you’ll usually get a decision on your visa within:

3 weeks, if you’re outside the UK

8 weeks, if you’re inside the UK

If you need to go to an appointment, you may be able to pay for a faster decision. How you do this depends on whether you’re outside the UK or inside the UK.

Fees

How much you pay for a Start-up visa depends on your situation and where you apply from.

Who you’re applying for | Apply (outside the UK) | Switch (in the UK)

Yourself | £363 | £493

Your partner and children | £363 each person | £493 each person

You must pay the visa fee for each person that applies at the same time as you or applies later to join you in the UK.

If you’re from an eligible country

Your application fee will be automatically reduced by £55 if you’re from one of the following countries:

Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Republic of Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden or Turkey.

This reduction only applies to your visa application. Your partner and children will still need to pay the full application fee.

Healthcare surcharge

You’ll also have to pay the healthcare surcharge as part of your application.

Check how much you’ll have to pay before you apply.

If you’re applying to switch in the UK

You may need to pay £19.20 to have your biometric information (fingerprints and a photo) taken.

What you can and cannot do

With a Start-up visa you can:

bring your partner and children with you as your ‘dependants’, if they’re eligible

work in another job, as well as working for your business

travel abroad and return to the UK

You can also switch to this visa from some other visa categories.

You cannot:

apply for most benefits (public funds), or the State Pension

work as a professional sportsperson, for example a sports coach

settle in the UK on this visa

If your application is successful, you’ll get a full list of what you can and cannot do with a Start-up visa.

Eligibility

Before you apply you need to have your business or business idea assessed by an endorsing body.

They will provide you with an endorsement letter if your business is viable.

You must also:

be at least 18 years old

meet the English language requirement

be able to prove that you have enough personal savings to support yourself while you’re in the UK

Read the specific requirements for the Start-up visa before you apply.

Supporting yourself

You need to have had at least £1270 in your bank account for 28 consecutive days before you apply, or if you’ve been in the UK for less than a year and applying to switch to this visa.

Read the guidance on financial evidence for more information about the money you need and how to prove it.

Knowledge of English

You’ll usually need to prove your knowledge of the English language when you apply, unless you did this in a previous successful visa application.

Level of English

You must prove you can read, write, speak and understand English to a level B2 on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) scale.

You can prove your knowledge of English by:

passing a Secure English Language Test (SELT) from an approved provider

having a GCSE, A level, Scottish National Qualification level 4 or 5, Scottish Higher or Advanced Higher in English gained through study at a UK school that you began when you were under 18

having a degree-level academic qualification that was taught in English - if you studied abroad, you’ll need to apply for confirmation through Ecctis (formerly UK NARIC) that your qualification is equivalent to a UK bachelor’s degree, master’s degree or PhD

Who does not need to prove their knowledge of English

You do not need to prove your knowledge of English if you’re a national of one of the following countries:

Antigua and Barbuda

Australia

the Bahamas

Barbados

Belize

Canada

Dominica

Grenada

Guyana

Jamaica

Malta

New Zealand

St Kitts and Nevis

St Lucia

St Vincent and the Grenadines

Trinidad and Tobago

USA

Documents you'll need to apply

When you apply you need to provide an ‘endorsement letter’ to show that an endorsing  body has assessed your business.

You’ll also need to provide:

a valid passport or other document that shows your identity and nationality

bank statements showing you’ve had at least £1270 in savings in your bank account for 28 consecutive days before you apply

proof that you meet the English language requirement

your tuberculosis test results if you’re from a country where you have to take the test

If your documents are not in English or Welsh you’ll also need to provide a certified translation.

You’ll need a blank page in your passport for your visa if you’re:

from outside the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein

from the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein but do not have a biometric passport with a chip in it

You may need to provide additional documents depending on your circumstances.

Apply from outside the UK

You must apply online for a Start-up visa.

Check which documents you’ll need to apply.

Your partner or children will need to apply separately.

