FILM AND TELEVISION GLOBAL TALENT VISA FOR RESIDENTS OF SWITZERLAND

The Global Talent visa offers an opportunity for exceptional Swiss (and non-Swiss) residents of Switzerland in the film and television sectors to work in the UK. Applicants from Switzerland must demonstrate leadership in their field, as determined by the Producers' Alliance for Cinema and Television (PACT) on behalf of Arts Council England.

PACT can endorse applications from Swiss resident professionals in the film, television, animation, post-production, and visual effects industries. There is no cap on the number of endorsements for Swiss residents in this sub-category of the Global Talent route.

Note: PACT endorses only 'exceptional talent' applications and does not consider 'exceptional promise' applications.

Requirements for a Film and Television Global Talent Visa for Swiss Residents

To qualify for a Global Talent visa in the Film and Television field from Switzerland, you must:

• Age: Be aged 18 or over.

• Endorsement: Have an endorsement letter from PACT or have won a prize listed in Appendix Global Talent: Prestigious Prizes.

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

Specific requirements may vary, so consulting a UK immigration lawyer in Switzerland for tailored advice is recommended.

Requirements for Endorsement by PACT

To receive an endorsement from PACT, Swiss nationals (and non-Swiss nationals) must meet one of the following criteria:

1. Award Wins: You have won an Academy Award, BAFTA (Film, Television, Television Crafts, Cymru, Scotland, Games awards only), Golden Globe, or Emmy Award.

2. Recent Nominations: Within the last 10 years, you have been nominated for, or made a significant contribution to winning or being nominated for an Academy Award, BAFTA, Golden Globe, or Emmy Award.

3. Multiple Nominations: Within the last 15 years, you have achieved at least two nominations for an Academy Award, BAFTA, Golden Globe, or Emmy Award.

4. Notable Industry Recognition: You have notable industry recognition, demonstrated through international distribution sales, media recognition, and a specified combination of awards from PACT's Notable Industry List.

Important: When relying on the notable industry recognition criteria, you must also show that your work has achieved international distribution sales and media recognition.

Evidence Required for Endorsement by PACT

Applicants from Switzerland must include three letters of recommendation:

1. First Letter: From a UK-based organisation, institution, or company well-established nationally and/or internationally with recognised expertise in the film and television industry.

2. Second Letter: From an organisation, institution, or company, either UK-based or international, with recognised expertise in the film and television industry.

3. Third Letter: From an additional organisation, institution, or company (UK or international) with recognised expertise in your specialist field, or from an eminent individual with internationally recognised expertise in the film and television industry.

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

PACT Endorsement Application Decision Times

PACT typically takes between six and eight weeks to make a decision on an endorsement application.

Global Talent Visa Application Following Endorsement

After receiving your PACT endorsement, residents of Switzerland have three months to apply for a Global Talent visa to enter or remain in the UK. You can switch into the Global Talent route from within the UK, provided you do not currently have, or were not last granted, permission to stay as a Visitor, Short-term Student, Parent of a Child Student, Seasonal Worker, Domestic Worker in a private household, or outside the Immigration Rules.

If you hold or were last granted leave in one of the above categories, you must leave the UK and submit your application from your home country.

Additional Notes:

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

• No Maintenance or English Language Requirement: The Global Talent visa does not require proof of maintenance funds or English language proficiency.

• Leave Duration: Leave is granted for up to five years, and the period requested will affect the Immigration Health Surcharge amount.

• Settlement Eligibility: Endorsed as ‘exceptionally talented,’ you may be eligible to settle after three years, subject to residence requirements.

Global Talent Film and Television Prestigious Prizes Route

Winning a qualifying prestigious award allows you to fast-track the endorsement application, proceeding directly to a single visa application. The list of prestigious prizes is set out in Appendix Global Talent: Prestigious Prizes and 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 Swiss professionals in the film and television sectors with successful PACT endorsement applications and UK work visas. We offer expert guidance through complex Home Office rules and policies.

We pride ourselves on being approachable and proactive, dedicated to providing clear and reliable immigration advice as part of a professional and friendly service.

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