Design Industry Evidence Guide

Design now has its own endorsing route under UK Global Talent — assessed by the Design Business Association (DBA) on behalf of Arts Council England. This is preparation guidance, not legal advice.

Leader or potential leader

There are two tracks, and they differ mainly in career stage and geographic reach:

• Leader (exceptional talent) — a substantial record of work in at least 2 countries, one of which can be your country of residence.
• Potential leader (exceptional promise) — earlier in your career, with a developing record of work in at least 1 country, which can be your country of residence.

Both tracks require at least 5 years of regular work in the field, work published, distributed or exhibited internationally, and a body of work the DBA judges to be outstanding.

The numbers that are fixed

• 3 letters of recommendation — each up to 3 sides of A4.
• Up to 10 pieces of evidence — each up to 2 sides of A4, from the last 5 years.
• A typed CV outlining your professional career and education.

What your letters actually need

Two of the three letters must come from established organisations, and at least one of those must be UK-based. The third can come from an organisation or from an individual expert you have genuinely worked with.

Each letter needs to cover:

• How the author has worked with you.
• Your achievements and leadership in the field.
• How you would benefit from living in the UK.
• How you would contribute to UK cultural life.
• Your future work plans.

Letters must be typed, dated and signed, and include the author's own CV or equivalent proof of their credentials.

The 2-of-3 evidence rule

Beyond the letters, your evidence must cover at least 2 of these 3 categories:

• International media recognition — at least 2 examples of your work reviewed by named design critics in well-established outlets; from at least 2 countries if you're applying as a Leader.
• International prizes — proof of winning (or, for Potential Leader, being nominated or shortlisted for) a prize the DBA considers significant. Grants and bursaries don't count.
• International appearances, publications or exhibitions — proof your work has been shown, published or distributed internationally at a professional level, and judged internationally significant.

Timeline

Endorsement decisions typically take around 8 weeks. The visa application itself takes about 3 weeks if you apply from outside the UK, or 8 weeks if you apply from inside the UK.

Try the free Evidence Scan to see how your current work maps against these categories.

Also read: Arts Council Evidence Guide and Writing Strong Recommendation Letters.