Proving your identity and supplying supporting documents

As part of your application, you’ll need to prove your identity. How you do this depends on where you’re from and what type of passport you have.

You’ll either:

have your fingerprints and photograph taken at a visa application centre - this is to get a biometric residence permit

use the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app to scan your identity document - you’ll also create or sign into your UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account

You’ll be told what you need to do when you apply.

If you do need an appointment:

the centre may need to keep your passport and documents while they process your application

you may have to travel to get to your nearest visa application centre (this could be in another country)

Apply for a Start-up visa

Once you’ve started your application, you can save your form and complete it later.

Start now

Continue your application

Sign in to your account using the link from your sign-up email.

How long it takes to get a decision

Once you’ve applied online, proved your identity and provided your documents, you’ll usually get a decision within 3 weeks.

You’ll be contacted if your application will take longer, for example:

if you’re applying with a family member who needs an appointment but you do not

if your supporting documents need to be verified

if you need to attend an interview

because of your personal circumstances, for example if you have a criminal conviction

If you’ve applied through a visa application centre, find out if you can pay to get a faster decision - this depends on where you’re applying from.

After you apply

If you need to change something in your application after you’ve sent it contact UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).

You can ask to cancel your application. You’ll only get your fee refunded if UKVI has not started processing your application.

You’ll get an email or a letter containing the decision on your application. This will explain what you need to do next.

Your partner and children

Your partner and children can apply to join you or to stay in the UK as your ‘dependants’ if they’re eligible. If their application is successful, their visa will end on the same date as yours.

Your relationship

A dependant partner or child is any of the following:

your husband, wife, civil partner or unmarried partner

your child under 18 - including if they were born in the UK during your stay

your child over 18 if they’re currently in the UK as your dependant

You’ll need to provide evidence of your relationship when you apply.

Your partner

You must be able to prove that either:

you’re in a civil partnership or marriage that’s recognised in the UK

you’ve been living together in a relationship for at least 2 years when you apply

If your child is 16 or over

They must:

live with you (unless they’re in full-time education at boarding school, college or university)

not be married, in a civil partnership or have any children

be financially supported by you

If your child lives with you, you’ll need to provide 2 of the following documents confirming their address:

a bank statement

credit card bills

driving licence

NHS registration document

an official letter from their university or college

Money they need to support themselves

Your partner and children must each have a certain amount of money available to support themselves while they’re in the UK.

In addition to the £1,270 you must have to support yourself, you - or your partner or child - will need:

£285 for your partner

£315 for one child

£200 for each additional child

You’ll need to have had the money in your bank account or your dependant’s bank account for at least 28 days before you or they apply.

You’ll usually need to show proof of this when you apply, unless you or they are applying from inside the UK and you’ve been here for 1 year or more.

Apply from outside the UK

Your partner and children must either:

apply online as a partner

apply online as a child

Each family member will need to complete a separate application and pay the visa fee. They must apply before they travel to the UK.

They’ll also need your application number - you’ll get this when you apply. This number is called a Global Web Form (GWF) or a Unique Application Number (UAN). You’ll find it on emails and letters from the Home Office about your application.

As part of their application, they’ll need to have their fingerprints and photograph taken at a visa application centre. This is to get a biometric residence permit, which they’ll need to collect within 10 days of when they said they’d arrive in the UK.

Apply from inside the UK (switch)

Apply for your partner or child’s visa at the same time as you switch your own visa. This includes children who were born or have turned 18 during your stay.

If you cannot apply at the same time, your partner or child can apply to switch their visas at a later date. This must be before their current visa expires.

Your partner or children will not be able to apply to switch to a Start-up visa if they are currently in the UK in one of the following circumstances:

on a visit visa

on a short-term student visa

on a Parent of a Child Student visa

on a seasonal worker visa

on a domestic worker in a private household visa

on immigration bail

they were given permission to stay outside the immigration rules, for example on compassionate grounds

How to apply

Your partner and child must apply online to either:

switch to a Start-up visa as your partner

switch to a Start-up visa as your child

They’ll need your application number - you’ll get this when you apply. This number is called a Global Web Form (GWF) or a Unique Application Number (UAN). You’ll find it on emails and letters from the Home Office about your application.

