UK Global Talent Visa Glossary
Plain-English definitions of every term you need to understand the application process, from MC1 to ILR.
B
Biometrics
Fingerprints and a photograph collected at a UK Visa Application Centre. Required as part of the Stage 2 visa application. You book a biometrics appointment after submitting your visa application online. VACs are available in most countries worldwide.
D
Dependent Visa
A visa for the partner and children under 18 of a Global Talent Visa holder. Dependents can join you in the UK and have full work rights, no employer restrictions. Each dependent submits a separate application. The fee is £766 per person (from outside the UK), plus the Immigration Health Surcharge.
E
Endorsement
Stage 1 of the Global Talent Visa process. An approved endorsing body (such as Tech Nation for Digital Technology) reviews your application and decides whether you meet the criteria for Exceptional Talent or Exceptional Promise. Endorsement is not the visa itself. It is the recommendation letter you then use to apply for the visa.
Exceptional Talent (MC1)
The Mandatory Criterion 1 route for established leaders in Digital Technology with a proven track record of significant impact. Applicants must demonstrate they are recognised as a leader in their field, have produced work of outstanding innovation, and have contributed to the UK's or another country's digital technology sector. ILR is available after 3 years.
Exceptional Promise (MC2)
The Mandatory Criterion 2 route for rising stars showing clear potential in Digital Technology. Designed for earlier-career professionals who demonstrate exceptional promise rather than an established track record. ILR is available after 5 years.
Evidence Document
A PDF document (maximum 3 A4 pages) submitted as part of your endorsement application to demonstrate one piece of evidence against a criterion. You can submit up to 10 evidence documents. Each must be a PDF snapshot, not a cloud link or URL. Common formats: press articles, screenshots with annotations, certificates, metrics reports.
Evidence Bundle
The complete set of documents submitted with your Stage 1 endorsement application: CV (max 3 pages), personal statement, up to 10 evidence documents (max 3 pages each), and 3 reference letters. All documents must be PDFs.
I
ILR (Indefinite Leave to Remain)
UK permanent residence. Global Talent Visa holders can apply for ILR after 3 continuous years in the UK (Exceptional Talent route) or 5 continuous years (Exceptional Promise route). ILR is the step before British citizenship.
Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)
A fee paid upfront when applying for the Stage 2 visa, covering NHS access during your stay. The current rate is £1,035 per year (paid for the full duration of the visa at once). Each dependent also pays the IHS separately.
O
OC1: Technical Innovation
Optional Criterion 1. Evidence of significant technical innovation, including: novel products or services, significant open-source contributions, patents, or development of new technical methodologies. You must show the innovation was meaningful, not just that you used existing technology.
OC2: Product Growth
Optional Criterion 2. Evidence of significant commercial, social, or entrepreneurial impact through a digital product or service. This includes user growth, revenue, market impact, or measurable social benefit. The product must be product-led (not consultancy or outsourcing work).
OC3: Industry Recognition
Optional Criterion 3. Evidence of recognition for your technical work by peers or the broader industry. Includes: awards, conference speaking (especially at selective international events), press coverage in recognised publications, judging at technical competitions, or peer review.
OC4: Academic Contribution
Optional Criterion 4. Evidence of contribution to academia through research, publications, or fellowships. OC4 is primarily designed for academic researchers and is rarely appropriate for commercial Digital Technology applicants. If in doubt, choose OC1, OC2, or OC3 instead.
OISC (Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner)
The UK regulatory body that authorises immigration advisors and solicitors. If you want professional legal advice on your visa application, use an OISC-registered advisor or a qualified solicitor. getendorsed does not provide legal advice and is not OISC-registered.
P
Personal Statement
A 1,000-word maximum statement entered directly on the Home Office application form (not uploaded as a separate file). It must be future-focused: explaining how you will contribute to the UK's digital technology sector. It should cover your motivation, intended role, UK location, and sector contributions. AI-generated content is actively screened and will result in rejection.
R
Reference Letter (Recommendation Letter)
A letter from a senior professional who knows your work, endorsing your application. You need exactly 3 reference letters from 3 different people at 3 different organisations. Each letter must cover: how they know you, duration of relationship, your specific role, why you are exceptional, your impact on the field, and your potential UK benefit. Letters must be unique. No shared templates.
S
Stage 1: Endorsement Application
The first stage of the Global Talent Visa process. You submit your evidence bundle (personal statement, CV, evidence documents, reference letters) to the endorsing body via their online portal. The application fee is £524 (non-refundable). Processing typically takes 5–8 weeks. If successful, you receive an endorsement letter valid for 3 months.
Stage 2: Visa Application
The second stage of the process, completed after endorsement. You apply for the actual visa through the UK government portal (gov.uk). The fee is £205 (if applying from inside the UK) or £259 (from outside the UK), plus the Immigration Health Surcharge. Processing typically takes 3–8 weeks.
T
Tech Nation
The organisation that acted as the endorsing body for the Digital Technology route of the UK Global Talent Visa. Tech Nation closed in 2023, and endorsement duties were transferred to a successor body. The criteria framework (MC1, MC2, OC1-OC4) continues to be used and is commonly referred to as "Tech Nation criteria".
U
UK Global Talent Visa
A UK visa for leaders and potential leaders in academia, research, arts, culture, and digital technology. It requires no job offer, no employer sponsor, and no minimum salary. Holders have full work flexibility and a path to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after 3–5 years.
UKVI (UK Visas and Immigration)
The Home Office department that processes UK visa applications. UKVI handles Stage 2 of the Global Talent Visa (the actual visa, after endorsement). The endorsing body (Tech Nation for Digital Technology) handles Stage 1.
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