From 10 January 2019 it become possible for architects to apply under a Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent) visa. Previously architects could only follow the Tier 2 route, where they would have to be sponsored by a licenced Sponsor, who would have to meet the Residence Labour Market Test (RLMT) before making an offer of employment to the migrant and prior to the migrant coming to the UK. It is highlighted that EU national architects will be able to apply under this route following Brexit.
Tier 2 (General) v Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent)
The Tier 2 (General) visa is more rigid in comparison to the Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent) route. This is because a Sponsor needs to pass the RLMT before offering a migrant a job. The migrant is heavily dependent on its Sponsor, whereas a Tier 1 migrant is not reliant on third parties. The key differences are outlined in the table below:
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Tier 2 (General) |
Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent) |
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Main Requirements |
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Restrictions/Benefits |
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Settlement |
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The Endorsement
Applicants must first pass an assessment from the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) to prove they have established themselves as an ‘internationally recognised expert within the field of architecture’. An Applicant can either be endorsed as an Exceptional Leader (exceptional talent) or Emerging Leader (exceptional promise).
Exceptional Talent
Applicants would be required to prove that they are established in producing work which is of exceptional quality and their work has been published, presented or exhibited internationally and has won international awards for excellence in architecture.
Evidence required:
- Significant international media recognition such as features, reviews or articles in at least one country other than the applicant’s country of residence.
- Proof of having won or made a significant contribution to winning international awards for excellence in architecture.
- Having produced work of exceptional quality which has been exhibited, presented or published internationally.
Exceptional Promise
Applicants would have illustrated a developing line of work of outstanding quality and may have won or been nominated for national or international awards for excellence in architecture.
Evidence required:
- Media recognition such as features, reviews or articles in at least one country, which may be the Applicant’s country of residence.
- Proof of having won, been shortlisted or nominated for, or having made a significant contribution to winning or being shortlisted for, international or national awards for excellence in architecture.
- Having produced work of outstanding quality which has been exhibited, presented or published nationally or internationally.
Applicants are required to provide 10 items of evidence in support of their claim covering the above points.
Letters of endorsements
All Applicants must provide 3 letters of endorsements from well-established (either nationally or internationally) organisations or individuals and widely acknowledged as possessing expertise in architecture, detailing their achievements and the contribution they could make to cultural life in the UK.
Benefits
- Flexibility in work as can work for an employer or be self-employed
- Can change jobs (no requirement to report to Home Office)
- Do voluntary work
- Travel abroad and return to the UK
- Bring family members to the UK
Duration
Migrants are permitted stay in the UK for a period of 5 years and 4 months if they apply outside the UK or alternatively for a period of 5 years if they apply from within the UK.
Cap
There is currently a cap of 2,000 visas under this category.