As part of their application, they’ll be asked to make an appointment at a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) service point to provide their biometric information (fingerprints and a photo).

They’ll also need to submit their supporting documents. They can:

upload them into the online service

have them scanned at their UKVCAS appointment

They must not travel outside of the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man until they get a decision. Their application will be withdrawn if they do.

Getting a faster decision

They may be able to pay to get a faster decision - they’ll be told if they can when they apply.

Children born in the UK

If you have a child while you’re in the UK, they do not automatically become a British citizen.

You can apply online for their dependant visa. You must do this if you want to travel in and out of the UK with your child.

You’ll need to provide a full UK birth certificate for each child, showing the names of both parents.

You must apply for their dependant visa before they turn 18 if they want to stay in the UK.

Switch to this visa

You might be able to apply to change (‘switch’) to a Start-up visa if you’re already in the UK on a different type of visa.

Your partner or children will need to apply separately.

You should apply before your current visa expires.

Eligibility

You can apply to switch to this visa if you meet the eligibility requirements.

Who cannot apply to switch to this visa

You cannot switch to this visa if you have one of the following:

a visit visa

a short-term student visa

a Parent of a Child Student visa

a seasonal worker visa

a domestic worker in a private household visa

immigration bail

permission to stay outside the immigration rules, for example on compassionate grounds

You must leave the UK and make your application from abroad if you’re here on a different type of visa.

How long you can stay

You can stay in the UK for 2 years on a Start-up visa. Any time you’ve already spent in the UK on a Tier 1 (Graduate Entrepreneur) visa counts as part of the 2 years.

How much it costs

Check the visa application fees.

If you’ve been in the UK for less than 1 year, you’ll also need to prove you have enough money to support yourself.

Proving your identity and supplying supporting documents

You’ll either:

You’ll be told what you need to do when you apply.

If you do need an appointment:

the centre may need to keep your passport and documents while they process your application

Apply to switch to a Start-up visa

You must apply online.

Once you’ve started your application, you can save your form and complete it later.

Start now

You must not travel outside of the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man until you get a decision. Your application will be withdrawn if you do.

Continue your application

Sign in to your account using the link from your sign-up email.

How long it takes to get a decision

You’ll be contacted if your application will take longer, for example:

if you’re applying with a family member who needs an appointment but you do not

if your supporting documents need to be verified

if you need to attend an interview

because of your personal circumstances, for example if you have a criminal conviction

After you apply

Once you’ve applied you can stay in the UK until you’ve been given a decision, as long as you applied before your last visa expired.


Apply for the Global Talent visa

Overview

You can apply for a Global Talent visa to work in the UK if you’re a leader or potential leader in one of the following fields:

academia or research

arts and culture

digital technology

You must also be at least 18 years old.

If you or your family are from the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein

If you or your close family member started living in the UK before 1 January 2021, you may be able to apply to the free EU Settlement Scheme.

Otherwise you need a visa to work in the UK.

Irish citizens do not need to apply for a visa or to the EU Settlement Scheme.

Before you apply for a visa

You can usually only apply for a Global Talent visa if you have successfully applied for an endorsement to prove that you are a leader or potential leader.

You can apply for the visa without an endorsement if you’ve won an eligible award. Find out which awards are eligible.

Find out what you can do with a Global Talent visa and how to apply for an endorsement if you work in one of the following fields:

academia or research

arts and culture

digital technology

If you’re not eligible for a Global Talent visa, there are other ways to work in the UK - for example a Skilled Worker visa.

How long you can stay

You can live and work in the UK for up to 5 years at a time.

If you want to stay longer in the UK

There’s no limit to how long you can stay in the UK in total, but you will need to renew (‘extend’) your visa when it expires. Each extension can last from 1 to 5 years - you choose how long you want the extension to be.

