Requirements for Endorsement by the Royal Society, the Royal Academy of Engineering, the British Academy, and UK Research and Innovation

The eligibility criteria for securing an endorsement depend on the route of application Fast Track or Full Peer Review.

Fast Track Endorsement Criteria

To qualify for a fast track endorsement, an applicant must meet at least one of the following conditions:

1. Peer-Reviewed Research Fellowship or Award

The applicant must currently hold, or must have held within the past five years, a peer-reviewed research fellowship or award listed by the Royal Society, the Royal Academy of Engineering, or the British Academy.

2. Appointment to an Academic or Research Position

The applicant must have secured an eligible academic or research role at a UK Higher Education Institution or research institute featured on the approved list published by the Royal Society, the Royal Academy of Engineering, or the British Academy.

3. Employment or Hosting at a UK Research Organisation

The applicant must be hosted or employed by a UK research organisation named on the official UKRI list, contributing critically to a significant research grant or award funded by an endorsed body.

Additional Conditions for UKRI-Listed Organisations

Applicants applying under the UKRI hosting or employment route must demonstrate one of the following:

• Independent or Supervised Project Leadership
  Lead a unique research or innovation project, either independently or under a Principal Investigator, and hold a PhD or equivalent research experience (including industrial or clinical research). The applicant’s name must appear on the grant or award as Principal Investigator, Co-investigator, Postdoctoral Researcher, Research Assistant, or an equivalent UKRI-recognised role.

• Significant Technical or Domain Contributions
  Provide indispensable technical expertise or advancements in methodologies and possess a UK bachelor’s degree (or an equivalent international qualification) or comparable research experience, including industrial or clinical work, within a university, research institute, or industry.

Full Peer Review Endorsement Criteria

Applications under full peer review are assessed by The Royal Society, The Royal Academy of Engineering, or The British Academy. UKRI does not evaluate applications for this route.

Endorsement as “Exceptional Talent”

Applicants must be acknowledged as leaders of exceptional ability in their field (science, engineering, humanities, social sciences, or medicine). They must also be active researchers, typically affiliated with universities, research institutes, or industry, and hold a PhD or equivalent research experience.

Endorsement as “Exceptional Promise”

Applicants must demonstrate significant potential for leadership and recognition in their field. They should be early-career researchers, actively engaged in academia or industry, and hold a PhD or equivalent research experience (including industrial or clinical research).

Supporting Evidence for Fast Track Applications

1. Peer-Reviewed Fellowship or Award

Applicants must submit a written confirmation from an approved awarding body confirming that they currently hold or have held an eligible fellowship or award in the last five years.

2. Academic or Research Position

Evidence must include:

• A detailed job description outlining roles and responsibilities.

• A formal statement from the Director of Human Resources (or equivalent) confirming:

  • Whether the role was openly advertised (with reasons if not).

  • Acceptance of the job offer.

  • Department and job title.

  • Leadership responsibilities in research or innovation.

  • Receipt of at least two references.

  • Interview panel composition with at least three academic/research experts, including one independent authority in the field.

3. Hosting or Employment at a UKRI-Listed Research Organisation

Applicants must provide a formal declaration from the Director of Human Resources (or equivalent), confirming:

• Acceptance of the role or hosting agreement.

• A minimum of one year remaining on the contract.

• That the applicant is critical to the success of a grant or award worth at least £30,000 and lasting at least two years.

• At least 50% of the applicant’s time will be allocated to the endorsed project (aggregated time is acceptable for Principal or Co-investigators).

• The grant or award must have been secured through open competition or be part of a renewable institutional award subject to periodic peer review.

Supporting documents may include links to UKRI-approved databases or written confirmation from the endorsed funder validating the above details.

Supporting Evidence for Full Peer Review Applications

Applicants must provide:

• A comprehensive CV, including career highlights and publication history.

• A personal recommendation letter from a distinguished UK-based expert, explaining:

  • Their professional relationship with the applicant.

  • The applicant’s achievements in the field.

  • Why the applicant qualifies as having exceptional talent or promise.

  • The applicant’s potential contribution to UK research and innovation.

For “Exceptional Talent” endorsements, an additional letter is required from another eminent authority in the field, confirming:

• Their senior status in a reputable UK research or innovation organisation.
  
  
• Recognition of the applicant’s exceptional achievements.
  
  
• The value the applicant brings to UK research, innovation, and wider society.
  
  
• That their assessment is objective and independent of any personal involvement with the applicant’s work.

