Intra-company visas

Overview

An Intra-company visa allows you to come to or stay in the UK to do an eligible job at your employer’s UK branch.

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 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.

Types of Intra-company visa

There are 2 types of Intra-company visa.

Intra-company Transfer visa

Apply for this visa (Intra-company Transfer visa) if you’re being transferred by your employer to a role in the UK.

You’ll need to have worked for your employer overseas for more than 12 months, unless they (your employer)’re going to pay you £73,900 a year or more to work in the UK.

This visa (Intra-company Transfer visa) has replaced the Tier 2 (Intra-company Transfer) Long-term Staff visa.

Intra-company Graduate Trainee visa

This visa (Intra-company Graduate Trainee visa) is for transfers to the UK as part of a graduate training programme for a managerial or specialist role.

You’ll need to have worked for your employer overseas for at least 3 months immediately before the date you apply.

This visa (Intra-company Graduate Trainee visa) has replaced the Tier 2 (Intra-company Transfer) Graduate Trainee visa.

Eligibility

To qualify for an Intra-company visa, you must:

be an existing employee of an organisation that’s been approved by the Home Office as a sponsor

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 at least £41,500 for an Intra-company Transfer visa or at least £23,000 for an Intra-company Graduate Trainee visa

The specific eligibility requirements depend on your job.

How long you can stay

How long you can stay in the UK with an Intra-company visa depends on which visa you’re applying for and how long your employer is sponsoring you for.

If you’re applying for an Intra-company Transfer visa

You can stay in the UK with an Intra-company Transfer visa for whichever is shorter of:

the time given on your certificate of sponsorship plus 14 days

5 years

the length of time that takes you to the maximum total stay allowed

The maximum total stay allowed for an Intra-company Transfer visa is:

5 years in any 6 year period if you’re paid less than £73,900 a year

9 years in any 10 year period if you’re paid £73,900 a year or more

You can extend your visa (an Intra-company Transfer visa) or apply for another one up to the maximum total stay. If you have already been in the UK with an Intra-company visa before your application, that time will be included in your total stay.

If you’re applying for an Intra-company Graduate Trainee visa

You can stay in the UK with an Intra-company Graduate Trainee visa (Intra-company Graduate Trainee visa) for whichever is shorter of:

12 months

the length of time that takes you to the maximum total stay allowed (the maximum total stay)

You cannot extend your visa, but you can apply for another Intra-company Graduate Trainee visa from outside the UK. You have to have been working for your sponsor outside the UK for at least 3 months immediately before the date you apply.

The maximum total stay allowed for an Intra-company Graduate Trainee visa is 5 years in any 6 year period. If you have already been in the UK with an Intra-company visa before your application, that time will be included in your total stay.

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 much it costs

You, your partner or children will each need to:

pay the application fee

pay the healthcare surcharge for each year of your stay

prove you have enough personal savings

Check how much it costs.

How long it takes

You can apply for a visa up to 3 months before the day you are due to start work in the UK. This date (the date you apply) is listed on your certificate of sponsorship.

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 (provide). 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.

What you can and cannot do

With an Intra-company visa you can:

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

study

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

do a second job for up to 20 hours a week that’s either in the same profession and at the same level as your main job or on the Skilled Worker shortage occupation list

do voluntary work

travel abroad and return to the UK

You cannot:

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

change jobs unless you update your visa

apply to settle permanently in the UK (also known as ‘indefinite leave to remain’)

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

Eligibility

To be eligible for an Intra-company visa you need to:

have a valid certificate of sponsorship from your employer

have worked for your employer outside the UK - how long you need to have worked for them (your employer) depends on the visa you’re applying for and your salary

do a job that’s on the list of eligible occupations

be paid the minimum eligible salary required for your job

Getting a certificate of sponsorship

Your employer - also known as your sponsor - (your employer) will give you a ‘certificate of sponsorship’ with information about the role you have been offered in the UK. It (a certificate of sponsorship)’s an electronic record, not a paper document.

