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Tier 1 (Exceptional talent)

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Initial and switching applications

For your application to be successful, you must score enough points and meet all the other requirements of the Immigration Rules.

Initial applications

For an initial application, you must score a total of 75 points.

You will score 75 points if you have an endorsement from a 'designated competent body'. This is an organisation that can judge whether you are internationally recognised in your field as a world-leading talent, or have demonstrated exceptional promise and are likely to become a world-leading talent.

You may need to meet an additional requirement if you have recently been a student in the UK and you received financial sponsorship from a government or an international scholarship agency.

Switching into Tier 1 (Exceptional talent)

If you already have permission to stay in the UK under any of the following categories, you can apply for Tier 1 (Exceptional talent) from inside the UK:

  • Tier 2 (General); or
  • Tier 5 (Temporary worker) sponsored in the Government Authorised Exchange sub-category in an exchange scheme for sponsored researchers.

If you are in a different immigration category, you will need to leave the UK and make your Tier 1 (Exceptional talent) application from abroad.

There are 2 stages for initial and switching applications for Tier 1 (exceptional talent).

Stage 1 - request for endorsement

Firstly, you will need to obtain an endorsement from a designated competent body to use as part of your visa application. This is an organisation that can judge whether you are internationally recognised in your field as a world-leading talent, or have demonstrated exceptional promise and are likely to become a world-leading talent. You can find out how to apply for endorsement from a designated competent body on our Stage 1 pages.

Stage 2 - apply for a visa

Once you have applied for endorsement you will need to apply for a visa (also known as 'entry clearance') or leave to remain (if you are switching visa categories) in the UK under Tier 1 (Exceptional talent) of the points-based system. Once you have your endorsement you must use it within 3 months to make your Stage 2 application. You can find out how to apply for a Tier (Exceptional talent) visa in our Stage 2 pages.

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