Immigration News

The new Tier 1 Exceptional Talent category of the UK’s points based immigration system has opened today.

This new category will enable not only those people who have already been recognised as exceptionally talented leaders but also those with the potential to be recognised as leaders in their particular fields.

For the first year of operation there is a limit of 1,000 places. Between the 9 August and 30 November there will be 500 places available and a further 500 places available from the 1 December to 31 March 2012. This limit will be reviewed at the end of March 2012.

Tier 1 Exceptional talent route will be overseen by world-renowned ‘competent bodies’, which will advise the UK Border Agency on these ‘exceptionally talented’ migrants to guarantee that they are the brightest and best in their field.

Migrants seeking entry to the UK under Tier 1 (Exceptional talent) will not need to be sponsored by an employer, but will need to be recommended by one of the competent bodies.

Applications under Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent) can only be made from abroad. You cannot apply if you are already in the UK.