You may be able to get indefinite leave to remain so you can settle in the UK after 3 or 5 years, depending on which field you work in and how you apply. This gives you the right to live, work and study here for as long as you like, and apply for benefits if you’re eligible.

How to apply

You must apply online.

How you apply depends on whether you’re:

outside the UK and are coming to the UK

inside the UK and extending your current visa

inside the UK and switching from a different visa

How long it takes

As part of your application, you’ll need to prove your identity and provide your documents.

You may need to allow extra time if you need an appointment to do this. You’ll find out if you need one when you start your application.

Getting a decision

Once you’ve applied online, proved your identity and provided your documents, you’ll usually get a decision on your visa within:

3 weeks, if you’re outside the UK

8 weeks, if you’re inside the UK

If you need to go to an appointment, you may be able to pay for a faster decision. How you do this depends on whether you’re outside the UK or inside the UK.

Fees

It costs £608 to apply.

If you’re applying based on an endorsement, you’ll pay the £608 in two parts:

£456 when you apply for the endorsement

£152 when you apply for the visa itself

If you’re applying based on an eligible award, you’ll pay the full £608 when you apply for the visa.

If you’re including your partner or children in your application, they’ll each need to pay £608.

Healthcare surcharge

You’ll also have to pay the healthcare surcharge as part of your application - this is usually £624 per year for each person applying.

Check how much you’ll have to pay before you apply.

If you’re from an eligible country

Your application fee will be automatically reduced by £55 when you apply for the visa itself if you’re from one of the following countries:

Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Republic of Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden or Turkey.

This reduction only applies to your visa application. Your partner and children will still need to pay the full application fee.

Documents you'll need to apply

When you apply you’ll need to provide:

a valid passport or other document that shows your identity and nationality

your tuberculosis test results if you’re from a country where you have to take the test

If you’ve had an award or scholarship to study in the UK in the last year, you’ll also need written permission to apply from the agency or government that granted it.

If your documents are not in English or Welsh you’ll also need to provide a certified translation.

You need a blank page in your passport for your visa if you’re:

from outside the EU, EEA or Switzerland

from the EU, EEA or Switzerland but do not have a biometric passport with a chip in it

If you’ve won an eligible award, the Home Office will look at publicly available information (such as the award organisation’s website) to confirm that you’ve won. You’ll only be asked for evidence of your win if they cannot find this.

Apply from outside the UK

Before you apply for the Global Talent visa, you need to have either:

won an eligible award

successfully applied for an endorsement to prove that you are a leader or potential leader in your field

If you’re applying for an endorsement

Find out how to apply for an endorsement before you apply for a visa.

When you have an endorsement, you can apply for this visa if:

you’ve been endorsed by an organisation approved by the Home Office

you’re applying within 3 months of receiving your endorsement letter

the organisation that endorsed you has not withdrawn its approval

If you apply for the visa before you have applied for an endorsement, your visa application may be rejected, but you’ll get the visa application fee back, minus the processing fee.

How to apply for the visa

You can apply online for a Global Talent visa.

Check which documents you’ll need to apply.

Your partner and children will need to apply separately, and use your application number, to travel with you or join you in the UK if they are eligible.

You may also be able to apply at a visa application centre. You can apply from any country as long as you’ve been given permission to live there for at least 6 months. Check if there’s a visa application centre that you can travel to that accepts Global Talent visa applications.

If you’re already living in the UK, you and your partner and children may be able to extend a Global Talent visa or switch to a Global Talent visa.

Proving your identity and supplying supporting documents

As part of your application, you’ll need to prove your identity. How you do this depends on where you’re from and what type of passport you have.

You’ll either:

have your fingerprints and photograph taken at a visa application centre - this is to get a biometric residence permit

use the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app to scan your identity document (you’ll also create or sign into your UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account)

You’ll be told what you need to do when you apply.

If you do need an appointment:

the centre may need to keep your passport and documents while they process your application

you may have to travel to get to your nearest visa application centre (this could be in another country)

Apply for a Global Talent visa

Once you’ve started your application, you can save your form and complete it later.

