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Tier 1 (Exceptional talent)

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Applying from inside the UK

This page explains how you can apply for a Tier 1 (Exceptional talent) visa from inside the UK.

You can apply in the UK (including switching from another immigration category) if you are currently in the UK under:

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

Before you apply for leave to remain in the UK, you find out if you are eligible to apply and obtain an endorsement from a designated competent body. Use our points calculator to find out whether you will score enough points for a successful application.

You should only complete the sections of the application form that are relevant to you. The application form contains help text which explains how to complete each section.
You should send the application form by post or by courier to the address on the cover on the form. Your application must arrive during normal business hours (08:30 to 16:30 Monday to Friday, excluding public holidays), or we cannot guarantee that we will receive it.

There are special application requirements if you are currently in the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man - see 'More information' below.

When should you apply?

You should apply as soon as possible, and before your current permission to stay expires. We encourage you to apply 1 month before your permission expires.
The date of your application depends on whether you apply by post or by courier. For details, see 'More information' below.

More information

  • What is the date of your application? (Applying by post or courier from inside the UK)

    If you send your application form and application fee by post, the date of application is the date of posting. This is decided by the postmark. If the postmark is illegible or missing, the date of postage is taken as being at least 1 day before it is received by us.

    If you send your application form and application fee by courier, the date of application is the date when it is delivered to our payment handling service.
  • Applying from the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man

    The Channel Islands (Jersey, Guernsey, Herm, Sark and Alderney) and the Isle of Man have their own immigration laws and policies. For immigration control, we consider that these islands are outside the UK.

    If you are living in the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man, and the island authorities have given you permission to enter or stay there (also known as 'entry clearance' or 'leave to remain'), you cannot apply directly from the island for permission to enter the UK.

    To apply for permission to enter the UK, you have 2 options:

    • you can return to the country where you are normally resident (your 'home country') and apply from there for a visa to enter the UK; or 
    • if your permission to stay on the island is still current, and if UK immigration law allows you to 'switch' from your current immigration category on the island into this category, you can travel to the UK and apply from here. We will treat your current permission to stay as if it had been given by the UK authorities. You must apply to switch before your current permission to stay on the island expires.

    You may need to apply for a visa before you come to the UK from the islands. For more information, see section 2 of our Immigration directorate instructions, Chapter 1.

Application forms

Tier 1 (Exceptional talent) policy guidance

Tier 1 (Exceptional talent) - for applications made inside the UK

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