14 February 2020

The Global Talent category will open on 20 February 2020 and will provide a route for highly talented and promising individuals in the fields of science, technology, engineering, medicine, humanities, culture and the arts to live and work in the UK subject to few restrictions. This will replace the Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent) category – however, permission previously granted under the Exceptional Talent route will remain valid.

For the most part, the introduction of this new category is a re-branding exercise as the majority of the current Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent) category will remain in place. However, there are some changes to be aware of, which we set out below:

• There will no longer be a cap on the number of endorsements or applicants who can apply under the Global Talent category.
• The Designated Competent Bodies will now be called ‘endorsing bodies’.
• UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) have been added as an endorsing body. UKRI will be responsible for science applications.
• There is a new route to ‘fast-track’ science applications – individuals may be eligible if (amongst other mandatory requirements) they will be hosted or employed by a UKRI-approved research organisation and will provide critical contributions to work supported by a research grant or award which is worth at least £30,000 and covers a period of at least two years.
• Certain Global Talent migrants may be eligible for indefinite leave to remain (ILR) after only three years residence in the UK.
• For ILR applications, absences from the UK for the purpose of research activities overseas do not count for Global Talent migrants (and their dependants) who have been endorsed by one of the endorsing bodies for science, engineering, humanities and medicine.

Individuals currently holding immigration permission under Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent)
Whilst Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent) migrants will be unable to submit an application for leave under Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent) after 19 February 2020, the status of those with existing permission will be largely unaffected. Upon expiry of their current permission, Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent) migrants who wish to extend may do so under the Global Talent route.

Applicants with a valid Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent) endorsement letter who have not applied for immigration permission by 20 February 2020 should be able to apply for permission under the Global Talent route without needing to reapply for an endorsement (provided the endorsement remains valid).

In addition, migrants who will become eligible to apply for ILR under their existing Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent) leave will be able to apply for ILR under the Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent) category without having to switch into the Global Talent category.

How Laura Devine Immigration can help
Our team has substantial experience assisting recognised and emerging leaders in their fields come to the UK to live and work. With a considerable track record of working with the Designated Competent Bodies and navigating the complexities of the Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent) route, our team is very well placed to guide clients through the new Global Talent endorsement and application processes.

Laura Devine Immigration is ranked in ‘band 1’ by all legal directories and recognised for its sheer number of first-class practitioners. Our lawyers are regular commentators on immigration topics in specialist publications and in the general media and are also known for their work in the wider immigration sphere outside the practice, often lobbying the government on complex policy changes to immigration law.

For further information on the Global Talent category and other recent and forthcoming changes to UK and US immigration law, contact us at enquiries@lauradevine.com