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tier 1 - exceptional talent visa

The Tier 1 Exceptional Talent visa is designed to attract foreign citizens with exceptional talent in the fields of tech, science, humanities, engineering, and the arts.

In order to apply for a Tier 1 Exceptional Talent visa, the applicant will first need to receive an endorsement from one of the Five Designated Competent Bodies as a leader with exceptional talent or an emerging leader within its own particular field, which will take up to 8 weeks in total to be processed. If successfully endorsed by a DCB, the applicant will receive an email from the Home Office with a copy of endorsement letter. Having been successfully endorsed by a DCB, the applicant must then make a visa application within three months of endorsement. Once in the UK, holders of this visa have very limited work restrictions. They can work for an employer or be self-employed; they can also start businesses of their own and/or work freelance in their expert field as endorsed by a competent body.

  • Five designated Competent Bodies
    (Recognised Designated
    Competent Bodies)
    Arts Council England – for arts and culture applications;
    The British Academy – for humanities and social science applications;
    The Royal Society - for natural sciences and medical science research applications;
    The Royal Academy of Engineering – for engineering applications; and
    Tech City UK – for digital technology applications.
  • Assessment Criteria and Possibility
    The type of evidence required may vary depending on the designated competent body, but all designated Competent Bodies share in common the same sets of eligibility criteria, one for those applying under Exceptional Talent and another for those applying under Exceptional Promise.
    Applicants must be able to demonstrate that they are either an established world leader in their field or have the potential to become one.
    Those who have made outstanding contributions in their fields;
    who have been recogised internationally for the excellence of their work or research would have a greater chance of getting an approval.
  • Length of Stay
    The Tier 1 Exceptional Talent can be applied for in or outside the UK, and applicants can choose how long they want to apply for, up to a maximum of five years.
    If applying from overseas, a Tier 1 Exceptional Talent visa is initially issued for one to five years and four months, and up to the candidate’s requested time, whereas those who are eligible to switch into this category from inside the UK will be granted an initial period of leave of up to five years.

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