This category allows a limited number of people who are considered to be leaders or emerging leaders in a small number of fields to enter the UK. You will need to come under Tier 1 Exceptional Talent Visa or Tier 1 Exceptional Promise criteria.  Before applying for this visa applicants

must first ask for endorsement by a recognized designated competent body via a UK Home Office application in one of the following fields:

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• Science 

• Humanities 

• Engineering 

• Medicine 

• Digital technology 

• The Arts

• Fashion

• Architecture

• Film and Television

 

The Exceptional Talent visa is subject to an annual limit of 2000 places set by the UK Home Office.

 

This visa is for highly skilled and well-recognized professionals in the industry.

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Length of Stay and indefinite leave to remain

The length of stay for this visa depends on whether the applicant is already in the UK. Those applying from outside of the UK can stay for 5 years and 4 months. Those switching to this visa from inside the UK can stay for up to 5 years. 

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Those with have been granted a Tier 1 exceptional talent visa can usually apply based on three years stay in the UK.  Actually, applications can be made twenty-eight days before the end of the three year period.  For those on tier 1 exceptional promise visa, you have to wait five years (minus twenty-eight days) before you can apply for indefinite leave to remain.

Time spent in the UK as a tier 2 general visa holder or on a tier 1 entrepreneur visa should count towards the period required for indefinite leave to remain.

 

Tier 1 Exceptional Talent Visa Holders have the freedom to work in almost any sector

 

Tier 1 Exceptional Talent visa holders can live and work in the UK with few restrictions:

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• You can work as an employee for any employer or be self-employed.

• You can work in any area.  However, for an extension or indefinite leave to remain, you will need to show that you have worked in your specialist area at least some of the time.

• You cannot work as a Doctor or Dentist in Training or as a professional sportsperson/sports coach. 

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