Guidance

Statement of changes to the Immigration Rules: HC 56, 30 January (accessible version)

Published 30 January 2020

© Crown copyright 2020

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Presented to Parliament pursuant to section 3(2) of the Immigration Act 1971

Ordered by the House of Commons to be printed 30 January 2020

(This document is accompanied by an Explanatory Memorandum)

Queries should be directed to the Home Office as per the ‘Contact UKVI’ section on the visas and immigration pages of the GOV.UK website at https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/uk-visas-and-immigration.

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A copy of this Statement of Changes can be found at www.gov.uk/official-documents and also on the visas and immigration pages of the GOV.UK website at www.gov.uk/government/collections/immigration-rules-statement-of-changes

Statement of changes in Immigration Rules [footnote 1]

The Home Secretary has made the changes hereinafter stated in the Rules laid down by them as to the practice to be followed in the administration of the Immigration Acts for regulating entry into and the stay of persons in the United Kingdom and contained in the statement laid before Parliament on 23 May 1994 (HC 395) as amended. The amending statements were laid before, or presented to, Parliament on 20 September 1994 (Cm 2663), 26 October 1995 (HC 797), 4 January 1996 (Cm 3073), 7 March 1996 (HC 274), 2 April 1996 (HC329), 29 August 1996 (Cm 3365), 31 October 1996 (HC 31), 27 February 1997 (HC 338), 29 May 1997 (Cm 3669), 5 June 1997 (HC 26), 30 July 1997 (HC 161), 11 May 1998 (Cm 3953), 7 October 1998 (Cm 4065), 18 November 1999 (HC 22), 28 July 2000 (HC 704), 20 September 2000 (Cm 4851), 28 August 2001 (Cm 5253), 16 April 2002 (HC 735), 27 August 2002 (Cm 5597), 7 November 2002 (HC 1301), 26 November 2002 (HC 104), 8 January 2003 (HC 180), 10 February 2003 (HC 389), 31 March 2003 (HC 538), 30 May 2003 (Cm 5829), 24 August 2003 (Cm 5949), 12 November 2003 (HC 1224), 17 December 2003 (HC 95), 12 January 2004 (HC 176), 26 February 2004 (HC 370), 31 March 2004 (HC 464), 29 April 2004 (HC523), 3 August 2004 (Cm 6297), 24 September 2004 (Cm 6339), 18 October 2004 (HC 1112), 20 December 2004 (HC 164), 11 January 2005 (HC 194), 7 February 2005 (HC 302), 22 February 2005 (HC 346), 24 March 2005 (HC 486), 15 June 2005 (HC 104), 12 July 2005 (HC 299), 24 October 2005 (HC 582), 9 November 2005 (HC 645), 21 November 2005 (HC 697), 19 December 2005 (HC 769), 23 January 2006 (HC 819), 1 March 2006 (HC 949), 30 March 2006 (HC 1016), 20 April 2006 (HC 1053), 19 July 2006 (HC 1337), 18 September 2006 (Cm 6918), 7 November 2006 (HC 1702), 11 December 2006 (HC 130), 19 March 2007 (HC 398), 3 April 2007 (Cm 7074), 4 April 2007 (Cm 7075), 7 November 2007 (HC 28), 13 November 2007 (HC 40), 19 November 2007 (HC 82), 6 February 2008 (HC 321), 17 March 2008 (HC 420), 9 June 2008 (HC 607), 10 July 2008 (HC 951), 15 July 2008 (HC 971), 4 November 2008 (HC 1113), 9 February 2009 (HC 227), 9 March 2009 (HC 314), 24 April 2009 (HC 413), 9 September 2009 (Cm 7701), 23 September 2009 (Cm 7711), 10 December 2009 (HC 120), 10 February 2010 (HC 367), 18 March 2010 (HC 439), 28 June 2010 (HC 59), 15 July 2010 (HC 96), 22 July 2010 (HC 382), 19 August 2010 (Cm 7929), 1 October 2010 (Cm 7944), 21 December 2010 (HC 698), 16 March 2011 (HC 863), 31 March 2011 (HC 908), 13 June 2011 (HC 1148), 19 July 2011 (HC 1436), 10 October 2011 (HC 1511), 7 November 2011 (HC 1622), 8 December 2011 (HC 1693), 20 December 2011 (HC 1719), 19 January 2012 (HC 1733), 15 March 2012 (HC 1888), 4 April 2012 (Cm 8337), 13 June 2012 (HC 194), 9 July 2012 (HC 514), 19 July 2012 (Cm 8423), 5 September 2012 (HC 565), 22 November 2012 (HC 760), 12 December 2012 (HC 820), 20 December 2012 (HC 847), 30 January 2013 (HC 943), 7 February 2013 (HC 967), 11 March 2013 (HC 1038), 14 March 2013 (HC 1039), 9 April 2013 (Cm 8599), 10 June 2013 (HC 244), 31 July 2013 (Cm 8690), 6 September 2013 (HC 628), 9 October 2013 (HC 686), 8 November 2013 (HC 803), 9 December 2013 (HC 887), 10 December 2013 (HC 901), 18 December 2013 (HC 938), 10 March 2014 (HC 1130), 13 March 2014 (HC 1138), 1 April 2014 (HC 1201), 10 June 2014 (HC 198), 10 July 2014 (HC 532), 16 October 2014 (HC 693), 26 February 2015 (HC 1025), 16 March 2015 (HC1116), 13 July 2015 (HC 297), 17 September 2015 (HC 437), 29 October 2015 (HC535), 11 March 2016 (HC 877), 3 November 2016 (HC 667), 16 March 2017 (HC 1078), 20 July 2017 (HC 290), 7 December 2017 (HC 309), 15 March 2018 (HC 895), 15 June 2018 (HC 1154), 20 July 2018 (Cm 9675), 11 October 2018 (HC 1534), 11 December 2018 (HC 1779), 20 December 2018 (HC 1849), 7 March 2019 (HC 1919), 1 April 2019 (HC 2099), 9 September 2019 (HC 2631) and 24 October 2019 (HC 170).

