Hey everyone. I recently got selected for a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) Associate role, which is a collaboration between myself, a business, and a university. This partnership is funded by UK Research & Innovation (UKRI). As such, I was eligible to switch from my Graduate Route Visa to a Global Talent Visa accelerated endorsement under the UKRI endorsed funder path (route 3).
Below I would like to describe my experience in terms of the application steps, required documents, processing timeline, and fees paid so that this info. can potentially help others.
The application process was in 2 stages:
Stage 1 - applying for an endorsement from the endorsing body, which was UKRI in my case. I filled my details, selected 'yes' for fast-track consideration, and paid the endorsement fee. I was then presented with a document checklist which I had to send along with other docs via email.
Documents required:
1. Statement of Guarantee
2. Grant Letter copy
3. Document checklist
Stage 2 - applying for the visa itself. I started this right after receiving my endorsement result. I filled my details, paid the IHS fees, and booked an appointment for my biometrics. I was then presented with a document checklist for my reference.
Documents required:
1. Passport
2. Biometric Residence Permit
3. Endorsement Letter (email)
The timeline was as follows:
24th June - Received Statement of Guarantee and Grant Letter copy from university HR.
24th June - Applied for stage 1 endorsement.
25th June - Received acknowledgement that my documents have been forwarded to UKRI.
9th July - Received successful endorsement.
9th July - Applied for stage 2 visa.
13th July - Attended biometrics appointment.
17th July - Received visa confirmation.
19th July - Received BRP.
Fees paid:
Stage 1:
Endorsement: £524
Stage 2:
IHS: £3105 (3 years)
Visa: £192 + £500 (priority) = £692
Biometrics appointment: £143
The information in this post is correct as of July 2024. Things might change in future so please check the UK government website for up to date information.
I had to look at various resources during my application and that's why I decided to consolidate everything here. Hope this helps