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Tier 1 (Exceptional talent)

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Stage 1 - request for endorsement

This section describes the how to request an endorsement from a designated competent body. We call this Stage 1 of applying for a visa to enter or leave to remain in the UK under Tier 1 (Exceptional talent).

Endorsement by a designated competent body

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 recommend 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. The Stage 1 - How to apply page sets out the documents that you should provide in order to obtain an endorsement. You can download the endorsement criteria used by the designated competent bodies, and their code of practice, from the right side of this page.

There is a limit on the number of endorsements that each designated competent body can allocate. The main Tier 1 (Exceptional talent) page lists the limit for each body. The table below shows whether each body has reached its limit for the current period. We will update the table when a body approaches or reaches its limit.

Designated competent body Are endorsements currently available?
Royal Society Yes
Arts Council England Yes
British Academy Yes
Royal Academy of Engineering Yes



More information

Application forms

Tier 1 (Exceptional talent) request an endorsement application form

Tier 1 (Exceptional talent) policy guidance

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Policy & Law

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