In my previous blog, the UK Government published its Immigration White Paper in May 2025 “Restoring control over the immigration system” outlining its proposals to change the Immigration rules in the UK.
One of the key proposals that I have been asked most frequently about is the proposal to increase the standard qualifying period for permanent residence (also known as indefinite leave to remain or settlement) from five to ten years, with some people qualifying sooner based on criteria yet to be decided.
The UK Global Talent Visa is a route to permanent residence or ILR. Those who have been endorsed with exceptional talent, i.e. leaders in technology, can, after 3 years, apply for ILR. Those who have been endorsed with exceptional promise, emerging leaders in technology, can, after 5 years apply for ILR.
The questions I have been receiving is whether the Global Talent Visa will be affected by these changes. At the time, it was unclear because the UK Government advised that it would be consulting on these proposals.
On 29 September 2025, the Home Secretary, Shabana Mahmood outlined a series of new conditions migrants have to meet to qualify for indefinite leave to remain.
These conditions include
- being in work;
- making a certain level of National Insurance contributions;
- not taking any benefits payments;
- learning English to a high standard;
- having a spotless criminal record, and
- giving back by, for example, working in your local community.
These conditions were outlined to ensure people contribute to the economy and society before being able to settle in the UK, under the new model they will have to be lawfully resident in the UK for the minimum of 10 years, double the current period.
The plans will be subject to a public consultation, which will be launched by the end of 2025 and will be open to contributions from the public. I plan to make my own submissions when consultation is open to the public.
My view is that the current guidelines should remain for those applying for ILR from the Global Talent Visa and Global Talent Visa applicants should continue to be able to apply for ILR within 3 or 5 years, not 10 years. Global Talent Visa recipients already meet higher standards given that it is a highly prestigious visa specifically for the best and brightest in tech. They have already been scrutinised and assessed by Tech Nation, the endorsing body that has assessed over 10,000 applicants since 2014. The panel of assessors are experts and leaders in tech in the UK who have the expertise, work in the tech sector and are under strict guidelines to only endorse applicants who meet the criteria to determine who they consider are leaders or emerging leaders in technology. The strict guidelines include ensuring applicants are thought leaders in their field, are highly innovative, some being patent holders, make significant technical, commercial or entrepreneurial contributions to the UK tech sector and who make voluntary contributions that further advance the technology sector.
Currently, once an applicant is endorsed as an exceptionally talented leader or emerging leader in tech, they are able to apply for the UK Global Talent Visa to:
- live and work in the UK for up to 5 years
- have the flexibility and freedom to work anywhere in the UK in the technology sector
- have the opportunity to secure UK settlement (ILR) in just 3 – 5 years
- bring their dependants with them to the UK
- allow them to start their own tech company in the UK
I agree with the Immigration White Paper where it states that “In the global economy, the race to attract the most desirable talent is fierce, with many countries seeking to improve their attractiveness to this highly prized cohort through various measures including their immigration system”.
The Immigration White Paper also states that it is making it easier for people to come to the UK on certain visas aimed at highly skilled migrants, such as the Global Talent and High Potential routes.
There are numerous countries competing for the best and brightest talent – e.g. Australia, Canada, US as well as the UK.
On 22 September 2025, it was reported that UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s global talent task force is exploring a plan to drop visa fees for top global talent while President Trump has increased its fee to $100,000 for the H1-B visa for the US from 22 September 2025.
UK Global Talent Visa recipients are a true asset to the UK and they should be treated as such. They should be rewarded with a fast track route to settlement for choosing the UK to ensure it maintains its status as a leading international hub for emerging talent and innovation.
If you would like support on the UK Global Talent Visa, please complete my eligibility questionnaire here or contact me at techvisa@michellehua.co.uk.
The contents of this blog is not to be taken as legal advice and we highly recommend you seek legal advice for any immigration related issues. Michelle Hua is not an immigration solicitor. Any content provided is only for Stage 1 endorsement for the UK Global Talent Visa. Stage 2 are visa applications and an Immigration Solicitor can assist with those enquiries.
Michelle Hua is a Global Talent Visa Coach and Recipient (Exceptional Talent 2016)