You’ll need the reference number from the certificate of sponsorship (a certificate of sponsorship) for your visa application. You must apply for your visa within 3 months of getting your certificate of sponsorship (a certificate of sponsorship).

If your employer is not currently licensed to sponsor people to work in the UK, they can apply for a sponsor licence if they’re eligible.

How long you need to have worked for your employer outside the UK

You must have worked for your employer outside of the UK. How long you need to have worked for them (your employer) depends on what visa you’re applying for and how much you’re paid.

What visa you’re applying for | How long you need to have worked for your employer outside the UK

Intra-company Transfer (earning less than £73,900 a year) | 12 months

Intra-company Transfer (earning £73,900 a year or more) | no minimum time

Intra-company Graduate Trainee | 3 months

If you’re applying for an Intra-company Graduate Trainee visa, you must have worked for your employer overseas for the 3 months immediately before the date you apply.

Check if your job is eligible

Before you can find out if your job is eligible, you need to know its (your job) 4-digit occupation code. You can get this from your employer or your certificate of sponsorship.

When you know your occupation code (its (your job) 4-digit occupation code), check the table of eligible jobs to see if it (your job)’s eligible for your visa type.

Salary requirements

If you’re applying for an Intra-company Transfer visa you must be paid at least £41,500 or the ‘going rate’ for your job - whichever is higher.

If you’re applying for an Intra-company Graduate Trainee visa you must be paid at least £23,000 or 70% of the ‘going rate’ for your job - whichever is higher.

Each occupation code has its own annual going rate. Check the going rate for your job in the going rates table.

How much it costs

When you apply for an Intra-company visa, you’ll need to have enough money to:

pay the application fee - the standard fee ranges from £610 to £1,408 depending on your circumstances

pay the healthcare surcharge - this is usually £624 per year

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

You’ll be told how much you need to pay when you apply.

Application fee

How much you pay to apply for an Intra-company visa depends on the type of visa and where you’re applying from.

What you’re applying for | Apply from outside the UK | Extend or switch in the UK

Intra-company Transfer (up to 3 years) | £610 per person | £704 per person

Intra-company Transfer (more than 3 years) | £1,220 per person | £1,408 per person

Intra-company Graduate Trainee | £482 per person | £482 per person

If you’re from an eligible country

Your application fee (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 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 (Healthcare surcharge) for each year of your stay - this (Healthcare surcharge) is usually £624 per year. Check how much you’ll have to pay before you apply.

Money to support yourself

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

You will need to have had the money (Money to support yourself) available for at least 28 consecutive days. The end date of the 28 day period must be within 31 days of the date you apply.

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 12 months or more

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 (support). Your employer will need to complete the ‘sponsor certifies maintenance’ section on your certificate. This is under ‘Additional data’.

Documents you'll need to apply

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

your job title and annual salary

your job’s occupation code

the name of your employer and their sponsor licence number - this will be on your certificate of sponsorship

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 test results if you’re from a listed country

Ask your employer for a copy of your certificate of sponsorship if you do not have one.

If your certificate of sponsorship was issued before 1 December 2020

Your certificate of sponsorship will need to be updated because it (Your certificate of sponsorship) was assigned to you before the Tier 2 (Intra-company Transfer) Long-term Staff visa and Tier 2 (Intra-company Transfer) Graduate Trainee visa were replaced.

Ask your employer to update the ‘sponsor notes’ section in the UK visa sponsorship management system.

Other documents you might need

Depending on your circumstances, you might be asked to provide:

evidence you’ve worked for your employer outside the UK

details of your training programme if you’re applying for an Intra-company Graduate Trainee visa

a valid ATAS certificate if your employer tells you that you need one because your job involves researching a sensitive subject at PhD level or higher

You’ll need a blank page in your passport for your visa if you need to give your biometric information (fingerprints and a photograph) at a visa application centre. You’ll be told if you need to do this when you apply.

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

Evidence you’ve worked for your employer outside the UK

After you apply you might be asked to show you’ve worked for your employer for a certain amount of time.

