Launch of the Global Talent Visa Route (Statement of Changes HC 56)

Policy effect

Formally replaced the Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent) category with the new uncapped "Global Talent" route for leaders and potential leaders in academia, research, digital technology, and arts and culture. Introduced a new endorsed funder fast-track pathway for researchers supported by UKRI-approved funding awards.

Official source excerpt

Quoted verbatim from the official source below. Ellipses indicate omitted text.

… while they held this leave.”. 6A.2 For paragraph 245B, substitute: “245B. Purpose (a)(i) This category is now closed to new applicants. (ii) Individuals who have entry clearance, leave to enter or leave to remain as a Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent) Migrant may apply under these Rules for indefinite leave to remain. (iii) Other applicants who wish to work in the UK as a talented or promising individual in a particular field, including those who have been endorsed by an endorsing body (but have not yet obtained leave to enter or leave to remain in this capacity) and applicants who wish to extend Tier 1 … Migrant, the applicant has earned money in the UK as a result of employment or self-employment in their expert field as previously endorsed by an endorsing body; and (ii) That endorsing body has not withdrawn its endorsement of the applicant. 75 ”. A3. Delete paragraphs 4(a) to 6, including the headings. A4. In paragraph 6A both times it occurs, for “his” substitute “their”. A5. In paragraph 6A(c)(i) for “he has” substitute “they have”. Changes to Appendix L L1. Delete Appendix L. Changes to Appendix W W1. In the Introduction, after “introduced on 29 March 2019”, insert “, and the Global Talent category which was introduced on 20 February 2020”. W2. In the Introduction, in paragraph (b) for “Parts W5 to W6”, substitute “Parts W5 to W7”. W3. In the Contents, after “Part W6: Specific requirements – Innovator”, insert “Part W7: Specific requirements – Global Talent”. W4. In Part W1, after the definition of “Innovator”, insert: “Global Talent This category is for talented and promising individuals in the fields of science, engineering, medicine, humanities, digital technology and arts and culture (including film and television, fashion design and architecture) wishing to work in the UK. Applicants will be leaders in their field, or have the potential to be leaders, as determined by an endorsing body. This category may lead to settlement in the UK.”. W5. At the end of the table in paragraph W2.1(a) insert a new row: “ Global Talent As requested by the applicant, any of: As requested by the applicant, any of: No time limit 1 year 1 year 2 years 2 years 3 years 3 years 4 years 4 years 5 years 5 years ”. W6. In paragraph W2.4(b) for “Start-up or Innovator” substitute “Start-up, Innovator or Global Talent”. W7. In the introduction to Part W3 for “Parts W5 to W6”, substitute “Parts …

Review method

Two separate automated exact-claim source reviews

Other United Kingdom changes operative in 2020

• 2020-01-31EU Settlement Scheme Appeals System Establishment
• 2020-02-20Global Talent Visa Application Fees & Fast-Track Endorsement Fees
• 2020-04-05Transition of Priority Change of Circumstances Service to Email-Only
• 2020-04-29Automatic Visa Extensions for Frontline Healthcare Workers
• 2020-06-04Stricter Rules for Representative of an Overseas Business Route (Statement of Changes CP 232)
• 2020-06-22Youth Mobility Scheme 2020 Deadline Extension for Taiwan
• 2020-08-01Implementation of Coronavirus Grace Period
• 2020-09-01Implementation of Exceptional Assurance Concession for Overstaying
• 2020-10-05Introduction of New Points-Based Student and Child Student Routes
• 2020-11-12COVID-19 Financial Requirement Concessions for Family Visas
• 2020-12-01Statement of Changes to the Immigration Rules: HC 813 (Introduction of the Skilled Worker Route and Global Points-Based Framework)
• 2020-12-31End of EU Free Movement and Repeal of Free Movement Law
• 2020-12-31Introduction of Post-Brexit Third-Country Asylum Inadmissibility Rules (HC 1043)
• 2020-12-31Post-Transition Visitor and Trade-Related Service Provider Rules
• 2020-12-31Saving of EU Public Policy Deportation Grounds for Pre-Transition Conduct