RESEARCH GLOBAL TALENT VISA FOR RESIDENTS OF SWITZERLAND

The UK Global Talent visa is designed for exceptional and promising Swiss citizens (and non-Swiss citizen) residing in Switzerland who are active researchers in academia, industry, or government research institutions across various disciplines in science, engineering, humanities, social science, and medicine.

Applicants from Switzerland must be recognised leaders or have the potential to become leaders, as determined by the Royal Society (for natural and medical sciences), the Royal Academy of Engineering (for engineering), the British Academy (for humanities and social sciences), or UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) (for science and research).

There is no limit on the number of applicants from Switzerland who can be endorsed in this sub-category of the Global Talent route.

Requirements for a Research Global Talent Visa for Swiss Residents

To qualify for a Research Global Talent visa from Switzerland, you must satisfy UK Visas and Immigration that:

• Age: You are aged 18 or over.

• Endorsement: You have an endorsement letter from the Royal Society, the Royal Academy of Engineering, the British Academy, or UKRI, or have won a prize listed in Appendix Global Talent: Prestigious Prizes.

• Grounds for Refusal: Your application does not fall under the general grounds for refusal.

The specific requirements may vary based on individual circumstances. Consulting an immigration lawyer for personalised advice is recommended.

Requirements for Endorsement of Swiss (and non-Swiss) Residents of Switzerland by the Royal Society, the Royal Academy of Engineering, the British Academy, and UKRI

The endorsement criteria for Swiss residents depends on whether you are applying under the Fast Track or Full Peer Review process.

Fast Track Endorsement Criteria For Swiss Residents

To satisfy the fast track endorsement criteria, residents of Switzerland must meet at least one of the following:

1. Peer-reviewed Research Fellowship or Award: You hold or have held a peer-reviewed research fellowship or award within the last 5 years, named on the list published by the relevant endorsing body.

2. Academic or Research Position: You have been appointed to an eligible academic or research position at an approved UK Higher Education Institution or research institute named on the list published by the relevant endorsing body.

3. Hosted or Employed in a UK Research Organisation: You will be hosted or employed in a UK research organisation named on the UKRI published list and will provide critical contributions to work supported by a substantial research grant or award from an endorsed funder.

To qualify under the UK research organisation criteria, residents of Switzerland must either:

• Direct a unique research or innovation project (independently or under supervision) with a PhD or equivalent research experience, actively participate in a relevant field, and have your name listed on the grant or award as a Principal or co-investigator, Researcher Co-investigator, Post-doctoral researcher, or Research Assistant.

• Make critical contributions to research by providing core technical or domain excellence, or by developing new technologies and methodologies, with a UK bachelor’s degree or equivalent overseas research degree or experience, and research experience within a university, research institute, or industry.

Full Peer Review Endorsement Criteria For Swiss Residents

Full peer review applications are considered by the Royal Society, the Royal Academy of Engineering, or the British Academy. UKRI does not consider full peer review applications.

• Exceptional Talent: You must demonstrate recognition as an exceptional talent in your field and be an active researcher with PhD-equivalent research experience.

• Exceptional Promise: You must demonstrate recognition of exceptional promise in your field, be an active researcher, and be at an early stage in your career with PhD-equivalent research experience.

Evidence Required for Endorsement of Swiss (and non-Swiss) Residents of Switzerland

Fast Track Endorsement For Swiss Residents

• Peer-reviewed Research Fellowship or Award: Provide written confirmation from an awarding body named on the relevant list.

• Academic or Research Position: Provide a job description and a statement of guarantee from the Director of Human Resources, confirming details such as the job title, responsibilities, and the recruitment process.

• Hosted or Employed in a UK Research Organisation: Provide a declaration from the Director of Human Resources confirming your job offer, job title, department, contract duration, and critical contributions to a substantial research grant or award.

Full Peer Review For Swiss Residents

• CV: Include your career and publication history.

• Letter of Personal Recommendation: From an eminent person in the UK supporting your application, detailing your achievements, talent or promise, and expected contributions to UK research and innovation excellence.

For exceptional talent, provide an additional letter from a senior member of a reputable UK organisation in your field, confirming your exceptional talent and expected contributions.

Global Talent Visa Application In Switzerland Following Endorsement

Once endorsed, residents of Switzerland have three months to apply for a UK Global Talent visa. You can switch to this route from within the UK unless you currently hold or were last granted permission as a Visitor, Short-term Student, Parent of a Child Student, Seasonal Worker, Domestic Worker in a Private Household, or outside the Immigration Rules. In such cases, you must apply from outside the UK.

The Home Office will assess your character and immigration history. There is no maintenance or English language requirement for this visa category. Leave is granted for up to five years, affecting the Immigration Health Surcharge amount.

Prestigious Prizes Route

Winning a qualifying prestigious award allows Swiss nationals (and non-Swiss nationals) to fast-track the endorsement process and proceed directly to a visa application. The list of prestigious prizes is in Appendix Global Talent: Prestigious Prizes, which is periodically updated.

How Our UK Immigration Lawyers in Switzerland Can Help

Through the Swiss office of our UK immigration law firm, we are delighted to offer a comprehensive range of UK immigration legal services to Swiss citizens (and non-Swiss citizens) residing in Switzerland.

Our UK visa and immigration services for Swiss nationals (and non-Swiss nationals) residing in Switzerland encompass expert guidance on all UK visa routes for Swiss residents, along with a fully-managed UK visa application preparation service tailored for Swiss citizens (and non-Swiss citizens) in Switzerland.

Our UK immigration lawyers have extensive experience assisting researchers in academic, industry, or government research institutions with Global Talent visa applications. We provide expert guidance through complex Home Office rules and policies, ensuring clear and reliable advice in a professional and friendly manner.

For expert assistance with your Global Talent visa application in Switzerland, contact our UK immigration lawyers on +41 21 588 07 70 or complete our enquiry form.