Global Talent Visa

You will only be considered eligible for the academic and research appointments route if responsibility for academic, research or innovation leadership and development or for directing or leading an individual or team research or innovation project or programme of work is a significant function of the role you have accepted.

The 'academic, research or innovation leadership and development' category is for individuals in senior leadership roles at a departmental, faculty or institutional level. Typical duties may include strategy development and delivery and overseeing the management of staff and resources. Example roles (not exhaustive) include Vice-Chancellor, Pro Vice-Chancellor, Professor, Reader or Head of School.

The 'directs or leads' category is for individuals whose role requires them to act independently in initiating, planning and managing a research or innovation project or programme of work without supervision. This is likely to make you ineligible if your role is an entry level postdoctoral research position. If your role involves teaching and curriculum development, your endorsement application must confirm that directing or leading a research or innovation project or programme of work is a significant function of the role alongside your teaching and learning responsibilities. If it is not a significant function, you will not be considered eligible for this route.

HR will provide you with a statement of guarantee from the Director of Human Resources if you are able to meet the criteria.

Fast-track endorsement for individuals who have been awarded an individual fellowship on the list approved by the British Academy, Royal Academy of Engineering and Royal Society. The fellowship must be held currently or within the last 12 months.

The third route is for researchers whose name or job title is specified in a successful grant application from an endorsed funder approved by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI). The funding or award must be at least £30,000 and cover a minimum period of 2 years, researchers must hold or have been offered a contract for at least one year;

HR will provide you with a statement of guarantee from the Director of Human Resources if you are able to meet the criteria.

The fourth route is for individuals who wish to be considered for endorsement by peer review undertaken by the British Academy, Royal Academy of Engineering or the Royal Society.

Applicants can choose to be considered under ‘exceptional talent’ (for leaders in their field) or ‘exceptional promise’ (for potential leaders in their field). This route is not fast-track. You can apply with or without a job offer.

The British Academy reviews applications from the humanities and social sciences, the Royal Academy of Engineering covers engineering, and the Royal Society covers the natural and medical sciences. The full list of eligible disciplines and sub-disciplines per endorsing body is available on GOV.UK.