Tier 1 Exceptional Talent Visa

The Tier 1 Exceptional Talent visa has been replaced by the UK Global Talent visa. We advise on temporary work visa options for the UK.

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Tier 1 Exceptional Talent visa closure

The Global Talent visa has now replaced the Tier 1 Exceptional Talent visa for foreign nationals with outstanding, world-class ability and status within specific professions. 

This article was published before the Exceptional Talent visa route closed. For advice about your options to remain in the UK, including the under the Global Talent visa, speak to our UK immigration specialists.

What is a Tier 1 Exceptional Talent Visa?​

This information pre-dates the closure of the Tier 1 Exceptional Talent visa. 

The Tier 1 Exceptional Talent visa allows nationals of non-EEA countries to come to the UK to work (either on an employed or self-employed basis), study or volunteer, in most cases for up to 5 years. You can also bring family members and dependants with you and you may become eligible for UK Indefinite Leave to Remain.

The eligibility standard is high for this visa category – applicants will have to evidence their status as an established world leader in their field – and the application process is far from straight forward.

The visa is open to individuals in the fields of science, arts, engineering, humanities, digital technology and architecture.

How to apply for the Tier 1 Exceptional Talent visa

This information pre-dates the closure of the Tier 1 Exceptional Talent visa. 

Applications are open to nationals of non-EEA countries or Switzerland. It is a two-stage process.

The first stage is to secure professional endorsement as a recognised leader in your field in global terms. Endorsement must come from the nominated professional body for your profession.

Applications for endorsement are made online via the Home Office website and cost £456.

Once endorsed, the next step is to apply to the Home Office for the visa.

This application will involve confirming your eligibility under the route and that you satisfy the general grounds for leave to enter or remain in the UK.

The exceptional talent route has relatively relaxed grounds for admission, and does not for example include the English language requirement or proof of maintenance funds.

The visa application can be submitted up to 3 months before the date of travel.

Applicants also have to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge per annum to cover the duration of their stay.

What is the Exceptional Promise visa?

This information pre-dates the closure of the Tier 1 Exceptional Talent visa. 

The visa is also open to those who can evidence their status as an emerging leader in their field under ‘exceptional promise’.

Need assistance? We can help

At DavidsonMorris we have the experience to advise you on UK immigration options.

As a team of immigration lawyers and former Home Office employees, we have an established reputation for effective and efficient processing of visa applications, and for providing expert visa-related advice. Contact our specialists today. 

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