Acquiring a Visa as a Dependant of a UK Global Talent Visa Holder

The Global Talent visa was only launched in February 2020, but it has already proved extremely successful. According to the latest statistics, around 4,000 applications have been received from applicants from over 100 countries, and this number appears to be increasing each year. Due to the long-term nature of the Global Talent visa, which is designed to encourage those in leadership roles in certain disciplines to come to the UK, it goes without saying that their dependant family members also need permission to join them. In this article, we will explain how dependant family members can join Global Talent visa holders in the UK to live, work, and study.

What is the Global Talent visa?

If you are new to the UK’s immigration system, you may be unsure of the purpose of the Global Talent visa and who is it designed for. In essence, this visa is intended for those who are considered to be at the very top of their profession in the areas of:

• academia or research
• arts and culture
• digital technology

The most common immigration route for foreign workers in the UK is the Skilled Worker visa, but the Global Talent is pitched at a higher level than this and, as a result, comes with additional benefits. Most importantly, applicants do not require a job before they apply, as is the case with the Skilled Worker visa. They do, however, require endorsement from a suitable body based in the UK with expertise in the applicant’s profession. Another key benefit is that those who receive a Global Talent visa can apply for permanent settlement in the UK after just three years (as opposed to the normal five years with the Skilled Worker visa).

Bringing dependant family members to the UK

Dependant family members can join Global Talent visa holders in the UK. A dependant is classed as:

• the husband, wife, civil partner or unmarried partner of a Global Talent visa holder
• a child aged under 18 of a Global Talent visa holders - including if they were born in the UK during your stay
• a child aged over 18 of a Global Talent visa holders – but only if they meet the definition of a dependant (see below)

A partner is eligible to join a Global Talent visa holder if they are in a civil partnership or marriage that’s recognised in the UK or if they have been living together in a relationship for at least two years when they apply.

When the Home Office refer to a ‘dependant’ Child, they mean that any children over 16 years must:

• reside with the main visa holder (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 the main visa holder.

If granted a visa, each dependant will be able to remain in the UK for the same duration as the main visa holder to live, work, and study.

How can a family member of a Global Talent visa holder apply for a dependant visa?

Each eligible family member will need to apply separately for a dependant visa. This process is completed after the main Global Talent visa holder has applied for their visa (they don’t have to have received a decision), and this is completed online on the Home Office website. To apply, you will need to:

• complete the dependant visa application form
• pay the visa fee
• provide any documents to prove eligibility – these can be uploaded when you apply online, or you can have them scanned and uploaded at a UKVCAS service centre when you have your biometrics taken (see below).
• pay the health surcharge (this is £624 per adult per year and £470 per year for those under the age of 18) – this must be fully upfront when applying for a dependant visa
• provide your biometrics (fingerprints and photograph) for a biometric residence permit – this is done either at a UKVCAS service centre in person, or by using the Home Office’s mobile app. You will be advised how to do this when you apply.

It is important to note that when you apply, you will need to provide the unique reference number given to the main Global Talent visa applicant. This then ensures that all applications for the same family are considered together. It also proves that you are eligible for a dependant as a family member of a Global Talent visa applicant.

The application fee for the Global Talent dependant visa is currently £608, and this is payable by each applicant.

As the Home Office states, dependant visas are only for family members of the following visa types:

• Skilled Worker
• Skilled Worker: Health and Care Visa
• International Sportsperson
• Global Talent
• Start-up
• Innovator
• Student
• Intra-Company Transfer
• Intra-Company Graduate Trainee
• Temporary Work
• Tier 1, 2, 4 or 5
• Graduate

They also state, “You should use this service if you are applying after the main applicant has already submitted their application or been granted leave in one of these categories”. As such, it is important to time your application correctly.

How we can help with your application

As a top tier immigration law firm based in central London, we have the experience and expertise to help with all aspects of your Global Talent dependant visa. We can discuss any aspect of your case and advise the best route forward based on your current situation and your future goals (e.g. if you plan to live in the UK permanently). Where necessary, we can handle your case and that of your children/partner for you, or if you prefer, we can check your application and documents before they are submitted. In addition, if you receive a negative decision from the Home Office regarding your dependant visa, we will do all we can to have the refusal overturned as quickly as possible and your visa issued soon after.