My Global Talent Story – From 'What If?' to 'Why Not?'
Hey there, fellow creators and dreamers! I'm Segun Lafup Ogundipe, and I'm genuinely excited to share a very personal chapter of my life – one that felt like conquering a mountain but ultimately transformed my career and opened doors to the UK. This isn't just a visa tale; it's a testament to the power of belief, hard work, and seeing every challenge as a project waiting to be tackled.
For two decades, I've lived and breathed the arts. From the vibrant stages of Nigeria and Ghana, shaping theatre as a producer, to the energetic comedy clubs of Cape Town and Lagos, mastering the mic as an MC and comedian – it's been a ride fuelled by passion. When the UK Global Talent Visa first crossed my path, I'll be honest, the criteria felt enormous. Like an exclusive club I wasn't sure I could belong to. But that little voice inside whispered, "What if?"
And here's the truth: it's possible. You don't need to have 10 years of experience within your field, or a perfectly linear path. This visa isn't just for ready-made superstars; as a wise DJ once told me, "It's for those who are ready to put in the work." It's for the hard-working artists, the dedicated professionals, the ones who are shaping their fields every single day.
The Project Mindset: From Overwhelmed to Overcoming
I quickly realised that approaching this application meant taking it on as a project. You know what you're trying to achieve, and you have to understand and remember that 'why' all through the process, because it can be tedious and, yes, financially demanding. But remember your why. Remember the great opportunity for yourself, and for the future of your family, even if you don't have them yet. That clear vision kept me going.
From the moment I truly decided to go for it, to gathering every single document needed, it took me about 10 short weeks. It was an intense period, a true sprint, but it showed me what's achievable when you're deeply committed. If you're hearing about this route for the first time, I'd honestly advise setting aside 12 to 16 weeks (3 to 4 months) for your preparation. This gives you ample time to collect, refine, and strategically position your evidence without undue pressure.
I submitted my application in May 2024, and to my absolute joy, I received my endorsement in about a month! That feeling of seeing "successful" was indescribable.
Understanding the Global Talent Landscape: Who Can Apply?
The UK Global Talent visa is designed for exceptional individuals across multiple fields. Here are the key endorsing bodies and the areas they cover:
Arts Council England - Arts and Culture
Visual arts, performing arts, literature, film and television, fashion, architecture, music, and cultural sector roles
Tech Nation (now Barclays Eagle Labs) - Digital Technology
Software development, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, fintech, gaming, and digital innovation
The Royal Society - Natural and Medical Sciences
Physics, chemistry, biology, medicine, mathematics, and related scientific research
The British Academy - Humanities and Social Sciences
History, philosophy, linguistics, economics, political science, sociology, and cultural studies
Royal Academy of Engineering - Engineering
All engineering disciplines including civil, mechanical, electrical, chemical, and software engineering
UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) - Research and Innovation
Interdisciplinary research, innovation across multiple sectors, and emerging fields
Each endorsing body has specific criteria and evidence requirements, but they all seek to identify current leaders or individuals with exceptional promise in their respective fields.
Unpacking the Requirements: My "Hack" for the Evidence Puzzle
So, how did I gather all the evidence? This is often where many talented individuals feel stuck. The Arts Council England, the endorsing body for Arts & Culture, looks for specific types of evidence, typically up to 10 pieces of evidence and 3 letters of recommendation.
Here's a simplified list of what they generally look for – and how I tackled it:
The 10 Evidence Pieces (Categories, not specific documents):
Significant Media Recognition: Articles, reviews, or other media showcasing my work.
Proof of Professional Appearances/Performances/Publications/Exhibitions: Evidence of internationally significant work.
Awards or Nominations: Any recognition for excellence.
Critical Acclaim: Reviews from reputable critics or publications.
Key Roles in Significant Projects: My leadership or substantial involvement in major productions.
International Collaborations: Documentation of working with artists or organisations across borders.
Invitations to Prestigious Events/Platforms: Proof of being invited to significant festivals, conferences, or showcases.
Evidence of Sustained Professional Engagement: Showing continuous, professional activity over time.
Proof of Leadership/Impact: Demonstrating how my work influenced others or the industry.
Evidence of Demand for Work: Showing that my work was sought after.