The length of time (a certain amount of time) depends on what visa you’re applying for:

Intra-company Transfer earning less than £73,900 a year -  12 months

Intra-company Transfer earning £73,900 a year or more - no minimum time

Intra-company Graduate Trainee - 3 months

If you’re asked, you’ll need to show you’ve been paid by your employer over this time period (3 months). You can provide:

printed payslips

online payslips supported by a letter from your sponsor signed by a senior staff member

bank or building society statements

a building society pass book

Apply from outside the UK

You must apply online for an Intra-company visa.

Check which documents you’ll need to apply.

Your partner or children will need to apply separately.

Proving your identity

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 visa application centre (a visa application centre) may need to keep your passport and documents while they (a visa application centre) process your application

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

Apply for an Intra-company visa

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

Apply now

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 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)

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

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

You’ll get an email with 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 (Your partner and children)’re eligible. If their (Your partner and children) application is successful, their (Your partner and children) 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 (your child) must:

live with you (unless they (your child)’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 (your child) university or college

Money they (your child) need to support themselves (your child)

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 consecutive days. The end date of the 28 day period must be within 31 days of the date you or they (Your partner or children) apply for this visa.

You’ll usually need to show proof of this when they (Your partner or children) 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 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 (Each family member)’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 prove their identity. They’ll either:

have their 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 their identity document (they’ll also create or sign into their UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account)

They’ll be told what they need to do when they apply.

If they do need an appointment:

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

they may have to travel to get to their nearest centre (this could be in another country)

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 their visa)

Apply for your partner or child’s visa at the same time as you 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 (Apply) must be before their current visa expires.

Your partner or children will not be able to apply to switch to this visa if they are currently in the UK:

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

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

How to apply

Your partner and children 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.

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 (a child) 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 (a child) to your visa before they (a child) turn 18 if they (a child) want to stay in the UK.

Extend your visa

You can apply to extend your Intra-company Transfer visa from inside the UK if all of the following are true:

you have the same job as when you were given your previous permission to enter or stay in the UK

your job is in the same occupation code as when you were given your previous permission to enter or stay in the UK

you’re still working for the employer who gave you your current certificate of sponsorship

you have not reached the maximum total stay

You cannot extend an Intra-company Graduate Trainee visa from inside the UK.

Your partner or children will need to apply separately.

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.

If your job changes

You’ll need to apply to update your visa instead.

Fees

Check how much it costs for your type of visa.

Proving your identity and providing 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 to extend your Intra-company Transfer visa

You must apply online before your current visa expires.

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

Apply now

Continue your application

Sign in to your account (your UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) 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 because:

your supporting documents (supporting documents) need to be verified

you need to attend an interview

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 (your application) contact UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).

You can ask to cancel your application. Your fee will only be refunded if UKVI (UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI)) has not started processing your application.

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

Update your visa if your job changes

You’ll need to apply to update your Intra-company visa if your job changes to a different occupation code. You must still have the same employer.

You do not need to apply again if you have an Intra-company Graduate Trainee visa and your job changes as part of your graduate training programme. Your employer (the same employer) will notify UK Visas and Immigration.

Your partner or children will need to apply separately.

Eligibility and documents you’ll need to apply

Your new job must meet the eligibility requirements and you’ll need a new certificate of sponsorship.

You’ll only need to provide other evidence again if you’ve been in the UK for less than one year.

When to apply to update your visa

You can apply to update your visa up to 3 months before the start date of your new job.

You can continue working in your current job (your job) while your new application is being considered - as long as you apply before your current visa (your job) expires.

You should not start your new job until you’ve got confirmation of your new permission.

Proving your identity and providing supporting documents

You’ll either:

You’ll be told how to do this when you apply. You’ll also be told how to provide your supporting documents if you need to.

Apply to update your visa

You must apply online.

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

Apply 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 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)

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 (your application date) after you’ve sent it (your application date) contact UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).

You can ask to cancel your application (your application date). Your fee will only be refunded if UKVI (UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI)) has not started processing your application (your application date).