Implementation

The changes set out in this statement shall take effect on 20 February 2020. In relation to those changes, if any application for endorsement, entry clearance, leave to enter or leave to remain has been made before 20 February 2020, such applications will be decided in accordance with the Immigration Rules in force on 19 February 2020.

Review

Before the end of each review period, the Secretary of State undertakes to review all of the relevant Immigration Rules including any Relevant Rule amended or added by these changes. The Secretary of State will set out the conclusions of the review in a report and publish the report.

The report must in particular:

  • (a) consider each of the Relevant Rules and whether or not each Relevant Rule achieves its objectives and is still appropriate; and
  • (b) assess whether those objectives remain appropriate and, if so, the extent to which they could be achieved with a system that imposes less regulation.

“Review period” means:

  • (a) the period of five years beginning on 6 April 2017; and

  • (b) subject to the paragraph below, each successive period of five years.

If a report under this provision is published before the last day of the review period to which it relates, the following review period is to begin with the day on which that report is published.

“Relevant Rule” means an Immigration Rule which:

  • (a) imposes requirements, restrictions or conditions, or sets standards, in relation to any activity carried on by a business or voluntary or community body; or
  • (b) relates to the securing of compliance with, or the enforcement of, requirements, restrictions, conditions or standards which relate to any activity carried on by a business or voluntary or community body.

Changes to the Introduction

Intro1. In paragraph 6, delete the definition of “Designated Competent Body”.

Intro2. In paragraph 6, delete the definition of “Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent) Unique Reference Number”.

Intro3. In paragraph 6, after the definition of “Innovator”, insert:

““Global Talent migrant” means a migrant who is granted leave in the Global Talent category under Appendix W of these Rules.

