Tier 1 Exceptional Talent

Tier 1: Exceptional Talent

The Tier 1 Exceptional talent category is for individuals who are internationally recognised as world leaders (exceptional talent) or potential world-leading talent (exceptional promise) in the fields of science, the arts and technology and who wish to work in the UK.

Initial applications: UK tier 1 exceptional talent visa For an exceptional talent visa application to succeed, you will need to show that:

  • You have been endorsed by a Designated Competent Body according to that Body’s criteria (The Designated Competent Bodies are The Royal Society, The Royal Academy of Engineering, The British Academy, The Arts Council and Tech City UK).

Applications for a Designated Competent Body endorsement are made to UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) using a specified form and must be supported by specified evidence. The specified evidence that must be provided in support of an application, as well as the criteria against which applications are assessed, vary depending upon the endorsing body and whether the applicant is applying on the basis of Exceptional Talent (world leader) or Exceptional Promise (potential world leader).

Extension applications

UK tier 1 exceptional talent visa In order to extend your stay in the UK as a Tier 1 Exceptional Talent migrant, you will need to show that:

  • During your most recent period of leave as a Tier 1 Exceptional Talent migrant, you earned money in the UK as a result of employment or self-employment in your expert field as previously endorsed by a Designated Competent Body; and
  • That Designated Competent Body has not withdrawn its endorsement; and
  • You speak and understand English to a required standard.

It is possible to switch into the Exceptional Talent category if you have, or were last granted, leave as a Tier 1 migrant, Tier 2 migrant or a Tier 5 Temporary Worker migrant sponsored in the Government Authorised Exchange sub-category in an exchange scheme for sponsored researchers.

Settlement applications

UK tier 1 exceptional talent visa In order to qualify for indefinite leave to remain in the UK as a Tier 1 Exceptional Talent migrant, you will need to show that:

  • During your most recent period of leave as a Tier 1 Exceptional Talent migrant, you earned money in the UK as a result of employment or self-employment in your expert field as previously endorsed by a Designated Competent Body; and
  • That Designated Competent Body has not withdrawn its endorsement; and
  • You have spent a continuous period of 5 years lawfully in the UK in a permitted category; and
  • You have not been absent from the UK for more than 180 days in any 12 calendar months during the 5 years; and
  • You have demonstrated sufficient knowledge of the English language and life in the United Kingdom.

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