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

Switch to an Intra-company visa

You might be able to apply to change (‘switch’) to an Intra-company Transfer visa if you’re already in the UK on a different type of visa. You must meet the eligibility requirements

You cannot switch to an Intra-company Graduate Trainee visa from inside the UK.

Your partner or children will need to apply separately.

Who cannot apply to switch

You cannot apply to switch to an Intra-company visa if you’re currently in the UK:

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

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

You must leave the UK and apply for an Intra-company Transfer visa from abroad if you’re in one of these categories.

Fees

Check how much it costs.

Proving your identity and providing supporting documents

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

How you do this (prove) 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 an Intra-company Transfer visa

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

Apply 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 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)

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 (your application) contact UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).

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


Temporary Worker - Creative and Sporting visa (T5)

Overview

You must apply for a Temporary Worker - Creative and Sporting visa (T5) if:

you’ve been offered work in the UK as a sports person or creative worker

you meet the other eligibility requirements

A creative worker is someone who works in the creative industry, for example an actor, dancer, musician or film crew member.

This visa has replaced the Tier 5 (Temporary Worker - Creative and Sporting) 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 (the free EU Settlement Scheme).

Sponsorship

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

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

How long it takes

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 (a certificate of sponsorship from a licensed employer).

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 (Application fee) is £244.

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

If you’re from an eligible country

Your application fee (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 (Application fee).

Healthcare surcharge

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

If you’re applying to extend or switch in 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 or switch in 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 can come to the UK for a maximum of up to 12 months, or the time given in your certificate of sponsorship plus up to 28 days, whichever is shorter.

You may be able to extend your visa.

Your stay must start no more than 14 days before the start date on your certificate of sponsorship.

If you intend to work in the UK for 3 months or less, you may be able to use the Temporary Worker - Creative and Sporting visa (T5) concession instead of applying for the visa (your biometric residence permit).

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 and at the same level as your main job for up to 20 hours per week

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

work as a sportsperson for your national team while it is playing in a British University and College Sport (BUCS) competition

work as a sports broadcaster

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

You cannot:

get public funds

start your own business

Eligibility

Your eligibility for a Temporary Worker - Creative and Sporting visa (T5) depends on whether you’re a sports person or a creative worker.

Sports person

You need to make a significant contribution to your sport at the highest level in the UK to be eligible for this visa (your biometric residence permit).

You’ll also need all of the following:

a certificate of sponsorship reference number

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

Creative worker

You need all of the following to be eligible for the creative category:

make a unique contribution to the UK labour market, for example you’re internationally renowned or are required for continuity

certificate of sponsorship reference number

be paid the minimum salary as set by Equity, PACT or BECTU (except for models, musicians or circuses)

Certificate of sponsorship

You need a licensed sponsor to give you a certificate of sponsorship before you can apply to work in the UK.

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

Your sponsor (a licensed sponsor) will give you your certificate of sponsorship reference number.

They (a licensed sponsor) must also give you some other information to help you to apply, for example how much you’ll be paid.

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

Changing your sponsor

You must apply again and meet all the eligibility rules if you want to change your sponsor within the same organisation or move to a new organisation.

Changing your sponsor does not change how long you can stay in the UK. You can only stay the maximum length of time allowed by this visa (your biometric residence permit).

Multiple entry

Your sponsor needs to give you a multiple entry certificate of sponsorship if you need to leave and come back to the UK as part of the job you’re doing.

Multiple jobs when you’re a creative worker

Your sponsor can give you a certificate that covers the entire length of your stay, even if you need to perform at more than one engagement. If you’re working for more than one sponsor, you can get a  certificate from each sponsor.

There cannot be a gap of more than 14 days between each job. If you leave the UK and come back, your time away will not count towards those 14 days.

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 (Money to support yourself) available for at least 28 days in a row. Day 28 must be within 31 days of applying for this visa (your biometric residence permit).

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

a letter of endorsement from your sport’s governing body, if you’re applying as a sportsperson or coach

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 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 or switch to this visa if you’re already in the UK.

