Global Talent Visa to ILR

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What is Global Talent Visa to ILR UK?

The Global Talent Visa to ILR route allows recognised leaders and emerging talent in science, engineering, humanities, digital technology, and the arts to transition from temporary immigration status to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) in the UK.

Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) is a form of permanent residence status. Once granted, it removes immigration restrictions and allows you to live and work in the UK without time limits, as well as apply for British citizenship after 12 months.

If you have been living in the UK under a Global Talent Visa which replaced Tier 1 Visa, you may be eligible to apply for ILR after 3 or 5 years, depending on the nature of your endorsement.

Who is Global Talent Visa to ILR for?

This ILR route is for individuals who:

Hold a valid Global Talent Visa issued under the Appendix Global Talent of the UK immigration rules

Hold a valid Global Talent Visa issued under the Appendix Global Talent of the UK immigration rules

Hold a valid Global Talent Visa issued under the Appendix Global Talent of the UK immigration rules

Hold a valid Global Talent Visa issued under the Appendix Global Talent of the UK immigration rules

Have been endorsed by an approved UK endorsing body, such as UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), the Royal Society, or Arts Council England

Have been endorsed by an approved UK endorsing body, such as UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), the Royal Society, or Arts Council England

Have been endorsed by an approved UK endorsing body, such as UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), the Royal Society, or Arts Council England

Have been endorsed by an approved UK endorsing body, such as UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), the Royal Society, or Arts Council England

Have completed either 3 or 5 years of lawful residence in the UK under the Global Talent route

Have completed either 3 or 5 years of lawful residence in the UK under the Global Talent route

Have completed either 3 or 5 years of lawful residence in the UK under the Global Talent route

Have completed either 3 or 5 years of lawful residence in the UK under the Global Talent route

Continue to work in their field of expertise as recognised by their original endorsement

Continue to work in their field of expertise as recognised by their original endorsement

Continue to work in their field of expertise as recognised by their original endorsement

Continue to work in their field of expertise as recognised by their original endorsement

Global Talent Visa holders endorsed for business or innovation

Global Talent Visa holders endorsed for business or innovation

Global Talent Visa holders endorsed for business or innovation

Global Talent Visa holders endorsed for business or innovation

Intend to remain in the UK permanently

Intend to remain in the UK permanently

Intend to remain in the UK permanently

Intend to remain in the UK permanently

You must not have exceeded 180 days outside the UK in any 12-month period during your qualifying residence period.

What is the Application Process for Global Talent Visa to ILR Like? 

Applying for ILR from a Global Talent Visa is a formal process through UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI). It requires both documentation and fulfilment of residence, endorsement, and character criteria.

Step-by-step ILR Application Process

  1. Check Eligibility Requirements
    Ensure you meet the 3-year or 5-year residency threshold, depending on whether your endorsement was for exceptional talent or exceptional promise.

  2. Prepare Documentation
    Collect your endorsement proof, travel history, work records in your field, and evidence of continuous UK residence.

  3. Pass Required Tests
    Unless exempt, pass both the Life in the UK Test and meet the English language requirement (usually B1 level).

  4. Submit the Online Application
    Complete the ILR application form (SET(O)) via the UKVI online portal. Submit all supporting documents and pay the application fee.

  5. Biometric Appointment
    Attend a UKVCAS service point to provide your biometric information (photo and fingerprints).

  6. Receive Your Decision
    Most decisions are made within 6 months, with priority services available.

Applicants may apply from inside the UK and must do so before their current visa expires.

What Are the Requirements for Global Talent Visa to ILR? 

To qualify for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) via the Global Talent route, applicants must meet several key conditions.

1. Time Spent in the UK

3 years if endorsed under exceptional talent, or if you were endorsed by:

The Royal Society

The Royal Society

The Royal Society

The Royal Society

The British Academy

The British Academy

The British Academy

The British Academy

The Royal Academy of Engineering

The Royal Academy of Engineering

The Royal Academy of Engineering

The Royal Academy of Engineering

UK Research and Innovation (UKRI)

UK Research and Innovation (UKRI)

UK Research and Innovation (UKRI)

UK Research and Innovation (UKRI)

5 years if endorsed under exceptional promise, or by endorsing bodies related to arts, humanities, and digital technology

5 years if endorsed under exceptional promise, or by endorsing bodies related to arts, humanities, and digital technology

5 years if endorsed under exceptional promise, or by endorsing bodies related to arts, humanities, and digital technology

5 years if endorsed under exceptional promise, or by endorsing bodies related to arts, humanities, and digital technology

Time spent on another visa application category may not count unless you’ve switched into the Global Talent Visa and restarted a qualifying period.

