Tier 1 for Exceptionally Talented migrants open – 20/07/2011

The UK Government has announced that the newly created Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent) immigration route will open on 9 August 2011. The aim of this new route is to encourage exceptionally talented leaders in the field of Science, Humanities, Engineering and the Arts to come to the UK.

This new immigration route will not only be open to those already recognised in their fields, but also to those with the potential of being recognised as leaders in their respective fields.

There will be a 1,000 limit on the number of visas available under this route. The annual limit will be reviewed at the end of March 2012.

The Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent) will be overseen by competent bodies, which will advise the UK Border Agency on these exceptionally talented migrants, and will consist of;

• The Royal Society, a fellowship of scientists, which will be able to nominate up to 300 places;

• The Arts Council of England, a development agency of the arts, which will be able to nominate up to 300 places;

• The Royal Academy of Engineering, which will be able to nominate up to 200 places; and

• The British Academy, the national academy for humanities and social sciences, which will be able to nominate up to 200 places.

Migrants making use of this new immigration route will not need to be sponsored by an employer, and will only need to be recommended by one of the above competent bodies.

At first permission will be granted for leave to stay for 3 years and 4 months, which then may be extended for a further two years, in order to take the applicant to the qualification period for settlement, after five years in the UK.

If you are interested in applying under this new immigration route, please contact our office for more information.