Extend your visa

You can apply to extend your Temporary Worker - Creative and Sporting visa (T5).

You should apply before your current visa (your existing visa) expires.

You cannot extend your stay if you’ve used the Temporary Worker - Creative and Sporting visa (T5) concession to enter the UK.

Eligibility

You must continue to meet the eligibility rules.

You must be in the UK to extend your visa.

How long you can stay

Creative worker

You can extend your visa for whichever is the shortest of:

up to 12 months

the time on your certificate of sponsorship plus 14 days

the time needed to extend your stay to the maximum of 24 months

You must stay with the same sponsor.

Sports person

You can extend your visa up to 12 months, or the time on your certificate of sponsorship plus 14 days, whichever is shorter.

Fees

Check the fees for this 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 (supporting documents). You can:

upload them (supporting documents) into the online service

have them (supporting documents) scanned at your UKVCAS (UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (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.

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 (UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS)) appointment if your appointment (your UKVCAS (UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS)) appointment) is on a weekday

2 working days after your UKVCAS (UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS)) appointment if your appointment (your UKVCAS (UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS)) 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.

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

if your supporting documents (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)

Switch to this visa

You can switch to a Temporary Worker - Creative and Sporting visa (T5) if you’re in the UK on a Standard Visitor visa and your sponsor gave you a certificate of sponsorship for this visa before you came to the UK.

You should apply before your current visa expires.

You cannot switch to this visa if you’ve used the Temporary Worker - Creative and Sporting visa (T5) concession to enter the UK.

How long you can stay

You can stay for a maximum of up to 12 months after switching to a Temporary Worker - Creative and Sporting visa (T5).

Fees

Check the fees for this visa.

How to switch to this visa

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) (biometric information).

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

upload them (supporting documents) into the online service

have them (supporting documents) scanned at your UKVCAS (UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS)) appointment

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:

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.

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

if your supporting documents (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)

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 (Your partner and children) must:

live with you (unless they (Your partner and children)’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 and 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 (Your partner and children) - 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 (Your partner and children) 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 1 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 (Your partner and children)’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 (your partner or child) identity

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

The visa application centre (a visa application centre) may need to keep their (your partner or child) passport and documents while they (a visa application centre) process their (your partner or child) application.

How long it takes to get a decision

Once they (your partner or child)’ve applied online, proved their (your partner or child) identity and provided their (your partner or child) documents, they (your partner or child)’ll usually get a decision within 3 weeks.

They (your partner or child) may be able to pay to get their (your partner or child) visa faster - check with the visa application centre (a visa application centre).

Apply from inside the UK (extend or switch their (your partner or child) visa)

You can include your partner and children on your application to extend or switch to 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 or switch their visas at a later date. This must be before their current visa expires.

Your partner or children cannot apply to switch to your visa as your dependants if they (your partner or child) are currently in the UK:

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

because they (your partner or child) were given permission to stay outside the immigration rules, for example on compassionate grounds

How to apply

Your partner and children must apply online to either:

extend or switch as a partner

extend or switch as a child

They (Your partner and children)’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.

Proving their (Your partner and children) identity

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

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

How long it takes to get a decision

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

They (Your partner and children) may be able to pay to get a faster decision - they (Your partner and children)’ll be told if they (Your partner and children) can when they (Your partner and children) 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 for their dependant visa before they turn 18 if they want to stay in the UK.

Temporary Worker - Creative and Sporting visa (T5) concession

You can enter the UK without applying for a visa in advance if you:

have a valid Temporary Worker - Creative and Sporting visa (T5) certificate of sponsorship

are coming to work in the UK for 3 months or less

do not normally need a visa to enter the UK as a visitor

You must still meet the Temporary Worker - Creative and Sporting visa (T5) eligibility criteria.

You will not be able to extend your stay while you are in the UK, or switch to another temporary worker visa or a Skilled Worker visa.

Your partner and children can travel with you if they also do not normally need a visa to enter the UK as a visitor.