2. Endorsement & Professional Activity

You must still be actively working in the field that formed the basis of your original endorsement

You must still be actively working in the field that formed the basis of your original endorsement

You must still be actively working in the field that formed the basis of your original endorsement

You must still be actively working in the field that formed the basis of your original endorsement

No new endorsement is required, but continued evidence of work in the same field is necessary

No new endorsement is required, but continued evidence of work in the same field is necessary

No new endorsement is required, but continued evidence of work in the same field is necessary

No new endorsement is required, but continued evidence of work in the same field is necessary

Endorsing bodies must not have withdrawn their support

Endorsing bodies must not have withdrawn their support

Endorsing bodies must not have withdrawn their support

Endorsing bodies must not have withdrawn their support

3. Absence Limit

You must not have been absent from the UK for more than 180 days in any 12-month period during your qualifying residence

You must not have been absent from the UK for more than 180 days in any 12-month period during your qualifying residence

You must not have been absent from the UK for more than 180 days in any 12-month period during your qualifying residence

You must not have been absent from the UK for more than 180 days in any 12-month period during your qualifying residence

4. Life in the UK Test

Pass the official Life in the UK Test, unless exempt (e.g., due to age or disability)

Pass the official Life in the UK Test, unless exempt (e.g., due to age or disability)

Pass the official Life in the UK Test, unless exempt (e.g., due to age or disability)

Pass the official Life in the UK Test, unless exempt (e.g., due to age or disability)

5. English Language Requirement

Meet the English language requirement at B1 CEFR level unless you are from a majority English-speaking country or hold a degree taught in English

Meet the English language requirement at B1 CEFR level unless you are from a majority English-speaking country or hold a degree taught in English

Meet the English language requirement at B1 CEFR level unless you are from a majority English-speaking country or hold a degree taught in English

Meet the English language requirement at B1 CEFR level unless you are from a majority English-speaking country or hold a degree taught in English

6. Immigration Compliance

You must have complied with UK immigration laws, maintained legal status, and have no unspent criminal convictions

You must have complied with UK immigration laws, maintained legal status, and have no unspent criminal convictions

You must have complied with UK immigration laws, maintained legal status, and have no unspent criminal convictions

You must have complied with UK immigration laws, maintained legal status, and have no unspent criminal convictions

Key Benefits of Global Talent Visa to ILR

The Global Talent Visa ILR route is one of the most flexible and rewarding pathways to UK settlement. Benefits include:

Permanent residency in the UK with no restrictions on work, business, or travel

Permanent residency in the UK with no restrictions on work, business, or travel

Permanent residency in the UK with no restrictions on work, business, or travel

Permanent residency in the UK with no restrictions on work, business, or travel

Ability to work in any field, be self-employed, or run a business

Ability to work in any field, be self-employed, or run a business

Ability to work in any field, be self-employed, or run a business

Ability to work in any field, be self-employed, or run a business

No need for sponsorship or employer restrictions

No need for sponsorship or employer restrictions

No need for sponsorship or employer restrictions

No need for sponsorship or employer restrictions

Freedom to sponsor family members under relaxed rules

Freedom to sponsor family members under relaxed rules

Freedom to sponsor family members under relaxed rules

Freedom to sponsor family members under relaxed rules

Full access to NHS healthcare, education, and public services

Full access to NHS healthcare, education, and public services

Full access to NHS healthcare, education, and public services

Full access to NHS healthcare, education, and public services

Eligibility to apply for British citizenship after 12 months with ILR

Eligibility to apply for British citizenship after 12 months with ILR

Eligibility to apply for British citizenship after 12 months with ILR

Eligibility to apply for British citizenship after 12 months with ILR

Recognition of your professional excellence and contribution to the UK

Recognition of your professional excellence and contribution to the UK

Recognition of your professional excellence and contribution to the UK

Recognition of your professional excellence and contribution to the UK

Simplified ILR requirements compared to other visa categories (e.g., no minimum income threshold or job creation)

Simplified ILR requirements compared to other visa categories (e.g., no minimum income threshold or job creation)

Simplified ILR requirements compared to other visa categories (e.g., no minimum income threshold or job creation)

Simplified ILR requirements compared to other visa categories (e.g., no minimum income threshold or job creation)

Once granted, settlement status offers long-term stability and opens the door to full participation in UK civic and economic life.

Why Choose Bekenbey?

At Bekenbey Immigration, we understand that transitioning from the Global Talent Visa to ILR is a critical step in your journey to UK settlement. Our services ensure that your application is accurate, timely, and strategically presented.

We assist clients with:

  • Verifying the residency threshold and calculating qualifying time

  • Preparing documentation that proves ongoing activity in your field

  • Navigating the Life in the UK Test and English requirements

  • Managing complex travel histories and absences from the UK

  • Advising on switches between endorsement types or immigration categories

  • Identifying risks (e.g. endorsements withdrawn) and addressing them pre-emptively

  • Reviewing past immigration history to ensure legal compliance

Our immigration experts work closely with Global Talent Visa holders, including researchers, academics, tech professionals, and creatives. We ensure your ILR application aligns with current UK immigration rules and best practices.

Apply for Global Talent Indefinite Leave to Remain Today with Bekenbey

If you are ready to settle in the UK after years of contribution, the Global Talent to ILR route offers the recognition and security you deserve. 

You should apply before your visa expires, and ensure that all conditions under the Appendix Global Talent are met.

With Bekenbey, we make sure:

  • You know exactly when you become eligible

  • All endorsement continuity conditions are verified

  • The application for indefinite leave is complete and legally sound

  • You understand what counts toward time in the UK

  • Your family members can also prepare their ILR applications

From day one of your visa to your final step toward UK settlement, Bekenbey is your trusted partner.