Start now

Continue your application

Sign in to your account using the link from your sign-up email.

How long it takes to get a decision

Once you’ve applied online, proved your identity and provided your documents, you’ll usually get a decision on your visa within 3 weeks.

You’ll be contacted if your application will take longer, for example:

if you’re applying with a family member who needs an appointment but you do not

if your supporting documents need to be verified

if you need to attend an interview

because of your personal circumstances, for example if you have a criminal conviction

If you’ve applied through a visa application centre, find out if you can pay to get a faster decision - this depends on where you’re applying from.

You’ll get an email or a letter containing the decision on your application. This will explain what you need to do next.

If you need to change or cancel your application

If you need to change something in your application after you’ve sent it contact UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).

You can ask to cancel your application. You’ll only get your fee refunded if UKVI has not started processing your application.

Your partner and children

Your partner and children can apply to join you or to stay in the UK as your ‘dependants’ if they’re eligible.

Your relationship

A ‘dependant’ is any of the following:

your husband, wife, civil partner or unmarried partner

your child under 18 - including if they were born in the UK during your stay

your child over 18 if they’re currently in the UK as your dependant

You’ll need to provide evidence of your relationship when you apply.

Your partner

You must be able to prove that either:

you’re in a civil partnership or marriage that’s recognised in the UK

you’ve been living together in a relationship for at least 2 years when you apply

If your child is 16 or over

They must:

live with you (unless they’re in full-time education at boarding school, college or university)

not be married, in a civil partnership or have any children

be supported by you without using benefits (‘public funds’)

If your child lives with you, you’ll need to provide 2 of the following documents confirming their address:

a bank statement

credit card bills

driving licence

NHS registration document

an official letter from their university or college

Fees

It costs £608 for each dependant applying.

They also need to pay:

the healthcare surcharge

£19.20 to have their biometric information (fingerprints and photo) taken if they’re applying in the UK

If your partner or children are outside the UK

Your partner and children must either:

apply online as a partner

apply online as a child

Each family member will need to complete a separate application and pay the visa fee. They must apply before they travel to the UK.

They’ll be asked to provide your application number so the Home Office can link their application to you.

If your partner or children are already in the UK (extend or switch their visa)

Apply for your partner or child’s visa at the same time as you extend your own Global Talent visa. This includes children who were born or have turned 18 during your stay.

If you cannot apply at the same time, your partner or child can apply to extend or switch their visas at a later date. This must be before their current visa expires.

Your partner and child can apply to switch to your Global Talent visa as your dependants, unless they are currently in the UK in one of the following circumstances:

on a visit visa

on a short-term student visa

on a Parent of a Child Student visa

on a seasonal worker visa

on a domestic worker in a private household visa

on immigration bail

they were given permission to stay outside the immigration rules, for example on compassionate grounds

How to apply

Your partner and child must apply online to either:

extend or switch as a partner

extend or switch as a child

They’ll need your application number - you’ll get this when you apply. This number is called a Global Web Form (GWF) or a Unique Application Number (UAN). You’ll find it on emails and letters from the Home Office about your application.

As part of their application, they’ll be asked to make an appointment at a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) service point to provide their biometric information (fingerprints and a photo).

They’ll also need to submit their supporting documents. They can:

upload them into the online service

have them scanned at their UKVCAS appointment

They must not travel outside of the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man until they get a decision. Their application will be withdrawn if they do.

Children born in the UK

If you have children while you’re in the UK, they do not automatically become British citizens.

You can apply online for their dependant visa. You must do this if you want to travel in and out of the UK with your child.

You’ll need to provide a full UK birth certificate for each child, showing the names of both parents.

You must apply for their dependant visa before they turn 18 if they want to stay in the UK.