Under Part 6A, Part 9, Appendix A, and the Global Talent category in Appendix W of these Rules, “endorsing body”, means an organisation which has been approved by the Home Office to endorse an applicant as a Global Talent migrant or Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent) Migrant.”.

Changes to Part 1

1.1 In paragraph 28A(b), for “as a Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent) Migrant”, substitute “as a Global Talent migrant”.

Changes to Part 6A

6A.1 At the end of paragraph 245AAA(a)(i)(3), delete “.” and insert:

“; and

(4) for any applicant who has or has had leave as a Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent) Migrant, where they were endorsed by the Royal Society, the British Academy or the Royal Academy of Engineering, any absence from the UK for the purpose of research activities overseas shall not count towards the 180 days, if it occurred 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 (Exceptional Talent) leave, may apply under the rules for the Global Talent category which are set out in Appendix W.”.

6A.3 Delete paragraphs 245BA to 245BE.

6A.4 For paragraph 245BF, substitute:

“245BF.Requirements for indefinite leave to remain

To qualify for indefinite leave to remain, a Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent) Migrant must meet the requirements listed below. If the applicant meets these requirements, indefinite leave to remain will be granted. If the applicant does not meet these requirements, the application will be refused.

Requirements:

(a) The applicant must not fall for refusal under the general grounds for refusal, and must not be an illegal entrant.

(b) The applicant must have spent a continuous period of:

  • (i) 3 years lawfully in the UK, if their last endorsement by an endorsing body was;
    • (1) under that body’s criteria for “exceptional talent”, at the relevant time, or
    • (2) under The Royal Society, The Royal Academy of Engineering or The British Academy criteria for “exceptional promise”, at the relevant time, or
  • (ii) 5 years lawfully in the UK, if their last endorsement by an endorsing body was under Arts Council England or Tech Nation criteria for “exceptional promise”, at the relevant time;

(c) The applicant must have, or have last been granted, leave as a Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent) Migrant.

(d) The relevant continuous period in (b) must have been spent with leave either as a Tier 1 Migrant (excluding as a Tier 1 (Graduate Entrepreneur) Migrant or Tier 1 (Post-Study Work) Migrant) or as a Tier 2 Migrant (excluding as a Tier 2 (Intra-Company Transfer) Migrant) or as an Innovator.

(e) The applicant must have a minimum of 75 points under paragraphs 1 to 6A of Appendix A.

(f) The applicant must have demonstrated sufficient knowledge of the English language and sufficient knowledge about life in the United Kingdom, in accordance with Appendix KoLL.

(g) The applicant must not be in the UK in breach of immigration laws except that, where paragraph 39E of these Rules applies, any current period of overstaying will be disregarded.”.

6A.5 In paragraph 245HD(b), for “(7) an Innovator,” substitute:

“(7) an Innovator, or

(8) a Global Talent migrant,”.

6A.6 In paragraph 245HF(b), for “(vii) as an Innovator.” substitute:

“(vii) as an Innovator, or

(viii) as a Global Talent migrant.”.

6A.7 In paragraph 245HG(b), for “(vii) as an Innovator.” substitute:

“(vii) as an Innovator, or

(viii) as a Global Talent migrant.”.

Changes to Part 8

8.1 In paragraph 319C(g) after “or a Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent) Migrant,”, insert “or as the Partner of an Appendix W Worker who is a Global Talent migrant,”.

8.2 After paragraph 319E(d)(ii)(d)(4) insert:

“(5) for any applicant who has or has had leave as the Partner of a Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent) Migrant, or Partner of a Global Talent migrant, where the Tier 1 or Global Talent migrant was endorsed by The Royal Society, The British Academy, The Royal Academy of Engineering, or UK Research and Innovation, any absence from the UK for the purpose of research activities overseas shall not count towards the 180 days if it occurred while the applicant held this leave.

