Exceptional Talent
Tier 1 Visa (Exceptional Talent) Overview
The Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent) Visa allows you entry to the UK if you are internationally recognised as a world leader in the arts and sciences or possess potential world-leading talent in the arts or sciences to live and work in the UK. Exceptionally Talented individuals must be sponsored by a "Designated Competent Body". There is a limit of 1,000 visas per year that can be issued under this scheme. If you can speak English well and are recognised internationally for your work, the Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent) Visa may be the right visa for you.
The Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent) Visa replaced the Tier 1 (General) Highly Skilled Migrant Visa on 6 April 2011. If you are a highly skilled individual who would have likely qualified under the old Tier 1 (General) visa but do not qualify under the Exceptional Talent visa scheme, your best option is most likely Tier 2 for Skilled Workers with a job offer.
Points Requirement for initial applications
As part of the UK's points based system a score of 75 must be attained under the Tier 1 (Exceptional) Talent Visa scheme. Unlike other schemes, the 75 points are scored under only one requirement: You need official endorsement by a Designated Competent Body.
| Requirement | Points scored |
|---|---|
| Endorsed by a Designated Competent Body | 75 |
Points Requirement for Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent) Visa Extensions
If you already hold an Exceptional Talent Visa and wish to extend your stay in the UK, you must also score 75 points but under different criteria:
| Requirement | Points scored |
|---|---|
| You are economically active in the same field for which you were originally endorsed by the Designated Competent Body. This can either be in employment, self-employment, or both. The Designated Competent Body must not have revoked its endorsement. | 75 |
To prove that you have been economically active, you must supply certain documentation. This includes:
- payslips if you are a salaried employee; or
- if self-employed, you must show a letter from your accountant to show that your company is actively trading in the UK
English Language Requirements for Extension Applicants
Unlike initial applicants, Exceptional Talent extension applicants must score 10 points for English Language ability:
| Requirement | Points scored |
|---|---|
| 10 |
Endorsement by a Designated Competent Body
To be eligible for a Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent) Visa, you must be internationally recognised in your field and considered a world leading talent. To prove your standing in your field, you must be endorsed by a Designated Competent Body. You must apply for endorsement from the relevant body prior to making your application.
A list of Designated Competent Bodies is coming soon. For now, you can find the official list on the UK Border Agency's website.
Assistance
workpermit.com can help you with the difficult process of applying for immigration to the United Kingdom. If we believe that you can be successful in applying for a Tier 1 Exceptional Talent Visa, we will provide a no-win, no-fee guarantee! Just fill out our free assessment form and one of our professional advisers will get in touch with you.