When you arrive in the UK

You must see an immigration officer when you arrive in the UK - do not use the automatic ePassport gates. The officer will check:

your certificate of sponsorship is valid

you have enough money to support yourself

You will not be allowed to work if you use an automatic ePassport gate. You must see an immigration officer.

If you enter the UK from Ireland

If you’re travelling to the UK from Ireland using the Temporary Worker - Creative and Sporting visa (T5) concession, you must apply for remote clearance at least 72 hours before you arrive in the UK.

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 and at the same level as your main job for up to 20 hours per week

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

work as a sports broadcaster

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

You cannot:

get public funds

start your own business

extend your stay or switch to another visa


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 (a Seasonal Worker visa (T5)) 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 (the free 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 (a Seasonal Worker visa (T5)) costs £244.

If you’re from an eligible country

Your application fee (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 (your certificate of sponsorship reference number) once.

Your certificate of sponsorship is valid for 3 months from the date it (your certificate of sponsorship)’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 (Money to support yourself) 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 (your 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.


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 (the free 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 (a Global Talent 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 (£608) in two parts:

£456 when you apply for the endorsement (an endorsement)

£152 when you apply for the visa itself (your visa)

If you’re applying based on an eligible award, you’ll pay the full £608 when you apply for the visa (your 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 (Healthcare surcharge) as part of your application - this (Healthcare surcharge) 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 (your visa) 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 (£55) only applies to your visa application. Your partner and children will still need to pay the full application fee (£608).

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 (the Global Talent 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 (an organisation approved by the Home Office) has not withdrawn its (an organisation approved by the Home Office) approval

If you apply for the visa (the Global Talent 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 (the Global Talent 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 (your identity document)

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 (your identity document), you can save your form and complete it later.

Start now

Continue your application (your identity document)

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 (your identity document). This will explain what you need to do next.

If you need to change or cancel your application (your identity document)

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

You can ask to cancel your application (your identity document). You’ll only get your fee refunded if UKVI (UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI)) has not started processing your application (your identity document).

Your partner and children

Your partner and children can apply to join you or to stay in the UK as your ‘dependants’ if they (Your partner and children)’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 (your child) must:

live with you (unless they (your child)’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 (your child) address:

a bank statement

credit card bills

driving licence

NHS registration document

an official letter from their (your child) university or college

Fees

It costs £608 for each dependant applying.

They (your child) also need to pay:

the healthcare surcharge

£19.20 to have their (your child) biometric information (fingerprints and photo) taken if they (your child)’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 (Each family member)’ll be asked to provide your application number so the Home Office can link their (Each family member) application (a separate 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 (your partner or child) 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 (your partner or child)’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 (your partner or child) application, they (your partner or child)’ll be asked to make an appointment at a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) service point to provide their (your partner or child) biometric information (fingerprints and a photo).

They (your partner or child)’ll also need to submit their (your partner or child) supporting documents. They (your partner or child) can:

upload them (their (your partner or child) supporting documents) into the online service

have them (your partner or child) scanned at their (your partner or child) UKVCAS (UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS)) appointment

They (your partner or child) must not travel outside of the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man until they (your partner or child) get a decision. Their (your partner or child) application will be withdrawn if they (your partner or child) 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 (your partner or child) 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 (your partner or child) dependant visa before they (your partner or child) turn 18 if they (your partner or child) 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:

This reduction (extend) 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 (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 (prove) 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) (your UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI)).

You can ask to cancel your application. You’ll only get your fee refunded if UKVI (your UK Visas and Immigration (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.

Switch to this visa (your UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI))

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 (a Global Talent 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 (a Global Talent visa) within 3 months of getting an endorsement.

You cannot apply for the visa (a Global Talent visa) if the organisation that endorsed you has withdrawn its approval.

If you apply for the visa (a Global Talent 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.