Extend your visa

You can usually apply to extend your stay in the UK if either:

you applied for the Global Talent visa based on an endorsement, and the organisation that endorsed you has not withdrawn its approval

you applied for a Global Talent visa based on an eligible award you won, and the award has not been withdrawn

You must be able to show that you earned money in your expert field during your time in the UK by sending evidence toward your application, for example payslips.

Your partner or child will need to apply separately.

You should apply before your current visa expires.

Applicants who currently have a Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent) visa can extend under the Global Talent category.

How long you can stay

You can apply to extend your visa for up to 5 years at a time. You can renew your visa as many times as you like, as long as you still meet the eligibility requirements.

If you want to stay longer in the UK

Fees

It costs £608 to apply to extend a Global Talent visa from inside or outside the UK.

Your partner and children must pay the visa fee of £608 if they want to apply to travel with you or join you later in the UK.

You may need to pay £19.20 to have your biometric information (fingerprints and a photo) taken.

If you’re from an eligible country

Your application fee will be automatically reduced by £55 if you’re from one of the following countries:

Healthcare surcharge

You’ll also have to pay the healthcare surcharge as part of your application.

Check how much you’ll have to pay before you apply.

Proving your identity and giving supporting documents

As part of your application you’ll need to prove your identity.

How you do this depends on where you’re from and the type of passport you have.

You’ll either:

give your fingerprints and a photograph (biometric information) at a
UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) service point - this is to get a biometric residence permit

use the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app to scan your identity document (you will also create or sign in to your UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account)

You’ll be told what you need to do when you apply.

Apply in the UK

You must apply online.

Once you’ve started your application, you can save your form and complete it later.

Start now

You must not travel outside of the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man until you get a decision. Your application will be withdrawn if you do.

Apply outside the UK

You can apply online to extend a Global Talent visa you’ve had in the last year.

How long it takes

You’ll usually get a decision within 8 weeks of your application date.

You may be able to pay to get a faster decision - you’ll be told if you can when you apply.

After you apply

If you need to change something in your application after you’ve sent it contact UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).

Switch to this visa

You might be able to apply to change (‘switch’) to a Global Talent visa if you’re already in the UK on a different type of visa.

Your partner or child will need to apply separately.

You should apply before your current visa expires.

Eligibility

To switch to a Global Talent visa you must be in the UK and have either:

won an eligible award

proven that you are a leader or potential leader in one of the fields covered by the visa - this is also called getting an endorsement

If you’re applying for an endorsement

The fields you must prove you’re a leader or potential leader in are:

academia or research

arts and culture

digital technology

You must apply to switch to the Global Talent visa within 3 months of getting an endorsement.

You cannot apply for the visa if the organisation that endorsed you has withdrawn its approval.

If you have dependents

Apply to switch your dependants’ visas at the same time as you switch your own visa. If you cannot apply at the same time, your partner or child can switch their visas at a later date - this must be before their current visa expires.

Who cannot apply to switch to this visa

You cannot apply to switch to this visa if you’re currently in the UK in one of the following circumstances:

on a visit visa

on a short-term student visa

on a Parent of a Child Student visa

on a seasonal worker visa

on a domestic worker in a private household visa

on immigration bail

you were given permission to stay outside the immigration rules, for example on compassionate grounds

You must leave the UK and apply for a Global Talent visa from abroad if you’re in one of these categories.

How long you can stay

You can choose how long you want to apply for, up to 5 years at a time.

After you apply, you can stay in the UK until you get your decision.

If you have settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, you do not need to apply for a visa.

If you want to stay longer in the UK

Fees

Switching to a Global Talent visa costs £608.

If you’re applying based on an endorsement, you’ll pay the £608 in two parts:

£456 when you apply for the endorsement

£152 when you apply for the visa itself

If you’re applying based on an eligible award, you’ll pay the full £608 when you apply for the visa.

Your partner and children must pay £608 each if they want to apply to travel with you or join you later in the UK.

You may need to pay £19.20 to have your biometric information (fingerprints and a photo) taken.

