On Wednesday, the government announced its intentions to double the number of visas to individuals who show promise in the technology, science, art and creative industries. Home Secretary Amber Rudd confirmed that the number of visas available through the Tier 1 Exceptional Talent route will increase from 1,000 to 2,000 a year.
The move comes in an attempt to woo more highly skilled people from across the world and to ensure that businesses have access to skilled workers – especially after Brexit.
The Exceptional Talent route is for individuals who have been endorsed in their field in science, humanities, engineering, medicine, digital technology or the arts as a recognised leader or an emerging leader. Before the applicant can apply for this visa, they must obtain an endorsement from the relevant body (such as The Royal Society and The Royal Academy of Engineering).
Tech City is the designated competent body for digital technology and has the ability to endorse applications for the Tier 1 Exceptional Talent visa.
In June, we reported that Home Office statistics showed that of the 4,677 Tier 1 visas granted in the year ending March 2017, 501 were for Exceptional Talent visas; this was an increase of 130% over the preceding year.
Amber Rudd also announced that she will be meeting with technology experts to seek their input on making sure that the UK’s visa processes were as efficient as possible.