Last Thursday (February 20th) marked the official launch of the UK’s brand-new Global Talent Visa.
The category is sure to be a breath of fresh air for a number of applicants - particularly considering this week’s revelation of the UK’s strict post-Brexit immigration policy.
Its main attraction is the fact that Global Talent candidates will not be subjected to assessment on the basis of points.
This means that applicants, who must hail from outside the European Economic Area (EEA), will be judged based on the quality of their professional achievements, rather than on numerical data such as their current salary or level of education.
Whilst it may seem novel, the provision of a category specifically for industry leaders is far from a new idea.
According to the legal firm Latitude Law, the Global Talent Visa is little more than the “Tier 1 Exceptional Talent Visa, rebranded & expanded”.
So, what precisely does this route entail?
The Global Talent Visa, much like the Exceptional Talent Visa before it, is a route intended for industry leaders.
Its main purpose is to inject UK industries (such as tech, engineering and the arts) with a new lease of life by bringing the ‘Brightest and Best’ minds to the country on relatively relaxed terms.
The application process is split into two parts: first, the candidate must apply for an endorsement from a government approved body.
To do so, they need to prove that they are either an Industry Leader (‘Exceptional Talent’) or a potential future leader (‘Exceptional Promise’).
This is achieved through the submission of evidence to the Home Office, which may consist of professional or character references, resumes or a portfolio of work, and an interview.
If they are successfully endorsed, the applicant will go on to the second step of the process, where they will be required to make their formal visa application.
At this point, the visa buffs among you may be asking how this new route differs from its now-defunct predecessor.
The short answer would be that there isn’t much of a difference.
However, the Home Office have attempted to expand the scope of endorsements by adding a new institution to the list of approved bodies.
UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), the latest addition, is a nationwide hub that works in partnership with UK Universities and Businesses to encourage academic research.
The UK government hopes that, by granting UKRI the power to approve endorsements, they may boost the quality and quantity of academic research conducted in the UK.
They have also ‘sweetened the deal’ for international academics by pledging an extra 18Bn in funding for research in the science and technology sectors.
Better still, if you’re a leader within your field, the chances are you may be able to successfully apply and begin your journey within 3 months!
To find out more about this route, or make your own application, book your free consultation today.