(6) for any applicant who has leave as the Points Based System Partner or Appendix W Partner of a settled migrant who, at the point they applied for settlement, held leave as a Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent) Migrant or Global Talent migrant, where they were endorsed by The Royal Society, The British Academy, The Royal Academy of Engineering, UK Research and Innovation, any absence from the UK for the purpose of research activities overseas shall not count towards the 180 days.”.

8.3 In paragraph 319H(g) after “or a Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent) Migrant,”, insert “or as the Child of an Appendix W Worker who is a Global Talent migrant,”.

Changes to Part 9

9.1 In paragraph 323B for “Designated Competent Body”, substitute “endorsing body”.

Changes in Appendix A

A1. In paragraph 1 after “An applicant applying for”, delete “entry clearance, leave to remain or”.

A2. Delete Table 1 and substitute:

“Table 1

Applications for indefinite leave to remain

Criterion Points
(i) During their most recent period of leave as a Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent) 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 W5 to W7”.

W8. In paragraph W3.1(b) for “his representative” substitute “their representative”.

W9. At the end of the table in paragraph W3.3(b) insert a new row:

“

Global Talent - Tier 1
- Tier 2
- Tier 5 (Temporary Worker), sponsored in the Government Authorised Exchange sub- category in an exchange scheme for sponsored researchers
- Start-up migrant
- Innovator

”.

W10. In paragraph W3.7(a), for “The decision maker” substitute “Unless the applicant is in the Global Talent category, the decision maker”.

W11. For paragraph W3.8(a), substitute:

“(a) The level of English language ability required is shown in the table below:

Category the applicant is applying in English language ability
Start-up B2 level, as defined in the Council of Europe’s common European framework for language and learning
Innovator B2 level, as defined in the Council of Europe’s common European framework for language and learning
Global Talent Not applicable

”.

W12. In paragraph W3.8(b), for “The applicant must show they meet the English language requirement” substitute “Where the applicant must show they meet the English language requirements, they must do so”.

W13. For paragraph W3.9(a), substitute:

“(a) The level of maintenance funds required is shown in the table below:

Category the applicant is applying in Maintenance required
Start-up The applicant must have at least £945
Innovator The applicant must have at least £945
Global Talent Not applicable

”.

W14. For paragraph W3.9(b), substitute:

“(b) If maintenance funds are required and a main applicant and their partner or children are applying at the same time, there must be enough maintenance funds in total, as required for all the applications, otherwise all the applications will be refused.”.

W15. In the introduction to Part W4 for “Parts W5 to W6”, substitute “Parts W5 to W7”.

W16. At the end of the table in paragraph W4.5(b) insert a new row: “

Global Talent 3 years if the last endorsement was given under the “exceptional talent” criteria for any endorsing body.
3 years if the last endorsement was given under the “exceptional promise” criteria for the endorsing bodies for science, engineering, humanities and medicine.
3 years if the last endorsement was given under the UKRI “endorsed funder” fast track criteria.
5 years if the last endorsement was given under the “exceptional promise” criteria for Arts Council England or Tech Nation.		 Global Talent
Innovator
Tier 1 (excluding Tier 1 (Graduate Entrepreneur) and Tier 1 (Post-Study Work))
Tier 2 (excluding as a Tier 2 (Intra-Company Transfer))

”.

W17. For paragraph W4.6(b)(iii), substitute:

“(iii) business trips, including secondments, training and conferences unless as stated in (e)”.

W18.  After paragraph W4.6(d) insert:

“(e) Where the applicant holds leave under Global Talent following an endorsement by one of the endorsing bodies for science, engineering, humanities and medicine, and the purpose of the absence was linked to their grant of leave (such as a scientist undertaking research overseas), this will not break the continuous period, regardless of the length of the absence.”.

W19. In paragraph W4.7(a)(i) for “and and”, substitute “and”.

W20. After Part W6, insert:

“PART W7: SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS – GLOBAL TALENT

This section sets out the specific requirements that applicants for entry clearance, leave to remain or settlement in the Global Talent category must satisfy.

