UK visas: Tier 1 (exceptional talent) now open for applications

The Tier 1 visa route is available for exceptional people in the natural sciences, medical sciences, engineering, social sciences and humanities and the arts who wish to enter the UK. People may apply to enter the UK through this route if:

• They are demonstrated to be world leaders in their field (exceptional talent); or
• They have demonstrated the potential to become world leaders in their fields (exceptional promise).

There is an limit of 1000 places per annum nationally.

Applicants should apply directly to the UK Border Agency. The UK Border Agency will send the documentation to one of four designated Competent Bodies (the Royal Society, Arts Council England, the Royal Academy of Engineering and the British Academy) who will advise whether the applicant meets the exceptional talent or exceptional promise criteria.

There will be no single definition of "exceptional talent". The criteria applied by each of the Designated Competent Bodies when deciding whether a particular applicant is "exceptionally talented" are published on the UK Border Agency website.

For further information on this and all other employment tiers under the points based immigration system visit the immigration and right to work FAQ pages on the HR website.

Fiona Daffern, Head of Employment Policy Development, Human Resources