If you’re from an eligible country

Your application fee will be automatically reduced by £55 when you apply to switch to the visa itself if you’re from one of the following countries:

Healthcare surcharge

You’ll also have to pay the healthcare surcharge as part of your application.

Check how much you’ll have to pay before you apply.

Proving your identity and giving supporting documents

As part of your application you’ll need to prove your identity.

How you do this depends on where you’re from and the type of passport you have.

You’ll either:

You’ll be told what you need to do when you apply.

Apply to switch to a Global Talent visa

You must apply online.

Once you’ve started your application, you can save your form and complete it later.

Start now

Continue your application

Sign in to your account using the link from your sign-up email.

How long it takes to get a decision

Decisions are usually made within 8 weeks of your application date.

You may be able to pay to get a faster decision -  you’ll be told if you can when you apply.

After you apply

If you need to change something in your application after you’ve sent it contact UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).


Entrepreneur visa (Tier 1)

Overview

You can no longer apply for a Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) visa.

If you want to set up or run a business in the UK you might be able to apply for an Innovator visa or a Start-up visa.

If you already have a Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) visa

You can still apply:

to settle in the UK (indefinite leave to remain)

to extend your visa

for family members to join you

Extend your visa

You may be able to extend your Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) visa.

You should apply before your current visa expires.

You can apply to extend your visa if you:

registered as a director or as self-employed no more than 6 months after the date you were given permission to stay in the UK under a Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) visa

can prove you’ve been self-employed, a member of a partnership or working as a director of a business 3 months before you apply

created at least 2 full time jobs that have existed for at least 12 months

can continue to support yourself

You must have invested into 1 or more UK businesses either:

£200,000 in cash

£50,000 in cash

The amount depends on the level of funds your initial application was based on.

You should include any dependants who are on your current visa on your application to extend - including children who have turned 18 during your stay.

You should read the full guidance on the Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) visa before you apply.

Fees

It costs £1,277 to extend this visa.

You’ll also need to pay £19.20 to have your biometric information (fingerprints and a photo) taken. You’ll pay as part of your application.

How to extend your visa if you’re in the UK

You must apply online.

Providing biometric information and supporting documents

When you apply, you’ll be asked to make an appointment at a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) service point to provide your biometric information (your fingerprints and a photo).

You’ll also need to submit your supporting documents. You can:

upload them into the online service

have them scanned at your UKVCAS appointment

You must not travel outside of the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man until you get a decision. Your application will be withdrawn if you do.

Get help to apply online

You can get help with completing the online form if you:

do not feel confident using a computer or mobile device

do not have internet access

You can only use this service if you’re applying to extend your visa in the UK.

You cannot get immigration advice through this service.

How long it takes

A decision will be made on your application within 8 weeks.

You’ll be contacted if your application is complex and will take longer. This could be because:

your supporting documents need to be verified

you need to attend an interview

of your personal circumstances (for example if you have a criminal conviction)

Once you’ve applied you can stay in the UK until you’ve been given a decision, as long as you applied before your last visa expired.

How to extend your visa if you’re outside the UK

If you’re outside the UK, you must apply online to extend a Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) visa.

Switch to this visa

If you’re already in the UK you may be able to switch to a Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) visa if:

you’re on a Tier 1 (Graduate Entrepreneur) visa

you switched to a Start-up visa from a Tier 1 (Graduate Entrepreneur) visa for your second year

You must meet the eligibility requirements for a Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) visa. You must have:

£50,000 in funds to spend in the UK

a viable business plan

You must apply before your current visa expires.

How long you can stay

You can stay for 3 years if your application to switch is successful.

Fees

It costs £1,277 to switch to this visa.

How to apply to switch your visa

You must apply online.

Providing biometric information and supporting documents

upload them into the online service

have them scanned at your UKVCAS appointment

Get help to apply online

You can get help with completing the online form if you:

do not feel confident using a computer or mobile device

do not have internet access

You can only use this service if you’re applying to switch to this visa in the UK.

You cannot get immigration advice through this service.