Applicants for entry clearance and leave to remain must also satisfy the general requirements in Part W3 of these Worker rules.

Applicants for settlement must also satisfy the general requirements in Part W4 of these Worker rules.

W7.1 Endorsement (assessment by endorsing body)

(a) Applications for endorsement must be made to the Home Office but are considered by the endorsing body. Applicants should not contact the endorsing body directly following the submission of their application.

(b) In all cases the endorsing body will advise the Home Office whether or not it endorses the applicant. If the applicant is not considered by the endorsing body to have met the endorsement requirement set out in these Rules, or sufficiently demonstrated that their presence in the UK will contribute to the advancement of their sector, the application will not be endorsed.

(c) If successful, the decision maker will provide the applicant with a dated endorsement letter.

W7.2 Initial application criteria – all applicants (assessment by the Home Office)

(a) The applicant must meet all of the following:

  • (i) They have been endorsed in this category by a Global Talent endorsing body named in Part W7.
  • (ii) The date of application for entry clearance or leave to remain must be no later than 3 months after the date of issue on the endorsement letter.
  • (iii) The endorsement must not have been withdrawn by the endorsing body.

W7.3 Extension and settlement criteria – all applicants (assessment by the Home Office)

(a) The applicant must meet both of the following:

  • (i) They must have earned money in the UK during their last grant of leave. These earnings must be linked to the expert field which led to their initial endorsement
  • (ii) They must have not had their endorsement withdrawn by the endorsing body.

(b) Evidence to show an applicant meets (a)(i) must be from an independent source and be verifiable by the decision maker. Examples of types of evidence which may be appropriate are available in the guidance.

(c) No evidence from the applicant to demonstrate they meet (a)(ii). Applicants must not obtain a new endorsement or contact the endorsing body to check the status of their endorsement. Where an endorsing body chooses to withdraw an endorsement, it must tell the decision maker. The decision maker must contact the migrant and curtail leave if appropriate.

W7.4 Endorsement criteria – general evidential requirements

Evidence required to demonstrate the applicant meets the endorsing body criteria must be submitted as part of the endorsement application. To allow the applicants skills and experience to be accurately assessed, the endorsing bodies require specific forms of evidence set out in W7.5 to W7.7

(a) Where an applicant is required to provide a documentation from a third party, the documentation must:

  • (i) be dated
  • (ii) be written on headed paper if written on behalf of a third party organisation
  • (iii) be signed by the third party, or an individual authorised by a third party organisation to respond on its behalf
  • (iv) be typed, not hand-written
  • (v) contain full contact details, including telephone number and email address, of the third party to allow the document to be verified if required

(b) Evidence submitted for endorsement cannot include objects, Digital Versatile Discs (DVDs) or Compact Discs (CDs), digital files or documents that only show web links. If an applicant wishes to use the content of a webpage as part of their supporting documents, they must provide a printed copy of the page which clearly shows the Uniform Resource Locator (URL) for the page.

(c) Documents must be written in English or Welsh, or accompanied by a full translation that can be independently verified if required.

(d) The endorsing body will independently assess whether the evidence provided appropriately and adequately supports the applicant’s claim that they meet the relevant criteria.

(e) Where these Rules require applicants to provide a letter of recommendation from a UK based individual or UK organisation, or to hold a UK based research fellowship, specified evidence from the Isle of Man is also acceptable.

(f) Where these Rules require applicants to provide a letter of recommendation, this letter must specifically refer to and support the Global Talent application, not be a general, all-purpose letter.

(g) Where an applicant is required to provide a curriculum vitae, the curriculum vitae must be a maximum length of 3 single sides of A4 paper.

W7.5 Endorsement criteria – Arts and culture applicants (assessment by Arts Council England or its associated bodies)

Arts Council England accept applications on behalf of the Producers Alliance for Film and Television (Pact), the British Fashion Council (BFC) and the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA). If the applicant’s discipline is covered by Pact, BFC or RIBA, the application will be transferred by Arts Council England to the relevant organisation for a specialist assessment. Pact does not endorse exceptional promise applications.

