Tier 1 Exceptional Talent endorsementHow do I get a Tier 1 Exceptional Talent endorsement?

*Note: making initial applications under this route is no longer available – prospective applicants will have to make an application under the Global Talent Visa. Follow the link for more information on how we can help you meet the new requirements.*

Exceptional Talent Endorsement

The exceptional talent visa route is designed for highly skilled individuals in the fields of science, humanities, engineering, the arts and digital technology. The Home Office look for individuals who will enrich the UK’s knowledge, economy and society. Applicants must be either an ‘Exceptional Talent’ or ‘Exceptional Promise’ before they can get an endorsement.

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What will an endorsing body do?

Endorsing bodies are responsible for issuing endorsement to applicants.

One of the five endorsing bodies will review your application and make a decision by assessing whether the applicant meets the criteria for that endorsing body. The endorsing body will look to see whether the Applicant has reached the appropriate level to be endorsed under the visa.

In order to obtain a Tier 1 Exceptional Talent visa an applicant must first have an endorsement from one of the five endorsing bodies. However, it is important to note that endorsing bodies do make immigration decisions. Therefore, securing an endorsement does not mean that you have secured a visa.

The Designated Competent Bodies

The recognised Designated Competent Bodies are:

This is for Applicants within the following sectors – arts, culture, fashion, architecture, film and television.

This is for Applicants within the following sectors – humanities and social science applications.

This is for Applicants within the following sectors – natural sciences and medical science research applications.

This is for Applicants within the engineering sector.

This is for Applicants within the digital technology sector.

The Requirements of each endorsing body

The Science Bodies – ‘The British Academy’, ‘The Royal Academy of Engineering’ and ‘The Royal Society’

The assessment process is completed in two steps:

Initial eligibility criteria

Step 1 consists of an initial eligibility check to determine whether the Applicant meets the mandatory (and, for Exceptional Talent applicants only, qualifying) criteria. Applicants will only be eligible to progress on to step 2 once they have passed the first step.

Full Assessment

If you meet the eligibility criteria your application will immediately go forward for a full assessment. The full assessment will look at the strength of the evidence you provide.

If you have passed the first step, the relevant Designated Competent Body will assign experts in your field to assess your track record/career history, the strength of the supporting statements and the expected benefits of your presence in the UK.

Arts Council England

The specific criteria for the Arts Council England are different depending on the Applicants discipline.

Arts and culture applicants

You must be able to demonstrate that you:

  • Are professionally engaged in producing work of outstanding quality which has been published (other than exclusively in newspapers or magazines), performed, presented, distributed or exhibited internationally;
  • Can show recent (within the last five years) and regular activity of being engaged professionally as a practitioner in your field; and
  • Can show a substantial track record in more than one country (if applying under the Exceptional Talent criteria) or developing track record in one or more countries (if applying under the Exceptional Promise criteria).
Film and Television Applicants

You must show evidence for one of the following:

  • Have won (at any time), or in the last 10 years from your date of application, have received a nomination for one of the following awards:
  • A British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) (Film, Television Crafts, Cymru, Scotland and Games only) award,
  • An Academy Award
  • A golden Globe
  • An Emmy award

Or

  • Have, within the last 10 years from the year of application, made a significant and direct contribution to winning or being nominated for one of the awards mentioned above.

Or

  • Have within the last 15 years achieved a minimum of two nominations for one of the awards mentioned above.
Fashion design applicants

You must be able to demonstrate that you:

  • Are professionally engaged in producing work of outstanding quality which has been sold or exhibited internationally, either through catwalk presentation or exhibitions (if you are applying under Exceptional Talent criteria) or which has had recognition with leading industry players (if applying under Exceptional Promise criteria)
  • Can show recent (within the last five years) and regular activity of being engaged professionally as a practitioner in your field; and
  • Demonstrate a substantial track record in more than one country (if applying under the Exceptional Talent criteria) or developing track record in at least one country (if applying under the Exceptional Promise criteria), one of which can be your country of residence.
Architecture applicants

You must be able to demonstrate that you:

  • Are professionally engaged in producing work of outstanding quality which has been published, presented or exhibited internationally;
  • Can show recent (within the last five years) and regular activity of being engaged professionally as a practitioner in your field; and
  • Demonstrate a substantial track record in more than one country (if applying under Exceptional Talent criteria) or a developing track record in one or more countries (if applying under Exceptional Promise criteria).
Tech Nation

Tech Nations criteria is designed for applicants with technical and business skills in the digital technology sector. Applicants are required to meet one key criteria and two qualifying criteria.

How can NA Law Solicitors help you get an Exceptional Talent endorsement?

We can help you secure an endorsement by liaising with the endorsing body to ensure that you meet the criteria. We will help you get the appropriate and relevant supporting documents as well as helping you to complete the relevant online application form.

Contact us today to see if you are eligible to apply!

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