Since its introduction, the UK's Global Talent Visa, which aims to draw elite figures in education, the arts, culture, and technology, has run into unexpected difficulties. The visa option has received little attention, with only three applicants over the past two years, despite its goal of attracting Nobel laureates, Oscar and Grammy winners. This glaring underutilization raises concerns about the method the UK is employing to draw in talent of the highest caliber and whether the specialized pathway is performing up to expectations.

The program was introduced in 2021 by the former home secretary Priti Patel, who said, "Winners of these awards have achieved the top of their careers and they have so much to give the UK. They will be free to enter and work in our renowned arts, sciences, music, and film industries as we improve thanks to these significant improvements.

"Attracting the best and brightest based on their skills and talent, not where they've come from, is exactly what our new point-based immigration system was designed for," said the author.

The visa program, according to Research Professional News, has only been able to attract three candidates in two years; two of them were awarded visas in 2022 and one in 2023.

Why aren't more people applying for the Global Talent Visa?
Yash Dubal, director of the London-based immigration law company A Y & J Solicitors, stated, "Here's a surprise: the UK's special Global Talent Visa express route to settlement visa, meant for big names like Nobel laureates, Oscar and Grammy champs, has seen barely a whisper of interest." 

He continued by saying that the reason people are not exhibiting much interest is because "the fast track route only applies to a tiny cohort or people, most of whom, one would imagine, already have the skills, talent, means, and mobility to work wherever they want in the world."

Is the UK's great invitation fading, or was this just a major PR blunder? The 'VIP lane' in the UK doesn't appear to be as popular as expected.