Firms in the United Kingdom (UK) have allegedly developed a ploy to bypass applications for UK Talent Visa.
This comes as a London consultancy was exposed for offering wealthy migrants ready-made artistic careers to help them bypass applications and secure highly sought-after UK Global Talent visas.
The findings come from a BBC undercover investigation published on 13 November 2026.
A consultant from iCareer Consultancy UK, based in a co-working space in Canary Wharf, told a reporter posing as a potential client that the firm could supply up to 15 artworks made in Beijing, arrange exhibitions, generate press coverage and provide letters of recommendation.
The “fully inclusive” package cost around £98,000–£100,000. The consultant, who identified himself as Peter (later named as Shilong Guan), claimed that no client who had taken the full service had ever been refused a Global Talent visa. He added that a lack of artistic background or English language skills posed “no obstacle whatsoever.”
In one recorded conversation, the consultant stated: “It doesn’t actually matter whether you’re an artist… We say we can do it even if you aren’t an artist, because we include the artworks as well.”
The firm would commission the pieces more cheaply in China and ship them to London, with additional options including an employee attending gallery openings in the client’s place and, for an extra £28,000, help securing a Forbes-sponsored Chinese art award.
It was gathered that at least four clients had obtained a Global Talent visa this year – and the company has about 10 people in the process of applying.
However, iCareer denied selling visa services and claimed the consultant had left its employment before he spoke to the undercover reporter – despite continuing to be listed on the company’s website and providing us with a contract with the company’s name and contact email address.
The UK’s Global Talent visa, introduced in 2020, is designed to attract “the brightest and best” scientists, researchers and creative professionals. Successful applicants face no interview, can bring their families, and can qualify for permanent residency in as little as three to five years. Arts and culture applications have risen sharply in recent years.
Following the BBC’s revelations, the Home Office said the findings were “extremely serious.” It confirmed it is already investigating the company and is in the process of revoking visas granted to two Nigerian men who obtained Global Talent visas as fine-art photographers using forged documents.
The Home Office also said the company offering the £100,000 package was already under investigation.
A spokesperson said they “will not tolerate anyone cheating the UK immigration system”.
They added that the Global Talent route was already under review and “the home secretary will take whatever action is needed to stop it being abused”.
A government spokesperson added that the Global Talent route is under review and that the Home Secretary “will take whatever action is needed to stop it being abused.”
The investigation highlights growing concerns that a scheme intended to bring genuine high-level talent to Britain is being undermined by an organised industry offering manufactured credentials to those with the means to pay.
