UK Tier 1 Exceptional Talent Visa Application Stage 1 of 2: Endorsement

The Tier 1 Exceptional Talent visa application comprises of 2 different stages. Firstly, you will be required to be endorsed by a Designated Competent Body in your field. This is not an immigration application but will be essential for your subsequent visa application. When you apply for endorsement with these Designated Competent Bodies, they will assess whether you are at an appropriate level to be endorsed as a Tier 1 Exceptional Talent migrant. Secondly, after you have obtained your endorsement, you may proceed to apply for the Tier 1 Exceptional Talent visa.

Calling all exceptionally talented leaders and future leaders in tech, science, arts, medicine, humanities, and engineering.

UK Tier 1 Exceptional Talent: Who can apply?

The Tier 1 Exceptional Talent visa can be applied by a ‘recognised leader’ or an ‘emerging leader’ in the following fields:

• Science
• Engineering
• Humanities
• Medicine
• Digital Technology
• The Arts

These are individuals that show exceptional talent or exceptional promise; they will be active researchers or players in the above mentioned fields and will have a track record of significant contribution.

UK Tier 1 Exceptional Talent: What is endorsement?

This is the first stage of your Tier 1 Exceptional Talent visa application. This will be an application submitted to the Home Office, however, it will be considered by a corresponding Designated Competent Body. It is NOT an immigration application; this essentially means that a refusal of endorsement will not affect your immigration history.

UK Tier 1 Exceptional Talent: What does the Designated Competent Body do?

For each of the recognised fields mentioned above, there is a corresponding Designated Competent Body.

• For Arts and Culture: it will be the Arts Council England
• For Humanities and Social Sciences: it will be The British Academy
• For Natural Sciences and Medical Science research: it will be The Royal Society
• For Engineering: it will be The Royal Academy of Engineering
• For Digital Technology: it will be Tech City UK

The Designated Competent Body will be responsible for assessing whether an individual reaches the appropriate level to be endorsed under the Tier 1 Exceptional Talent route. Each Designated Competent Body covers a wide range of disciplines within their field. For example, The British Academy covers anything from Medieval Studies, to Geography, and to Psychology.

You may be able to get an accelerated endorsement through certain recognised peer-reviewed fellowships.

UK Tier 1 Exceptional Talent: What are the criteria?

Each Designated Competent Body has their own set of criteria but in a nutshell, you must satisfy either of the following criteria:

• You are an individual who has already demonstrated that you have made a significant contribution as a leader of your field; or
• You are an individual who may be earlier in their careers but have already shown the potential to make significant contributions as a further leader in our field.

These criteria often entail that the applicant be the recipient of certain internationally recognised awards within their discipline. They will also be required to show that they are recognised, at the appropriate level eligible for endorsement, by other notable figures in their field.

When considering whether you are at an appropriate endorsement level, the Designated Competent Body will take into consideration your career history, the strength of the supporting statements in letters of recommendation, international standing, expected benefits of your presence in the UK, and a wide variety of relevant factors.

Successful Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent) Visa Applications

Obtaining evidence and recommendation letters can be a complicated and daunting process as the Home Office imposes strict criteria for each specified document. Our team of experienced lawyers will be able to guide you through the process step by step.

If you are interested in applying under this route, our team of experienced and professionally qualified solicitors and barristers will be able to guide you through the process of making a Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent) visa application. We are regularly instructed by Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent) entrepreneurs and undertake a detailed review for Applicants and will be able to guide you through the process of making a Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent) visa application step by step and limit the possibility of failure by complying with the strict letter of the law.

Our Immigration Experts are able to give specialist legal information and advice in this area of law. To contact one of our Immigration Solicitors or Immigration Barristers please complete our legal case assessment form and we will get in touch or call us now on 0845 8622 529 for a free telephone assessment and free case assessment.

We are based in the legal epicentre of London, just across the road from the Royal Courts of Justice in order to ensure we get the best results for our clients.  We are minutes away from the Immigration and Asylum Tribunal, the Royal Courts of Justice and other central London courts.

If you need professional legal advice about applying for UK Tier 1 Exceptional Talent visa, please contact us for a case assessment on 02030110276. You can also reach us via our contact form. 

 

Guidance for Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent) stage 2 immigration application to be continued…