FASHION DESIGN GLOBAL TALENT VISA FOR RESIDENTS OF SWITZERLAND

The Global Talent visa is available for exceptional and promising Swiss (and non-Swiss) residents of Switzerland in the fashion design industry 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 British Fashion Council (BFC) on behalf of Arts Council England.

The BFC can endorse applications from Swiss resident individuals holding leading design roles in the fashion business. 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 Fashion Design Global Talent Visa from Switzerland

To qualify for a Global Talent visa in Fashion Design as a Swiss resident, you must satisfy UK Visas and Immigration that:

• Age: You are aged 18 or over.

• Endorsement: You have an endorsement letter from the British Fashion Council (BFC) 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 exact requirements may vary based on individual circumstances. Consulting an immigration lawyer specialising in UK immigration law for personalised advice is recommended.

Requirements for Endorsement by the British Fashion Council (BFC) for Swiss Residents

As a Swiss national (or non-Swiss national) residing in Switzerland, to qualify for BFC endorsement, you must:

• Hold a leading design role in the fashion business.

• Show regular professional engagement in the fashion design industry over the past 5 years.

• Demonstrate professional engagement in producing outstanding work sold or exhibited internationally through catwalks or other exhibitions.

• Provide evidence of a substantial track record in more than one country (Exceptional Talent) or a developing track record in one or more countries and recognition by leading industry players (Exceptional Promise).

Evidence Required for Endorsement by the British Fashion Council (BFC) for Residents of Switzerland

As a resident of Switzerland, your application must include three letters of recommendation from established organisations with nationally or internationally recognised expertise in fashion.

If you are applying for Exceptional Talent, at least one letter must be from a UK-based organisation.

Exceptional Talent Applicants in Fashion Design

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

• Awards: Evidence of winning, significantly contributing to winning, or being nominated/shortlisted for an international award for excellence.

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

• Shows, Presentations, or Exhibitions: Evidence of internationally significant catwalk shows, presentations, or exhibitions.

• Distribution and Sales: Evidence of extensive distribution and sales of your collections via internationally renowned retailers, your own retail outlet, or e-commerce platform.

Exceptional Promise Applicants in Fashion Design

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

• Media Recognition: At least two examples of recent UK or international media recognition for your individual work.

• Support and Sponsorship: Evidence of support and sponsorship through schemes like the British Fashion Council support schemes, Fashion East support scheme, The Sarabande Foundation, The Centre of Fashion Enterprise, or an international counterpart of the British Fashion Council.

• Orders: Evidence of at least one order placed by a luxury retailer or boutique.

• Industry Recognition: Evidence of recognition by leading industry players for an exceptional graduating collection.

BFC Fashion Design Endorsement Application Decision Times

The BFC typically takes about four weeks to make a decision on a fashion design endorsement application submitted from Switzerland.

Global Talent Visa Application Following Endorsement

Once endorsed by the BFC, citizens of Switzerland (and citizens of other countries) residing in Switzerland 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 outside the UK.

The Home Office will assess your character and immigration history to ensure compliance with general grounds for refusal. There is no maintenance or English language requirement for this visa category. Leave is granted for up to five years in full-year periods, influencing the Immigration Health Surcharge amount.

Global Talent Fashion Design Prestigious Prizes Route

Winning a qualifying prestigious award allows Swiss resident applicants 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 UK immigration lawyers have extensive experience assisting fashion industry professionals with successful BFC endorsement applications and UK work visas. We provide our Swiss clients with expert guidance through complex Home Office rules and policies, ensuring clear and reliable advice as part of a professional and friendly service.

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