How long it takes

A decision will be made on your application within 8 weeks.

your supporting documents need to be verified

you need to attend an interview

of your personal circumstances, for example you have a criminal conviction

Switching to this visa if you’re outside the UK

You can apply to switch to a Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) visa if you have:

a valid Tier 1 (Graduate Entrepreneur) visa

a valid Start-up visa, and you switched from a Tier 1 (Graduate Entrepreneur) visa  for your second year

a Tier 1 (Graduate Entrepreneur) visa that expired less than 12 months ago

a Start-up visa that expired less than 12 months ago, and you switched from a Tier 1 (Graduate Entrepreneur) visa for your second year

Family members

Your family members (‘dependants’) can join you if you’re in the UK on this visa. Your family members must apply for their own visa.

If they’re from the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland and arrive before 1 January 2021, they may be able to apply to the free EU Settlement Scheme.

A ‘dependant’ is any of the following:

your partner

your child under 18

your child over 18 if they’re currently in the UK as a dependant

Read the guidance on dependant applications before you apply.

Adult family members must provide a criminal record certificate from any country they have lived in for 12 months or more in the last 10 years.

Savings

You must show that your dependants can be supported while they’re in the UK.

Each dependant must have a certain amount of money available to them - this is in addition to the £945  you must have to support yourself.

The amount depends on your circumstances. You must have £1,890 for each dependant if you’ve been in the UK for less than 12 months. If you’ve been in the UK for more than 12 months, you must have £630 for each dependant.

You must have proof you have the money, and that it’s been in your bank account or your dependant’s bank account for at least 90 days before you or they apply.

Fees

It costs £1878 for each family member.

They’ll also need to pay £19.20 to have their biometric information (fingerprints and a photo) taken. They’ll pay as part of their application.

If your family member is applying from within the UK, they may be able to pay an extra £800 for the super priority service to get a faster decision.

Dependants applying outside the UK

Your family members must apply online.

They’ll need to have their fingerprints and photograph taken at a visa application centre (to get a biometric residence permit) as part of their application.

They’ll have to collect their biometric residence permit within 10 days of when they said they’d arrive in the UK (even if they actually arrive at a later date).

They may be able to get their visa faster or other services depending on what country they’re in - check with the visa application centre.

If your child is over 18 they cannot apply if they are outside the UK. They can apply from inside the UK if they are already here as your dependant.

Dependants applying in the UK on their own

Your dependants can apply to extend or switch their visas to stay with you if they’re already in the UK. Dependants must either:

apply online as a dependant partner

apply online as a dependant child

Family members cannot apply in the UK as your dependant if they hold a visitor visa.

Providing biometric information and supporting documents

When they apply, they’ll be asked to make an appointment at a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) service point to provide their biometric information (their fingerprints and a photo).

They’ll also need to submit their supporting documents. They can:

upload them into the online service

have them scanned at their UKVCAS appointment

They must not travel outside of the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man until they get a decision. Their application will be withdrawn if they do.

How long it takes to get a decision

A decision will be made within 8 weeks of your application date if you use the standard service.

If you use the super priority service a decision will be made:

by the end of the next working day after your UKVCAS appointment if your appointment is on a weekday

2 working days after your UKVCAS appointment if your appointment is at the weekend

Working days are Monday to Friday, not including bank holidays.

They’ll be contacted if their application is complex and will take longer, for example:

if their supporting documents need to be verified

if they need to attend an interview

because of their personal circumstances (for example if they have a criminal conviction)

Once they’ve applied they can stay in the UK until they’ve been given a decision, as long as they applied before their last visa expired.

Get help to apply online

Your family can get help with completing the online form if they:

do not feel confident using a computer or mobile device

do not have internet access

Your family can only use this service if they’re applying to extend or switch to your visa in the UK.

You cannot get immigration advice through this service.

Children born while you’re in the UK

If you have children while you’re in the UK, you can apply online to add them to your visa as your dependant.

You must do this if you want to travel in and out of the UK with them.

You’ll need to provide a full UK birth certificate for each child, showing the names of both parents.