Previously the route was limited to those working in specific sectors – such as fashion design. As of 1 July 2026, the new Global Talent endorsement pathway for design professionals has opened up the route to designers in different industries. The endorsement application is determined by the Design Business Association (DBA) (dba.org.uk).

You can read the Global Talent design industry guidance (gov.uk).

What is the Global Talent visa?

The Global Talent visa allows recognised leaders and potential leaders to work in the UK without employer sponsorship. The route already included science, digital technology, architecture, fashion design and the arts. It has now been expanded to include the wider design industry. 

Global Talent visas are normally granted for up to three or five years. You may be able to extend your visa or apply to settle permanently in the UK if you meet the relevant requirements.

As a visa holder, you can work as an employee, be self-employed or act as a company director. You can also change jobs without having to notify the Home Office. There is no minimum salary requirement. Therefore, this route provides a greater degree of flexibility which other routes do not provide.

What design fields are supported under the Global Talent visa?

The Design Business Association (DBA) determines the areas of practice included within the expanded design pathway. These include graphic design, product design, industrial design, brand design, among others. 

The DBA also provides a list of design fields which are not included (e.g. textiles and craft). Some roles (e.g. digital design) may fit under another pathway within the Global Talent visa route (e.g. technology) and be endorsed by another relevant body (e.g. Tech Nation). The unsupported design fields can be found on the Arts Council England design guidance (artscouncil.org.uk).

The lists are not exhaustive. If you are unsure if your field is covered, you can contact the DBA for confirmation. The DBA has discretion to decide whether an area of practice falls within its remit.

Who can apply for the Global Talent design pathway?

As a design professional, you can apply as a leader in your field (under the exceptional talent criteria), or as a potential leader (under the exceptional promise criteria). 

To apply, you must have regular professional engagement within the last five years. You must have been producing outstanding work that has been published, distributed or exhibited. This can include work completed as an individual, work completed as a member of a group or work contributed to without being a formal group member. The extent of your professional recognition or exhibition depends on whether you meet the Exceptional Talent or Exceptional Promise criteria.

Exceptional talent route  

To apply under the exceptional talent route, the DBA would expect a substantial professional track record of at least five years in their field. In addition, applicants need to meet at least two out of the three criteria:

  • An international design award for excellence
  • Significant media recognition from two countries
  • Evidence from two countries of significant professional appearances, publications, or exhibitions, or proof of extensive international distribution of your work in those two countries.

Exceptional promise route 

Exceptional promise is generally for early-career professionals. Whilst you must still demonstrate professional recognition, there is a reduced threshold of evidence. 

The DBA expects a substantial professional track record of three years in your field. You must still meet two out of the three criteria, but this evidence can be from only one country. 

The criteria include:

  • Evidence of being nominated or shortlisted for a design award for excellence (this can be a national award and does not need to be international)
  • Demonstrating two recent examples of media recognition for your work
  • Evidence of professional appearances, publications or exhibitions, or alternatively proof of extensive distribution of your work in that country.

Endorsement 

To apply for a Global Talent visa, your application will first need to be endorsed. The relevant endorsing body depends on your professional field and the type of work you produce:

  • Applications covering combined arts, dance, literature, music, theatre and visual arts are assessed by Arts Council England 
  • Design industry applications are assessed by the Design Business Association on behalf of Arts Council England
  • Applications in animation, film, post-production, television and visual effects are assessed by the Producers Alliance for Cinema and Television on behalf of Arts Council England.

What evidence do I need to provide for the Global Talent visa?

Applications must include:

  • An up-to-date CV
  • Three letters of recommendation:
    • Two of which must come from established organisations acknowledged as experts in your field, and at least one of these organisations must be based in the UK. 
    • The third can be from another well-established design organisation or individual with recognised experience in your field of design.
    • You must have worked in a design capacity with these organisations.
  • Up to 10 pieces of evidence from the last five years covering at least two of the following:
    • International media recognition
    • International prizes
    • International appearances, publications or exhibitions.

What the Global Talent design pathway means for Scottish employers

The change gives Scottish employers another option for recruiting internationally recognised design professionals.

Employers do not need a sponsor licence to employ someone under the Global Talent visa route. This can reduce the cost and administration involved in recruiting eligible international workers.

Employers must still carry out a compliant right to work check before employment begins.

Advice from Scotland’s Migration Service

Individuals applying for the Global Talent visa and Scottish employers recruiting international design professionals can speak to Scotland’s Migration Service. We can provide advice on the application criteria and right to work checks.

You can book a free appointment with an immigration lawyer through Scotland’s Migration Service.