Global Talent visa extension - change of employment
Posted: Mon Nov 17, 2025 6:41 am
Hi,
I was endorsed by UKRI under the endorsed funder track in July 2023 and subsequently granted a two-year Global Talent visa from 1 August 2023. I began working as a Research Associate on the project at a UK University, where I remained until the end of my contract on 30 April 2025.
Since 1 May 2025, I have been employed by a private sector company as an Engineer. My work remains within the field of Wireless Communications, which is also the focus of my PhD in Electronic and Electrical Engineering.
I applied for a one-year visa extension in May 2025, which was granted until the end of May 2026. I intend to apply for a further extension in May 2026 and would like clarification on whether my change of employer from the University to a private sector company will have any impact on my visa application.
The Home Office guidance states the following conditions:
1. You applied for the Global Talent visa based on an endorsement, and the organisation that endorsed you has not withdrawn its approval. (Which I have checked and should not be an issue)
2. You must be able to show that you earned money in your expert field during your time in the UK by sending evidence toward your application, for example, payslips. (this is the area of confusion, as for my last permission of stay I have not been working for the University)
Could you please advise whether my current industry role, which I believe is within my area of expertise in Wireless Communications, satisfies this requirement for visa extensions and future ILR applications?
Many thanks for your help.
I was endorsed by UKRI under the endorsed funder track in July 2023 and subsequently granted a two-year Global Talent visa from 1 August 2023. I began working as a Research Associate on the project at a UK University, where I remained until the end of my contract on 30 April 2025.
Since 1 May 2025, I have been employed by a private sector company as an Engineer. My work remains within the field of Wireless Communications, which is also the focus of my PhD in Electronic and Electrical Engineering.
I applied for a one-year visa extension in May 2025, which was granted until the end of May 2026. I intend to apply for a further extension in May 2026 and would like clarification on whether my change of employer from the University to a private sector company will have any impact on my visa application.
The Home Office guidance states the following conditions:
1. You applied for the Global Talent visa based on an endorsement, and the organisation that endorsed you has not withdrawn its approval. (Which I have checked and should not be an issue)
2. You must be able to show that you earned money in your expert field during your time in the UK by sending evidence toward your application, for example, payslips. (this is the area of confusion, as for my last permission of stay I have not been working for the University)
Could you please advise whether my current industry role, which I believe is within my area of expertise in Wireless Communications, satisfies this requirement for visa extensions and future ILR applications?
Many thanks for your help.