If you are from outside of the EEA and recognised as a leader (exceptional talent), or emerging leader (exceptional promise) in one of the approved categories, you may be eligible to apply for a Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent) visa.

The application is a two-stage process. Firstly, you must be endorsed by the Home Office as a leader or an emerging leader in your particular field. Following this, you can then apply for the visa.

This visa is highly flexible and once granted allows you to work freely on a voluntary basis, for an employer, as a director of a company or on a self-employed basis.

Visa Duration

The visa is initially granted for a period of up to 5 years and 4 months if you apply from outside the UK and 5 years if you apply from within the UK.  It can be extended for a further 5 years.

Dependants

You can apply for your dependants (husband, wife or partner and children under the age of 18) to join you.

Settlement

The Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent) category is a route to settlement in the UK after a period of 3 years for those holding an Exceptional Talent visa and 5 years for those holding an Exceptional Promise visa.

Please contact us to discuss this option further.