The criteria applicants must meet depend on their discipline. A list of disciplines covered by Arts Council England and its associated bodies can be found in the guidance.

W7.5.1 – Arts and Culture applications

(a) If the applicant’s field is within arts and culture, they must meet all of the following criteria:

  • (i) They must be professionally engaged in producing work of outstanding quality which has been published (other than exclusively in newspapers or magazines), performed, presented, distributed or exhibited internationally.
  • (ii) They must show regular activity of being engaged professionally as a practitioner in their field within the last 5 years.
  • (iii) They must show a substantial track record in more than one country (if applying under Exceptional Talent criteria) or a developing track record in one or more countries (if applying under Exceptional Promise criteria).

(b) Applicant in the fields of arts and culture must provide the evidence specified in the table below.

(c) This evidence must consist of no more than 10 documents in total and must be submitted as paper-based documents in hard copy with the application. A document is defined as a single piece of evidence (article, review, letter, etc). If more than the 10 pieces of evidence are submitted, only the first 10 listed will be considered and the additional evidence will be disregarded.

(d) The evidence must relate to media recognition, an award nomination, appearance, performance or other event which occurred in the 5 years before the date of application.

Exceptional Talent within the fields of arts and culture (leader in relevant field) Exceptional Promise within the fields of arts and culture (potential leader in relevant field)
The applicant must provide at least 2 of the following:

1) At least 2 examples of recent significant international media recognition for the applicant’s work in the field of arts and culture, online or in print such as features, articles and/or reviews from high profile national publications or broadcasting companies in at least two countries, one of which can be the applicant’s country of residence. Significant media recognition must be for the applicant’s own work as an individual.

2) Proof of having:

- won; or
- made a significant and direct contribution to winning;

at least 1 international award for excellence. For example, the Booker Prize, a Grammy Award; or domestic awards in another country, for example a Tony Award.

3) Proof of appearances, performances, publications or exhibitions in contexts which are recognised as internationally significant in the applicant’s field or evidence of extensive international distribution and audiences for the applicant’s work.

Proof must come from at least 2 countries, one of which can be the applicant’s country of residence.		 The applicant must provide at least 2 of the following:

1) At least 2 examples of recent UK or international media recognition for the applicant’s work in the field of arts and culture, online or in print such as features, articles and/or reviews from national publications or broadcasting companies in one or more countries, one of which can be the applicant’s country of residence. Media recognition can include the applicant’s own work as an individual or as a contributor to work attributed to a group or other individual.

2) Proof of having:

- won; or
- been nominated/shortlisted for; or
- made a significant and direct contribution to winning or having been nominated/shortlisted for;

at least 1 international or national award for excellence. For example, the Booker Prize, a Grammy Award; or domestic awards in another country, for example a Tony Award.

3) Proof of appearances, performances, publications or exhibitions in contexts which are internationally recognised in the applicant’s field or evidence of international distribution and audiences for the applicant’s work.

Proof must come from 1 or more countries, 1 of which can be the applicant’s country of residence.

(e) Applicants cannot provide event listings or advertisements to demonstrate evidence of media recognition. Evidence of media recognition must include all of the following:

  • (i) the date that the feature, article or review was published
  • (ii) the country of origin of the feature, article or review
  • (iii) a critique, review or evaluation of the quality of the applicant’s artistic work
  • (iv) for exceptional talent applicants, the applicant’s name
  • (v) for exceptional promise applicants, the applicant’s name, unless the feature, article or review is based on the artistic piece, another individual’s work, or work that the applicant took part in as part of a group. If the applicant is not named specifically, they must provide evidence from an individual named in the piece, or a director, producer or other senior individual linked to the work, outlining the significant and direct contribution the applicant made.