Comprehensive Global Talent Visa Endorsement Application Support

Our Global Talent Visa endorsement assistance is delivered through a structured, four-stage process designed to optimise your chances of success.

Stage 1 – Initial Consultation and Strategic Planning

Tailored Case Assessment: Receive bespoke advice from an immigration expert to determine the most suitable Global Talent Visa route and endorsement category, based on your career accomplishments and professional profile.

Application Strategy for Success: Gain strategic insights on how to structure and position your application to meet and exceed the specific assessment criteria set by the endorsing authority.

Stage 2 – Global Talent Endorsement Application Preparation

In-Depth Regulatory & Policy Guidance

• Expert Evaluation of Endorsement Criteria: Detailed analysis of the Immigration Rules, Home Office policies, and relevant case law applicable to the Global Talent Visa.

• Endorsing Body Requirements Review: Specialist guidance on the unique priorities and criteria of the endorsing organisation (e.g., Tech Nation, Arts Council England), ensuring full compliance with their standards.

Supporting Documents & Evidence

• Documentary Evidence Strategy: Clear and precise guidance on selecting, preparing, and presenting documentary evidence to substantiate your achievements.

• Document Review and Feedback: Thorough assessment of all supporting documents with tailored recommendations for refinement and alignment with endorsement expectations.

Application Form Completion & Legal Opinion

• Accurate Form Submission: Careful preparation and completion of endorsement application forms to ensure error-free and compliant submissions.

• Specialist Legal Opinion: A well-drafted legal argument outlining how your skills, achievements, and contributions satisfy the Global Talent Visa requirements, making your case compelling to the endorsing body.

Application Bundle Compilation

• Comprehensive Application Bundle: Creation of a professionally structured, indexed, and paginated application bundle for seamless review by decision-makers.

• Final Legal Compliance Check: Independent evaluation of your completed application by a second immigration specialist to ensure total accuracy and completeness.

Stage 3 – Global Talent Endorsement Application Submission

Submission Management: Full assistance with the submission process, ensuring your application package adheres to all technical and procedural requirements.

Communication Representation: Acting as your dedicated representative for all correspondence with the endorsing body, managing updates, requests for additional information, and clarifications until a final decision is issued.

Stage 4 – Post-Decision Guidance and Next Steps

Outcome Review: Detailed advice on the result of your endorsement application, with clear guidance on any necessary next steps or remedial actions.

Visa Stage Consultation: Expert direction on progressing to the Global Talent visa application stage, including all procedural requirements.

Research Global Talent Visa Application After Endorsement

Once endorsement is granted, you will have three months from the date of your endorsement letter to submit your application for entry or residence in the UK under the Research Global Talent category.

Eligibility to Switch in the UK: Applications can be submitted from within the UK unless you currently hold or were last granted leave under one of the following categories:

• Visitor

• Short-term Student

• Parent of a Child Student

• Seasonal Worker

• Domestic Worker in a Private Household

• Any status outside the Immigration Rules

If you fall within any of these categories, you must return to your home country to apply.

Home Office Assessment: In addition to holding a valid endorsement, your character and immigration history will be reviewed to ensure you are not disqualified under the general grounds for refusal.

Key Benefits of the Global Talent Visa:

• No maintenance or English language requirement.

• Flexible visa length of up to five years (chosen in full-year increments).

• Visa duration impacts the Immigration Health Surcharge but not the approval outcome.

Research Global Talent Visa – Prestigious Prizes Route

Applicants who have received a qualifying prestigious award may bypass the endorsement process and proceed directly to the visa application stage.

The full list of prestigious prizes is detailed in Appendix Global Talent: Prestigious Prizes, which is reviewed and updated periodically.

How Link And Day Lawyers Can Support You

At Link And Day Lawyers, we specialise in delivering expert immigration services tailored to professionals, academics, and researchers across diverse sectors including Science, Engineering, Medicine, Humanities, and Social Sciences. Our seasoned immigration lawyers possess extensive expertise in navigating the intricate Home Office regulations, ensuring you receive precise guidance on the most suitable immigration pathways for working or conducting research in the UK.

We take pride in offering a client-focused, proactive approach, where understanding your unique needs is our foremost priority. Our dedicated team combines professionalism with a personable, friendly service, delivering transparent, accurate, and dependable immigration advice. Whether you are pursuing a career opportunity, research role, or academic post, Link And Day Lawyers ensures a seamless and stress-free immigration process tailored to your goals.