The UK Border Agency has finally opened up the Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent) route. This route is for exceptionally talented individuals in the fields of science, humanities, engineering and the arts, who wish to work in the UK. These individuals are those who are already internationally recognised at the highest level as world leaders in their particular field or who have already demonstrated exceptional promise and are likely to become leaders in their particular areas.

To qualify under this category, applicants need to obtain an endorsement from a Designated Competent Body (“DCB”). The DCB’s include:

• The Arts Council England
• The British Academy
• The Royal Academy of Engineering
• The Royal Society

The DCB’s have agreed specified eligibility criteria and Code of Practice with the UK Border Agency. There is a limit of 1,000 in the first year of operation, of which the first half year allocation of 500 will be decided from 9 August through 30 November 2011. The remaining 500 will be allocated from 1 December 2011 to 5 April 2012. Applicants must apply for entry clearance only. There is no provision to switch into this category from within the UK.

Photo credit: David Franklin