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 (a Global Talent visa)

You cannot apply to switch to this visa (a Global Talent 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 (£608) in two parts:

£456 when you apply for the endorsement (an endorsement)

£152 when you apply for the visa itself (a Global Talent visa)

If you’re applying based on an eligible award, you’ll pay the full £608 when you apply for the visa (a Global Talent 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 (a Global Talent visa) if you’re from one of the following countries:

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

Healthcare surcharge

You’ll also have to pay the healthcare surcharge (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 (prove) 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 (your application) contact UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).

You can ask to cancel your application. You’ll only get your fee refunded if UKVI (UK Visas and Immigration (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.


Frontier Worker permit

Overview

A Frontier Worker permit lets you come to the UK to work while living elsewhere.

You may be eligible if all of the following apply:

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

you live outside of the UK

you began working in the UK by 31 December 2020

You must usually have worked in the UK at least once every 12 months since you started working here.  You may still be able to apply if you’ve had periods of unemployment or were unable to work during this time.

If you’re an Irish citizen, you do not need to apply for a Frontier Worker permit but you can choose to do so.

You cannot apply if you’re a British citizen (this includes dual citizenship).

If you have not worked in the UK by 31 December 2020

If you want to work in the UK from 1 January 2021, and were not working here before, you’ll need to apply for a visa.

The visa you’ll need (a visa) depends on the type of work and how long you want to come for. Check which type of visa you’ll need.

You do not need a visa if you’re a British or Irish citizen.

What the permit (A Frontier Worker permit) allows you to do

You can use your permit (A Frontier Worker permit) to enter the UK as a frontier worker and show your right to:

work

rent

access benefits and services, including NHS healthcare, if you meet the relevant eligibility requirements

Fees

There’s no fee to apply for the permit (A Frontier Worker permit), and you do not have to pay the immigration health surcharge. You may have to pay to submit your biometric information (photograph or fingerprints).

When and how to apply

If you’re a frontier worker, you’ll need a permit to enter the UK to work from 1 July 2021 (1 January 2021). You can use your passport or national identity card until then (1 January 2021).

You must apply online.

You’ll be told if you’ll also need to go to an appointment at a visa application centre or UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) service point.

You will not usually need an appointment if you can use a smartphone app and have a passport or ID card with a biometric chip.

If you need an appointment

Allow extra time to arrange your appointment and travel to the centre - there may not be one near you. You may need to pay for your appointment.

The centre may need to keep your passport and documents while they (the centre) process your application.

Family members

Family members are not covered by your Frontier Worker permit.

Your family member may be eligible to apply to the EU Settlement Scheme for settled or pre-settled status.

Who can apply

You can only apply for a Frontier Worker permit if you’re from the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein, and you:

live outside the UK

meet the requirements for working in the UK

Living outside the UK

You must live ‘primarily’ outside of the UK. How you meet this requirement depends on how much time you’ve spent here since 1 January 2020.

You’ll be eligible if you’ve spent less than 180 days in total in the UK over the course of any 12 month period.

If you’ve spent 180 days or more in the UK within 12 months

You’ll still be eligible if, in that 12 month period (12 months), you returned to the country you live in at least either:

once every 6 months

twice in the 12 month period (12 months)

You’ll still be able to apply if there are exceptional circumstances meaning you could not travel to your country of residence in this period (12 months), such as an illness or accident.

Working in the UK

You must:

have started working in the UK while living elsewhere by 31 December 2020, either as an employed or self-employed person

do eligible work

usually have worked in the UK (as an employed or self-employed person) at least once every 12 months since you started working here

Eligible work

You’ll be eligible as long as your work in the UK is ‘genuine and effective’. This means it must be more than small, one-off tasks, such as:

an interview

taking part in a one-off competition or audition

signing a contract

If you’re not sure if your work is eligible, the Home Office has guidance on what counts as genuine and effective work.

If you’ve been unable to work or unemployed in the UK during a 12 month period

You might still be eligible if you’ve been unemployed or not worked during this time (a 12 month period) because you were:

temporarily unable to work because of an illness or accident

temporarily unable to work because you were pregnant or had given birth

unable to come to the UK and work because of coronavirus (COVID-19)

voluntarily unemployed and doing vocational training related to your last occupation

involuntarily unemployed, and either looking for work in the UK or doing vocational training

This is known as having ‘retained worker’ or ‘retained self-employed person’ status.

