The Home Office and the Royal Institute of British Architects have joined forces to introduce a new and exciting Tier 1 Architect visa which will be launched on 10 January 2019. The Tier 1 Architect visa will fall under the existing Tier 1 Exceptional Talent visa category. The introduction of the Tier 1 Architect visa was much needed as in recent weeks the Home Office has been heavily criticised for their abstruse plans on reforming the Tier 1 Entrepreneur and Tier 1 Investor visa routes.Â
Who is the Tier 1 Architect visa for?
The Tier 1 Architect visa has been introduced for talented architects who are from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland. In order to apply for this visa Applicants must secure an endorsement in their field as someone with exceptional talent or exceptional promise. The current visa process for architects is complex and longwinded; Applicants must apply under the Tier 2 General visa route.
The introduction of the Tier 1 Architect visa will allow Applicants to apply under the Tier 1 Exceptional talent route. Applicants who are granted a Tier 1 Architect visa will have more freedom in comparison with Tier 2 Employees which is a major benefit. We have listed some of the permitted activities on the Tier 1 Architect visa below:
- You can work for an employer or be self-employed;
- You can change employment without having to worry about informing the Home Office as you will not be required to work for a particular employer (unlike the Tier 2 route); and
- You can apply to bring your family members over.
Whilst it has not been confirmed it is likely that the Tier 1 Architect visa will be valid for up to 5 years. It will also be possible to extend the visa further without requiring a fresh endorsement from the Royal Institute of British Architects. The main benefit for holders of this visa is that there is an option to apply for settlement.
What are the requirements for the Tier 1 Architect visa for?
The Tier 1 Architect visa is not live yet and it will be officially open for Applicants on 10 January 2019. The application will be made under the UK Immigration Rules, in particular, paragraph 245 of the Immigration Rules. As always the appropriate appendixes to the rules and Home Office policy guidance will also be important to consider prior to any application being made.
The application itself will be broken down in two stages. The first stage for Applicants is to secure the endorsement from the Royal Institute of British Architects. The Royal Institute of British Architects will play a key role in stage one as they will be acting in an advisory capacity for the Home Office in reviewing applications to determine whether Applicants have the appropriate skills, abilities and achievements in line with the Home Office’s requirements. If the Royal Institute of British Architects approves the endorsement they will either endorse the Applicant under the exceptional talent or exceptional promise. This will be different on a case by case basis.
The second stage of the application is the actual visa application which the Home Office will consider. If your application is refused in either stage one or two it is possible to apply for administrative reviews contesting the decision.
Using Legal Representation to submit a Tier 1 Architect visa application
Legal representatives, such as our specialist immigration and visa law firm, are qualified to advise you on immigration law and your immigration matter. You can instruct one of our immigration and visa legal representatives to successfully assist you with a Tier 1 Architect visa application. Our solicitors and Barristers will help you comply with the Home Office’s requirements and meet the Immigration Rules.
Caseworkers at the Home Office are trained to reject Tier 1 Architect visa applications which are improperly prepared, for example by failing to provide the correct supporting evidence. In order to ensure your Tier 1 Architect visa application succeeds, our solicitors and barristers will ensure all specified documents must be provided.
The UK Immigration Rules are complex and a legal representative can help ensure that your application meets the Immigration Rules.
Successfully submit a Tier 1 Architect visa application
Our team of solicitors and barristers are specialist immigration lawyers who act in your best interest. We offer a client-tailored approach from the outset. From the very first meeting, we will be able to advise you in respect of your prospects of a Tier 1 Architect visa application before your application even reaches the Home Office UK Visa & Immigration department. We can assist you with the preparation and submission of an application and ensure that you meet all the requirements of the relevant rules.
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.
Preparation is the key to a successful Tier 1 Architect visa application. Our UK immigration and visa solicitors are here to guide you through the complex immigration rules and requirements. If you wish to meet one of our lawyers, please call our Immigration Team so we can assess your case and arrange your legal consultation to discuss your immigration matter or application.
Contact our London immigration solicitors on 02030110276 or complete our contact form.