This new immigration route was created for applicants who are internationally recognised as world leaders, or potential world leading talent, in the fields of science or the arts and who wish to live and work in the UK.
How to qualify
In order to qualify under this route, the applicant must be internationally recognised in their field as a world leading talent and be endorsed as such by a specified competent body.
There is a limit for applications received from outside the UK for this permit of 1,000 permits for the period of 6 April 2011 to 5 April 2012. This is divided as follows;
- 700 endorsements are available to be allocated for the purpose of endorsing applicants with exceptional talent in the field of science.
- 300 endorsements are available to be allocated for the purpose of endorsing applicants with exceptional talent in the field of the arts.
Spouses and dependants
A Tier 1 Exceptional Talent holder can apply for their spouse, civil partner, unmarried partner and dependant children to join them in the UK.
The dependants will be granted the same period of leave as the main applicant and will be able to work without restriction in the UK.
Length of stay and right to work
The visa is initially granted for a period of three years and four months, after which the applicant can apply for an extension of the permit for another two years. The extension is subject to the applicant meeting the extension criteria, which includes the endorsement of the competent body as well as an English language requirement.
The holder of the permit can work without restriction but cannot take up employment as a doctor or dentist in training or as a professional sportsperson or sports coach.
Permanent Residence in the UK
At the end of successful completion of a five-year period on the permit, the holder can qualify to apply for permanent residence or Indefinite Leave to Remain, subject to certain requirements.