The 3 Letters of Recommendation:
These are crucial. They must come from established figures or organisations in your field who can speak to your talent and impact. Two letters should be from well-established arts and culture organisations (one of which must be UK-based), and the third from another well-established organisation or an eminent individual with recognised expertise in your field.
My biggest challenge was the UK recommendation and fresh international evidence. I had plenty of past work, but some of it was dated. I made sure to premiere my new play in Cape Town, ensuring I had a fresh body of work to show. Critically, I also had a history of research work for a UK-based theatre company back in Nigeria a few years prior. This existing connection proved invaluable. I reached out, and they were happy to provide a recommendation. This is what allowed me to get my endorsement even before my new play's UK debut! Strategic planning and leveraging past relationships were key.
This experience taught me: document everything you do. As artists, we're constantly creating, but we often forget to get those formal credits and confirmations. This visa demands that paper trail. Get your credits, document them, and keep them organized!
Financial Implications & Smart Planning
Understanding the costs upfront is vital. Here's a breakdown of the typical government fees involved, based on figures from March 2025 (when the updated fees, including the big Immigration Health Surcharge increase from February 2024, were in effect):
Government Fees (Paid to UK Visas & Immigration - UKVI):
Endorsement Application Fee: £561
Visa Application Fee (Main Applicant): £205
Visa Application Fee (Per Dependant): £766
Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) - Adult (per year): £1,035
Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) - Child under 18 (per year): £776
TB Test (Estimated per person): £50-£100 (Cost can vary by clinic/country. For children, please confirm local clinic rates.)
Total Estimated Costs:
I. For a Single Applicant:
For a 3-Year Visa: £1,896 (Visa & Endorsement) + (£1,035 x 3) (IHS) = £5,001
For a 5-Year Visa: £1,896 (Visa & Endorsement) + (£1,035 x 5) (IHS) = £7,071
II. For an Applicant with Spouse (2 Adults Total):
For a 3-Year Visa: £1,896 (Applicant Visa & Endorsement) + £766 (Spouse Visa) + (£1,035 x 2 people x 3 years) (IHS) = £8,852
For a 5-Year Visa: £1,896 (Applicant Visa & Endorsement) + £766 (Spouse Visa) + (£1,035 x 2 people x 5 years) (IHS) = £12,992
Comparison: What Changed (and When)
The most significant change "last year" (in February 2024) was a substantial increase in the Immigration Health Surcharge. For most adult applicants, it jumped from £624 per year to £1,035 per year. Smaller increases to the endorsement and visa application fees occurred in April 2025 (e.g., endorsement from £524 to £561, main visa from £192 to £205).
I opted for a 3-year visa initially for my family. The beautiful part of the Global Talent visa is the flexibility. While paying for the full 5 years upfront might seem ideal to avoid potential future increases, you can choose a shorter duration and extend it later. By the time of renewal, the expectation is that you'll be working and earning in Pounds Sterling, making any potential increases much more manageable. See how my mind works? You have to be futuristic and determined!
Your Story Starts Now: Let's Unlock Your Potential
My journey from Nigeria to the UK's Global Talent route proves that with diligent planning, hard work, and a belief in possibilities, this visa is within reach. It's an incredible opportunity for international mobility, regardless of your field or current location.
I often hear prospects say, "I don't have enough evidence." But here's the shocker: most people already have some, if not most, of the necessary documents. They just don't know which ones are relevant or how to position them for the desired outcome. This is where you might be surprised by how ready you already are!
That's where my expertise comes in. I'm now here to guide you. As a consultant, I want to help other potential talents around the world navigate this exciting path. Whether you're a performing artist, a tech innovator, a scientist, or anywhere in between, your unique talent has a place in the UK.
I invite you to book a FREE 30-minute exploratory call with me. During this one-on-one session, we'll discuss your unique profile, assess your potential, and outline how my services can support your application. It is key to note that this is not about giving immigration advice, GOV.Uk has all the information you will need. My job is just to point you forward.
Additionally, if you're curious about your existing portfolio, I offer a Document Readiness Assessment. This focused session will help us identify what you already have and how it can be leveraged for your application – you might be shocked by how much potential you're already holding!
Ready to start your Global Talent journey? Book your 30-minute exploratory call here
Don't let doubt deter you. Have a vision board, mark a date, and work backward. It is possible. I did it, and you can too.