If you became involuntarily unemployed and are looking for work, you’ll keep your status for:

6 months if you worked in the UK for less than a year before becoming unemployed

as long as you continue to look for work, if you worked in the UK for a year or more before becoming unemployed

You’ll need to be registered as a jobseeker with an employment office (such as Jobcentre Plus) and provide evidence that you’re looking for work in the UK.

Apply

You must apply online.

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

Documents you’ll need to apply

When you apply you’ll need a valid passport or national identity card.

You’ll be told which documents you need to provide when you apply. Some depend on whether you’re employed or self-employed, for example:

an employment contract, or contracts to work in the UK

payslips, or copies of invoices for work carried out in the UK

If you have ‘retained’ status, you’ll be asked for evidence for which criteria you meet. For example, a letter from a doctor if you have an illness, or copies of recent job applications if you’re unemployed and seeking work.

The Home Office has more examples of the types of evidence you will be asked for.

How you’ll prove your identity

As part of your application, you’ll need to prove your identity. How you do this depends on what identity document you use and whether you can use the UK Immigration: ID check app.

You’ll either:

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

have your photograph and fingerprints taken at a visa application centre (if you’re applying from outside the UK and cannot use the smartphone app (the UK Immigration: ID check app))

have your photograph taken at a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) service point (if you’re applying from inside the UK and cannot use the smartphone app (the UK Immigration: ID check app))

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

Apply from outside the UK

Apply online for your Frontier Worker permit.

Apply now

Apply from inside the UK

Apply now

If you were a frontier worker on or before 31 December 2020, you can use your passport or national identity card to travel to the UK and work until 30 June 2021.

After you've applied

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 by following the same process as cancelling a visa or citizenship application.

If your application is successful

You’ll be sent a decision notice saying your application has been approved.

If you applied using the ‘UK Immigration: ID check’ app (the UK Immigration: ID check app), you’ll be issued a digital version of your permit.

If you do not use the smartphone app (the UK Immigration: ID check app) to apply, you’ll either be sent:

a physical version of the permit (your permit) (if you applied inside the UK)

an email explaining how you can come to the UK and collect your permit (if you applied outside the UK)

Your permit will last for 5 years, or 2 years if you apply with ‘retained’ status.

When you’re working in the UK

You’ll usually have to pay tax on your UK (the UK) income.

You can change jobs or move from being employed to self-employed in the UK without needing to tell the Home Office.

You need to tell the Home Office if you stop working in the UK and do not meet one of the retained status criteria.

Reporting a problem with your physical permit

Your permit should arrive within 10 days of receiving the decision notice about your application (a decision notice saying your application has been approved). You should get an email with information about your permit being sent to you.

If your permit does not arrive, you should first contact the delivery service.

If you cannot resolve the issue with the delivery service, and it has been more than 10 days since you received your decision notice (a decision notice saying your application has been approved), you should contact the Home Office.

You’ll also need to tell the Home Office if:

you did not get an email from UKVI with your permit delivery information

your permit has a mistake on it (your permit) (for example your name, date of birth or gender is wrong)

your permit gets lost, stolen or damaged

You can report your problem by phone. You’ll need:

your full name, date of birth and nationality

your Home Office reference number (this is in the email you got with your application decision)

an email address or UK postal address

You can get someone to report for you, for example a legal representative or employer. The phone number is different if someone is reporting on your behalf.

If your application is unsuccessful

You’ll get a decision notice explaining why it (your application) was refused. It will explain if you have the right to either an:

administrative review

immigration decision appeal

Renewing your permit

When you renew your permit, you’ll need to show that you continued to meet the eligibility requirements over the period of time since you last applied.

If you’re not employed or self-employed at the point you apply to renew, or you’re temporarily unable to work, you’ll still be able to apply for a 2-year permit as someone with ‘retained’ status (as long as you meet the requirements).

Apply to renew your permit.