The Global Talent visa will be a continuation and expansion of the Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent) visa route, which is tailored for researchers and other specialists working in the UK. For information about the existing Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent route), please see our website.
From 20th February 2020, the following useful improvements will be included in the visa route:
1. Introduction of new fast-track "endorsed funder" route
Researchers and/or specialists may be eligible for accelerated endorsement where their job title or name is specified in a successful grant application awarded by a recognised funder.
Examples of recognised funders include Cancer Research UK, British Heart Foundation, Wellcome Trust and European Union Horizon 2020 programmes. Several criteria apply in order to qualify for this fast track endorsement and details of these will be available on the SIT website in due course.
2. Expansion of list of fellowships eligible for accelerated process (fast track)
Applicants who have been awarded an individual fellowship on the list approved by The British Academy, the Royal Academy of Engineering and Royal Society, should qualify for an accelerated endorsement for Tier 1 Global talent visa. The list of eligible fellowships is expected to be expanded after the 20th of February 2020.
3. Shorter qualifying period for Indefinite Leave to Remain
Tier 1 Exceptional Talent/Promise visa holders conducting research in STEM subjects, and their dependants, should be eligible to apply for settlement once they have been in the UK for three years. Researchers who spend time outside of the UK for research purposes will not be penalised for this.
Full guidance on Global Talent visa is expected to be published by the Home Office after the 20th of February 2020. In response to the immigration rule changes, SIT will be updating their website and processes accordingly.
