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I hope you are all well.

I am currently employed (corresponding to postdoc level) at one of the UK Universities under the scheme of the Global Talent Visa (GTV), endorsed by the Royal Society. As the duration of my current contract is two years (will be over this summer), I am now in the process of seeking my next academic opportunity. Consequently, I am delighted to share that I have received an offer from another university in the UK, which falls within the same academic field. Also, that position is eligible for endorsement by the UKRI, ensuring continuity with my GTV scheme. And I am reaching out to seek clarification on a couple of matters:

My understanding is that GTV holders can apply for indefinite leave to remain after completing 3 years of residency in the UK, particularly in cases like mine where the endorsement comes from the Royal Society or UKRI (https://www.gov.uk/indefinite-leave-to- ... ligibility). Given that my contract at the current university will end in a two-year term, followed by a prospective three-year contract at the new university, I am curious about the implications for my eligibility to apply for indefinite leave to remain (ILR). Would it be possible to apply for only a one-year extension to my GTV visa, considering that at the commencement of my contract at my next university? This is because only one year would remain to fulfil the requisite three-year period for indefinite leave to remain? After my one 1 year more GTV, I would definitely apply for ILR.
Would it be possible to apply for only a one-year extension to my GTV visa, considering that at the commencement of my contract at my next university? This is because only one year would remain to fulfil the requisite three-year period for indefinite leave to remain. If this is the case, I would definitely apply for ILR after my one 1 year more GTV. Or based on my new contract 3 years, should I apply for 3 year GTV extension? Which costs a lot as I do have two dependents here.

Next, while the new university has graciously offered to cover the fees associated with the Skilled Worker Visa (SWV), it does not extend to the GTV. Considering this, I am contemplating transitioning to the SWV, provided it does not compromise my eligibility for indefinite leave to remain after three years. Could you kindly confirm whether transitioning from the GTV to the SWV would reset the minimum residency period required for indefinite leave to remain? I never heard of the transition visa from GTV to SWV, not vice versa.

I greatly appreciate your time and assistance!

astronomin wrote: ↑

Wed Mar 06, 2024 10:19 pm

Could you kindly confirm whether transitioning from the GTV to the SWV would reset the minimum residency period required for indefinite leave to remain?

It will not reset the time per se as time spent on GTV counts for SWV, but as you'll be on SWV, which requires 5 years towards settlement, you'll be eligible for settlement in 3 more years (5 years total), not one.

SW route requires 5 years for ILR but time spent under GTV will count towards SW route to ILR as advised above, so your ILR will be delayed by 2 extra years. There is also no 1-year extension offered under most routes. All visas in the UK are granted only for fixed periods, the most common is 3 years (unless you have limited leave to remain and their expiry must match yours)

Thanks a lot for your clear answer! Given the fact that I also need to pay for my two dependents for 3 years in this case of SWV, staying in GTV seems to be a more appropriate choice here.

Yes that is a better choice

then I can only apply for IlR after my GTV, as you said most likely after 3 years? Is it possible to apply for IlR in the middle of my GTV period? If this is the case, the only concern is the making a payment of 3 year GTV.

Sorry again, but I've learned that "Each Global Talent visa extension can last from 1 to 5 years — and it's you again who chooses how long you want it to be." But do I misunderstand something here? Or is it only in written form and mostly they extend 3 years? Thanks a lot for your consideration and time!

It is a bit more complicated. You can request to get a new visa for 1 year yourself but your dependent's extension will have to match your expiry date. They need 5 years for ILR unlike you, so I assume they end up getting 1 year extension only and then have to apply for another extension another 3 years after your ILR. Just be aware

Thank you very much for your thorough response! Yes, the requirement for my dependents to wait 5 years for ILR is indeed a critical factor to consider. Your solution seems to offer the best-case scenario, and I'll certainly keep it in mind as I move forward with my decision.