(f) Applicants cannot provide awards that are solely monetary, such as grants and bursaries, to demonstrate evidence of having won or being nominated for an award. Evidence of having won or being nominated for an international award for excellence must include all of the following:

  • (i) full details of the nomination or award, including category and year of nomination or award,
  • (ii) evidence of the applicant’s involvement if the nomination or award was as part of a group,
  • (iii) evidence of the credit the applicant received for the nomination or award.

(g) Evidence of appearances, performances, publications or exhibitions must include all of the following:

  • (i) the date the activity took place,
  • (ii) the country in which the activity took place,
  • (iii) details of the applicant’s participation in the event.

(h) In all cases the applicant must also provide the evidence in W7.5.5.

W7.5.2 – Architecture applications

(a) If the applicant’s field is within architecture, they must meet all of the following:

  • (i) They must be professionally engaged in producing work of outstanding quality which has been published, presented or exhibited internationally.
  • (ii) They must show recent and regular activity of being engaged professionally as a practitioner in their field in the last 5 years.
  • (iii) They must show a substantial track record in more than one country (if applying under Exceptional Talent criteria) or a developing track record in one or more countries (if applying under Exceptional Promise criteria).

(b) Applicants within the field of architecture must provide the evidence specified in the table below.

(c) This evidence must consist of no more than 10 documents in total and must be submitted as paper-based documents in hard copy with the application. A document is defined as a single piece of evidence (article, review, letter, etc). If more than the 10 pieces of evidence are submitted, only the first 10 listed will be considered and the additional evidence will be disregarded.

(d) The evidence must relate to media recognition, an award nomination, publication or exhibitions, or other exhibitions which occurred in the 5 years before the date of application, except where noted in the table.

Exceptional Talent within the field of architecture (leader in relevant field) Exceptional Promise within the field of architecture (potential leader in relevant field)
The applicant must provide at least 2 of the following:

1) At least 2 examples of recent significant international media recognition for the applicant’s work in the field of architecture, online or in print such as features, articles and/or reviews from high profile national publications or broadcasting companies or international periodicals or journals, in at least two countries, one of which can be the applicant’s country of residence.

2) Proof of having:

- won; or
- been nominated/shortlisted for;
- made a significant and direct contribution to winning;

at least 1 international award for excellence in architecture. For example; Aga Khan Award for Architecture, RIBA International Prize, Pritzker Prize, Venice Biennale of Architecture Award, World Architecture Festival Award, RIBA Silver or Bronze Medals (international student awards), AIA Young Architects Awards.

3) Proof of having work published or exhibited in contexts which are recognised as internationally significant in the field of architecture, for example monographs published by recognised international publishing houses, exhibitions at international exhibitions/festivals such as the Venice Biennale of Architecture and World Festival of Architecture, or in international galleries with curated architecture exhibitions, such as the RIBA Gallery, Canadian Centre for Architecture. Proof must come from at least 1 country other than the applicant’s country of residence and must demonstrate a minimum of 2 publications or exhibitions of the applicant’s work.		 The applicant must provide at least 2 of the following:

1) At least 2 examples of recent UK or international media recognition for the applicant’s work in the field of architecture, online or in print such as features, articles and/or reviews from national/international publications or broadcasting companies, in at least one country which can be the applicant’s country of residence.

2) Proof of having, within the last 5 years from the year of application;

- won; or
- been nominated/shortlisted for; or
- made a significant and direct contribution to winning, being nominated or being shortlisted for;

at least 1 international or national award for excellence in architecture. For example; Aga Khan Award for Architecture, RIBA International Prize, Pritzker Prize, Venice Biennale of Architecture Award, World Architecture Festival Award, RIBA Silver or Bronze Medals (international student awards), AIA Young Architects Awards.

3) Proof of having work published or exhibited in the last 3 years in contexts which are recognised as internationally significant in the field of architecture, for example monographs published by recognised international publishing houses, exhibitions at international exhibitions/festivals such as the Venice Biennale of Architecture and World Festival of Architecture, or in international galleries with curated architecture exhibitions, such as the RIBA Gallery, Canadian Centre for Architecture. Proof must come from at least 1 country, which can be the applicant’s country of residence and must demonstrate a minimum of 2 publications or exhibitions of the applicant’s work.

