H-1B to UK — Global Talent Visa (No Employer Needed)
For H-1B tech, science, or research talent in the US.
The UK Global Talent Visa is the closest thing the world has to an O-1 without a US petitioner. You self-sponsor with an endorsement from Tech Nation, the Royal Society, or a similar body.
Timeline
2–4 months (endorsement + visa combined).
Estimated cost
£766 endorsement + £192–£766 visa fee + IHS.
Why now
The UK route grants 5-year leave with an unrestricted right to work for any employer — no H-1B-style single-sponsor dependence. Fast-track ILR (PR) in 3 years.
Eligibility snapshot
- Recognised achievement or high-growth potential in digital tech, science, humanities, engineering, arts, or medicine
- Endorsement from an approved UK body
- English-language proficiency
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Common questions
Does an O-1 profile qualify for UK Global Talent?+
Usually yes. The evidence you built for an O-1 (or would have built) — awards, high-impact work, press, judging — maps directly to Global Talent endorsement criteria.