Helen Smith Immigration Ltd
7 Contributions by Helen Smith Immigration Ltd Experts
PRACTICE NOTES
Overview
The Global Talent route is intended to draw established leaders in their field across specified disciplines, together with those who demonstrate the potential to become leaders. The disciplines include:
arts and culture (including architecture, fashion design, and film and television)
digital technology
science, engineering, humanities and medicine
From 1 July 2026, the route will be expanded to incorporate a standalone design pathway encompassing additional design roles. It is now set out in the Immigration Rules as Appendix Global Talent, which came into force on 1 December 2020 and was introduced by the Statement of Changes in Immigration Rules HC 813. Previously, it was contained in Appendix W of the Immigration Rules, and it largely replaced the Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent) route, which was closed to new applicants and to those extending their stay from 20 February 2020.
Individuals holding permission as Tier 1
Immigration
PRACTICE NOTES
The Global Talent route
The Global Talent route aims to bring in leading figures in specified fields, as well as individuals showing the promise to become leaders. The covered fields include:
arts and culture (such as architecture, fashion design, and film and television)
digital technology
science, engineering, humanities and medicine
This route sits within the Immigration Rules at Appendix Global Talent, which took effect on 1 December 2020, following the Statement of Changes in Immigration Rules HC 813. Before this, it appeared in Appendix W and, for the most part, succeeded the Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent) route, which stopped accepting new applications and extensions from 20 February 2020.
Holders of permission under Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent) must pursue settlement via the Global Talent route when they meet the eligibility criteria. Anyone wishing to prolong their permission is required to switch to the Global Talent route
Immigration
PRACTICE NOTES
This Practice Note centres on the Ukraine Permission Extension Scheme, while also setting out background for Ukrainians seeking entry or already in the UK on a visa, alongside broader worries such as potential routes to settlement. It further outlines context on the Ukraine Scheme visa pathways overall. A central concern for advisers assisting people with leave under the Ukraine Scheme is the persistent uncertainty about what lies ahead. The government maintains there will be no route to settlement for Ukrainians, yet many will have put down roots in the UK, developing strong private lives after years of lawful residence. Meanwhile, it is not clear how long the Homes for Ukraine Sponsorship Scheme and the Ukraine Permission Extension Scheme will stay open. Should there be a judged durable shift in conditions in Ukraine, the position may alter...
Key resources at a glance
Immigration
PRECEDENTS
For a sole representative
[ To be typed on letter-headed paper of overseas business including its name and logo ]
[ Insert address of employer ]
[ Insert Home Office address where application is being sent ]
[ Date ]
Dear [ insert organisation name ]
[ Insert name, date of birth and nationality of applicant as per passport ]
I confirm on behalf of [ insert full name of overseas business ] that [ insert name ] [ has been employed by [ insert full name of overseas business ] from [ insert date employment commenced with the overseas business ] to date OR was employed by [ insert full name of overseas business ] from [ insert date employment commenced with the overseas business ] to [ insert date employment ended with the overseas business ], and then by [ insert name of UK company ] from [ insert date
Immigration
PRECEDENTS
A. Additional documents for main applicant
Provide proof of ongoing employment and that you can financially support yourself and any dependants in the UK. Submit payslips and bank statements for a three‑month or 12‑month span (see comment), showing a full pay breakdown, including salary and any commission, and evidence of your financial self‑sufficiency. The most recent item must be dated within 31 days of the application.
Payslips: either on company headed paper naming your employer, or printouts of online payslips.
Personal bank or building society statements: either on bank stationery; ad hoc statements on the bank’s letterhead (not mini‑statements from Automatic Teller Machines (ATMs)); or printouts of electronic statements.
All statements must include:
your name
account number
statement date
the financial institution’s name, contact details, and a branch code
all transactions for the
Immigration
PRECEDENTS
For sole representatives
[ To be printed on the employer’s letterhead displaying its name and logo ]
[ Enter employer’s address ]
[ Enter the Home Office address to which the application is being sent ]
[ Enter date ]
Dear [ insert organisation name ]
[ Enter the applicant’s name, date of birth and nationality exactly as shown in the passport ]
I confirm, on behalf of [ insert full name of overseas business ], that [ insert name of applicant ] [ has been employed by [ insert full name of overseas business ] from [ insert date employment began overseas ] to the present OR was employed by [ insert full name of overseas business ] from [ insert date employment began with the overseas business ] to [ insert date employment ended with the overseas business ], and thereafter by [ insert name of UK company ] from [
Immigration
PRECEDENTS
A. Additional documents for all main applicants
Evidence of your employment for the previous 12 months is required. This may comprise:
payslips
bank statements
Payslips must be either:
printed on the company-headed paper that shows the employer’s name, or
printouts of online payslips
Your bank statements must display a complete breakdown of your remuneration, covering salary deposits and any commission. Personal bank or building society statements must be either:
statements issued on bank stationery
ad hoc statements produced on the bank’s letterhead (excluding mini-statements from Automatic Teller Machines (ATMs)), or
printouts of electronic statements
Every statement must include:
your name
account number
date of the statement
the financial institution’s name, contact details and a branch code
any transactions over the period
The most recent document must be dated no more than 31 days before the application. Some of this information will also appear in a letter from your employer (see below). The presentation of documents may differ depending on the
Immigration
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