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Tier 1 (Exceptional talent)

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How to apply

This page explains how to request an endorsement by a designated competent body, to use when you apply for a Tier 1 (Exceptional talent) visa.

If you are endorsed by a designated competent body you still need to complete Stage 2 of the application process get a visa. The endorsement itself is not a grant of leave.

To apply for endorsement you must submit:

  • A completed competent body application form (you can download the relevant form for your chosen designated competent body from the right side of this page).
  • Documents to meet your chosen designated competent body's criteria (you can download these criteria from the right side of this page). You should send photocopies of this evidence for the designated competent body. We will not return copies of documents to you. We reserve the right to request original documents but these will be returned to you by ordinary post.

You must submit all these documents with your application. We will then send the relevant documents to your chosen designated competent body, which will tell us whether you meet their endorsement criteria.

If we refuse an application for endorsement and you think that a mistake has been made, you can ask us to check the decision. Full guidance on endorsement reviews can be found in the help text for the application for endorsement form.

More information

  • Tier 1 (Exceptional talent) application fees
    Fee if you are applying outside the UK Fee if you are applying inside the UK
    Main applicant (Paid in two parts - see below) £840 £1051
    Main applicant (if they are a national of Croatia, Turkey or FYR of Macedonia) (Paid in two parts - see below) £756 £946
    Partner or child aged under 18 (if they are applying at the same time as the main applicant) £840 for each family member
    		 £788 for each family member
    Partner or child aged under 18 (if they are applying later), or child aged over 18 £840 for each family member
    		 £1051 for each family member postal 0r £1425 in person (at the public enquiry office)
     Tier 1 exceptional talent part one: endorsement by a competent body application - main applicant  £420  £420 (paid in UK pounds - Sterling - by post or courier).  You may not apply in person at the PEO.
     Tier 1 exceptional talent  part two: entry clearance / leave to remain application - main applicant  £420  £631
     Tier 1 exceptional talent; national of Croatia, Turkey or FYR Macedonia part two: entry clearance application - main applicant only  £336  £526


    Fees for nationals of Croatia, Turkey and FYR of Macedonia

    Nationals of these countries pay a reduced fee as shown above. These countries have ratified the 1961 Council of Europe Social Charter.

Application forms

Competent body application form - Arts Council England

Competent body application form and guidance - British Academy, Royal Academy of Engineering, Royal Society

Tier 1 (Exceptional talent) request an endorsement application form

Choose a different form

Policy & Law

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