Tier 1 – Exceptional Talent Visa is geared to applicants who are internationally recognized as world leaders or possess potential world-leading talent in the fields of science and the arts, and who wish to work in the UK.
Applicants must make initial applications from abroad. Applicants currently in the UK in another immigration category cannot switch into Tier 1 – Exceptional Talent. They must apply from abroad.
The UK Border Agency has set specific requirements that all applicants must meet in order to apply for a Work visa under the Tier 1 – Exceptional Talent category.
To qualify for migration under the Tier 1 – Exceptional Talent category, you must be able to obtain at least 75 points. An applicant will score 75 points if they have an endorsement from a ‘designated competent body’. This is an organization that can judge whether they are internationally recognized in their field as a world-leading talent or have demonstrated exceptional promise and are likely to become a world-leading talent.
Applicants may need to meet an additional requirement if they have recently been a student in the UK and received financial sponsorship from a government or an international scholarship agency.
Successful applicants are granted temporary residence under the Tier 1 – Exceptional Talent visa and are allowed to live and work or set up a business in the UK without any restrictions. As a temporary resident, successful applicants will have free access to public schools and subsidized tertiary education for their dependents. Eligible dependents may also be able to work or study without any restrictions.
A work visa under Tier 1 – Exceptional Talent is initially granted for three (3) years with the ability to apply for further stay for another 2 years. Applicants may be able to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) if the applicant meets the requirements at the time of the application. An ILR entitles individuals to permanent residency in the UK. Permanent residents may also be eligible to sponsor their family for migration to the UK and apply for British citizenship.