ARCHITECTURE GLOBAL TALENT VISA FOR RESIDENTS OF SWITZERLAND

The Global Talent visa is available for exceptional and promising Swiss (and non-Swiss) architects resident in Switzerland who wish to work in the UK. Applicants from Switzerland must be recognised leaders or have the potential to become leaders, as determined by The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) on behalf of Arts Council England.

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

Requirements for an Architecture Global Talent Visa for Swiss Residents

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

• Age: You are 18 or older.

• Endorsement: You have an endorsement letter from RIBA 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.

Specific requirements may vary based on your circumstances. Consulting an immigration lawyer for tailored advice is advisable.

Requirements for Endorsement by The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) for Swiss Residents

As a resident of Switzerland, to qualify for endorsement by RIBA, you must be professionally engaged as an architect producing work of outstanding quality that has been published, presented, or exhibited internationally.

• Exceptional Talent: You must have been regularly engaged as a professional architect in the last 5 years and demonstrate a substantial track record in at least 2 countries.

• Exceptional Promise: You must show a developing track record in at least 1 country.

Evidence Required for Endorsement by RIBA

When applying from Switzerland, your application for RIBA endorsement must include three letters of recommendation:

1. First Letter: From a UK-based organisation well-established nationally or internationally with recognised expertise in architecture.

2. Second Letter: From an organisation (UK-based or international) well-established and acknowledged as an expert in architecture.

3. Third Letter: From another well-established organisation or an eminent individual with recognised expertise in your field (UK-based or international).

These letters should come from senior members familiar with your work, detailing your achievements and potential leadership in the field.

Exceptional Talent Applicants in Architecture

For exceptional talent, applicants from Switzerland must provide at least two of the following:

• Awards: Evidence of winning or contributing to winning an international award for excellence.

• Media Recognition: Evidence from at least 2 countries (including your residence) of significant media recognition for your work.

• Publications or Exhibitions: Evidence from at least 2 countries of internationally significant publications or exhibitions.

Exceptional Promise Applicants in Architecture

For exceptional promise, applicants from Switzerland must provide at least two of the following:

• Awards: Evidence of winning, contributing to winning, or being nominated/shortlisted for an international award for excellence in the last 5 years.

• Media Recognition: Evidence from at least 1 country of recent media recognition for your work.

• Publications or Exhibitions: Evidence from at least 1 country of internationally significant publications or exhibitions in the last 5 years.

RIBA Endorsement Application Decision Times

RIBA usually takes about 4 weeks to decide on an architecture endorsement application.

Global Talent Visa Application Following Endorsement

Once endorsed by RIBA, Swiss nationals (and non-Swiss nationals) have three months to apply for a UK Global Talent visa. You can switch into 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 your home country or another location outside the UK.

• Character and Immigration History: The Home Office will assess your character and immigration history to ensure you do not fall under the general grounds for refusal.

• No Maintenance or English Language Requirement: This visa category does not require proof of maintenance funds or English language proficiency.

• Leave Duration: Leave is granted for up to five years in full-year periods, affecting the Immigration Health Surcharge amount.

Global Talent Architecture Prestigious Prizes Route

Winning a qualifying prestigious award allows applicants from Switzerland to fast-track the endorsement application and proceed directly to a single visa application. The list of prestigious prizes is detailed in Appendix Global Talent: Prestigious Prizes and is updated periodically.

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 immigration barristers have extensive experience assisting architects with successful RIBA endorsement applications and UK work visas. We provide expert guidance through complex Home Office rules and policies.

We are committed to being approachable and proactive, offering clear and reliable immigration advice to our clients in Switzerland as part of a professional and friendly service.

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