Documents Needed

We’ve listed all the key documents required for your application to make your process as smooth as possible. Here are some common documents you may need to provide:

1

Valid passport

1

Valid passport

1

Valid passport

1

Valid passport

2

Current biometric residence permit

2

Current biometric residence permit

2

Current biometric residence permit

2

Current biometric residence permit

3

Proof of endorsement approval or a decision letter from the Home Office

3

Proof of endorsement approval or a decision letter from the Home Office

3

Proof of endorsement approval or a decision letter from the Home Office

3

Proof of endorsement approval or a decision letter from the Home Office

4

Evidence of ongoing work in your field (contracts, publications, academic work, innovation reports, etc.)

4

Evidence of ongoing work in your field (contracts, publications, academic work, innovation reports, etc.)

4

Evidence of ongoing work in your field (contracts, publications, academic work, innovation reports, etc.)

4

Evidence of ongoing work in your field (contracts, publications, academic work, innovation reports, etc.)

5

Travel history to confirm residence and days spent inside the UK

5

Travel history to confirm residence and days spent inside the UK

5

Travel history to confirm residence and days spent inside the UK

5

Travel history to confirm residence and days spent inside the UK

6

Life in the UK Test certificate

6

Life in the UK Test certificate

6

Life in the UK Test certificate

6

Life in the UK Test certificate

7

Proof of meeting the English language requirement (e.g., SELT B1, academic qualifications)

7

Proof of meeting the English language requirement (e.g., SELT B1, academic qualifications)

7

Proof of meeting the English language requirement (e.g., SELT B1, academic qualifications)

7

Proof of meeting the English language requirement (e.g., SELT B1, academic qualifications)

8

Evidence that your endorsement body has not withdrawn support (if applicable)

8

Evidence that your endorsement body has not withdrawn support (if applicable)

8

Evidence that your endorsement body has not withdrawn support (if applicable)

8

Evidence that your endorsement body has not withdrawn support (if applicable)

9

Any additional documents requested by UKVI, depending on your endorsement track

9

Any additional documents requested by UKVI, depending on your endorsement track

9

Any additional documents requested by UKVI, depending on your endorsement track

9

Any additional documents requested by UKVI, depending on your endorsement track

You must also ensure documents are in English or officially translated, and conform to UKVI format requirements.

Your Immigration
Questions, Answered

Have questions about UK immigration? We’ve got you covered. If you have more questions, you can contact us.f

Do I need a new endorsement to apply for ILR?

No. You do not need to apply for a new endorsement. However, you must demonstrate that you have remained active in the field for which you were originally endorsed.

Do I need a new endorsement to apply for ILR?

No. You do not need to apply for a new endorsement. However, you must demonstrate that you have remained active in the field for which you were originally endorsed.

Do I need a new endorsement to apply for ILR?

No. You do not need to apply for a new endorsement. However, you must demonstrate that you have remained active in the field for which you were originally endorsed.

Do I need a new endorsement to apply for ILR?

No. You do not need to apply for a new endorsement. However, you must demonstrate that you have remained active in the field for which you were originally endorsed.

Can I still apply for ILR if I’ve had absences from the UK?

Yes, but you must not exceed 180 days outside the UK in any 12-month period during your qualifying years. Exceptions exist for research-related travel. Our legal team can evaluate complex cases involving absences.

Can I still apply for ILR if I’ve had absences from the UK?

Yes, but you must not exceed 180 days outside the UK in any 12-month period during your qualifying years. Exceptions exist for research-related travel. Our legal team can evaluate complex cases involving absences.

Can I still apply for ILR if I’ve had absences from the UK?

Yes, but you must not exceed 180 days outside the UK in any 12-month period during your qualifying years. Exceptions exist for research-related travel. Our legal team can evaluate complex cases involving absences.

Can I still apply for ILR if I’ve had absences from the UK?

Yes, but you must not exceed 180 days outside the UK in any 12-month period during your qualifying years. Exceptions exist for research-related travel. Our legal team can evaluate complex cases involving absences.

Can I apply for ILR after 3 years?

Yes, if your endorsement was for exceptional talent or if you were endorsed by UKRI, the Royal Society, the Royal Academy of Engineering, or the British Academy. If you were endorsed under exceptional promise, you typically need 5 years.

Can I apply for ILR after 3 years?

Yes, if your endorsement was for exceptional talent or if you were endorsed by UKRI, the Royal Society, the Royal Academy of Engineering, or the British Academy. If you were endorsed under exceptional promise, you typically need 5 years.

Can I apply for ILR after 3 years?

Yes, if your endorsement was for exceptional talent or if you were endorsed by UKRI, the Royal Society, the Royal Academy of Engineering, or the British Academy. If you were endorsed under exceptional promise, you typically need 5 years.

Can I apply for ILR after 3 years?

Yes, if your endorsement was for exceptional talent or if you were endorsed by UKRI, the Royal Society, the Royal Academy of Engineering, or the British Academy. If you were endorsed under exceptional promise, you typically need 5 years.