What to Expect in Your First 90 Days on a Global Talent Visa?

First 90 Days on a Global Talent Visa – Landing in the UK on a Global Talent Visa is exciting, but those first few weeks can feel like a whirlwind of admin, logistics, and new experiences. As of mid-2025, the UK Visas and Immigration portal has refined its guidance, making the application process more straightforward than ever. But once the visa vignette is stamped in your passport and you’ve touched down, the real journey begins. From navigating your first month of UK Global Talent visa priorities, such as setting up a bank account and finding stable accommodation, to making longer-term plans for your first 90 days, understanding what to expect can make the transition far smoother. This guide breaks down the essentials, offering a clear roadmap for professionals eager to settle quickly and start thriving in their new environment.

First 90-Day Checklist: Essential to-dos for Global Talent Visa Holders!

1. Essential Administrative Tasks:

• Register with a GP: Locate and register with a local General Practitioner (GP) for ongoing healthcare needs. This is a crucial step for accessing the National Health Service (NHS). 
• Open a UK Bank Account: Opening a bank account is necessary for managing finances, receiving salaries, and paying bills. 
• Arrange Accommodation: Secure suitable accommodation, whether renting or purchasing, and ensure you have a stable place to live. 
• Notify relevant authorities: Inform the Home Office of your arrival and any changes to your address. 

2. Career and Networking:

• Research the Job Market/Research Landscape: If you don’t have a job offer, research the UK job market or research opportunities in your field. Utilize online job boards and professional networking platforms. 
• Network within your industry: Connect with professionals in your field through industry events, online forums, and professional organizations. 
• Explore potential research collaborations: If you are in academia or research, identify potential collaborators and research institutions in your area of expertise. 
• Consider professional development: Look for opportunities to enhance your skills and knowledge relevant to the UK job market. 

3. Practicalities of Living in the UK:

• Understand the UK education system: If you have children, research the UK education system and school options.
• Familiarize yourself with local transport: Understand how to navigate public transportation and get around your local area.
• Learn about local customs and culture: Take the time to understand the local customs, culture, and social norms to ease your transition. 

4. Other Important Considerations:

• Keep all relevant documents safe: Ensure you have copies of your visa, passport, and other important documents readily available. 
• Consider travel insurance: Explore travel insurance options to cover any unexpected incidents during your initial period in the UK. 
• Seek advice when needed: Don’t hesitate to seek advice from immigration lawyers or other professionals if you encounter any challenges or have questions. 

Why do these first 90 Days Matter?

The Global Talent Visa prides itself on flexibility — no job offer required, extensive permission to work or freelance, freedom to switch between fields, and a streamlined path to settlement. However, all this flexibility hinges on practical groundwork in the first few weeks:

• NHS access starts with GP registration.
• Employment readiness begins with a bank account and NI number.
• Quality of life depends on housing and community connections.
• Future planning relies on understanding ILR timelines and requirements.

Final Thoughts: You’ve Arrived — Now Make It Yours!

Your arrival on a Global Talent visa opens doors to far more than admin forms and official stamps; it’s the beginning of a chapter where your skills, ambitions, and ideas get to stretch out on a bigger stage. Those first 90 days may look like a string of practical errands, setting up your bank account, sorting out housing, or braving your first NHS queue, but they’re stepping stones to a life you’re shaping here. Once the paperwork eases and the routines settle, you’ll find yourself saying yes to networking events, stumbling upon favourite cafés, and slowly realising that the UK feels a little more like your own patch of the map.

So, while the checklist matters, don’t forget the joy in the small wins: your first letter through the post, your first pint with new colleagues, even your first battle with the weather. Here’s to a confident start, a steady stride, and the kind of beginning that makes you glad you packed your bags in the first place. And if you’d like even more insider tips and updates, follow Global Talent Mag — your companion for making the most of life on this exciting visa.