The Home Office has announced(https://www.gov.uk/government/news/pm-sets-out-vision-to-cement-uk-as-a-science-superpower) a new fast-track immigration offer for selected individuals with skills in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) subjects. 

This is not a new route but is part of what will be a rebranding of the existing Tier 1 Exceptional Talent visa.

Under this scheme it will provide eligible individuals with a three-year visa, during which they can come and go from the UK at will. At the end of three years, those on the scheme would be able apply for indefinite leave to remain (giving a permanent right to reside in the UK and access to benefits and healthcare on the same basis as British citizens). 

There will be no minimum salary requirement and individuals do not need to secure a job before arriving in the UK (unlike the existing Tier 2 route for skilled workers). 

Individuals will be able to bring dependants (spouses/partners and children), with adult dependants having full access to the labour market. 

What is the difference?

UKVI is proposing to substantially and radically expand the operation of the existing Tier 1 Exceptional Talent route. This is done by addressing:

• Reviewing the existing Exceptional Talent selection criteria to open it up to individuals who are integral to scientific / research teams; 
• Removing the requirement for those endorsed as Exceptional Promise to have been awarded a prestigious Research Fellowship; 
• Opening up the route to those who have received European research funding; 
• Re-branding the route to recognise our desire to attract global talent; and 
• Uncapping the route, to ensure that those with the required skill-set would be 

Do note that at present, a holder of Tier 1 Exceptional Talent visa (as opposed to exceptional promise) are eligible to apply for ILR after 3 years. You can find the current requirements for Tier 1 Exceptional Talent and Exceptional Promise from the following link: https://www.sincereimmigration.com/tier-1-exceptional-talent/

Regardless, we believe that this new change will open up a new avenue for talented individuals to explore their options in the UK.

This will be an exciting time to encourage talented engineers, scientist, architects to really explore the UK as a destination of choice. For further information about this visa, contact info@sincereimmigration.com