(e) Applicants cannot provide monetary awards such as grants and bursaries to demonstrate evidence of having won or being nominated for an award. Evidence of having won or being nominated for an international award for excellence must include all of the following:

  • (i) full details of the nomination or award, including category and year of nomination or award,
  • (ii) evidence of the applicant’s involvement if the nomination or award was as part of a practice or group,
  • (iii) evidence of the credit the applicant received for the nomination or award.

(f) If the applicant made a significant or direct contribution to winning or being nominated for international awards for excellence, must be supported by evidence from the named person or practice on the award(s) or nomination(s) which explains how the applicant has significantly influenced or directly resulted in the award or nomination.

(g) In all cases the applicant must also provide the evidence in W7.5.5.

W7.5.3 – Fashion Industry applications

(a) If the applicant’s field is within the fashion industry and they are involved, or have been involved, in a leading design role within a fashion business, they must meet all of the following:

  • (i) They must be professionally engaged in producing work of outstanding quality which has been sold or exhibited internationally, either through catwalk presentation or exhibitions (if applying under Exceptional Talent criteria) or which has had recognition with leading industry players (if applying under Exceptional Promise criteria).
  • (ii) They must show recent and regular activity of being engaged professionally as a practitioner in their field in the last 5 years.
  • (iii)They must show a substantial track record in more than 1 country (if applying under Exceptional Talent criteria) or a developing track record in 1 or more countries (if applying under Exceptional Promise criteria).

(b) Applicants within the fashion industry must provide the evidence specified in the table below.

(c) This evidence must consist of no more than 10 documents in total, and must be submitted as paper-based documents in hard copy with the application. A document is defined as a single piece of evidence (article, review, letter, etc). If more than the 10 pieces of evidence are submitted, only the first 10 listed will be considered and the additional evidence will be disregarded.

(d) The evidence must relate to media recognition, an award nomination, support or sponsorship, recognition by leading industry players, international distribution and sales, catwalk shows or other exhibitions which occurred in the 5 years before the date of application.

Exceptional Talent within the field of fashion (leader in relevant field) Exceptional Promise within the field of fashion (potential leader in relevant field)
The applicant must provide at least 2 of the following:

1) At least 2 examples of recent significant international media recognition for the applicant’s work in the field of fashion, online or in print such as features, articles and/or reviews from high profile national publications or broadcasting companies in at least two countries, one of which can be the applicant’s country of residence.

2) Proof of having:

- won; or
- been nominated/shortlisted for;
- made a significant and direct contribution to winning;

at least 1 international award for excellence. For example, The Fashion Awards, Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) Fashion Awards, Elle Style Award, GQ Award, LVMH Prize, ANDAM Prize, Hyères Prize or another relevant major award or nomination.

3) Proof of catwalk shows, presentations and/or exhibitions which are recognised as internationally significant in the applicant’s field, or evidence of extensive international distribution and sales of the applicant’s collections.

4) Proof of international distribution and sales through internationally renowned retailers and boutiques, or through applicant’s own physical retail outlets or their ecommerce platform.		 The applicant must provide at least 2 of the following:

1) At least 2 examples of recent UK or international media recognition for the applicant’s work in the field of fashion, online or in print such as features, articles and/or reviews from national publications or broadcasting companies or on social media, of the applicant’s collections.

2) Proof of having received:

- support and sponsorship through the British Fashion Council’s support schemes; or,
- support and sponsorship through the Fashion East support scheme; or
- support and sponsorship through the Sarabande Foundation; or
- supported by Centre for Fashion Enterprise; or similar support from an international counterpart to the British Fashion Council.

3) Evidence of one or more orders placed by UK or international luxury retailers and boutiques.

4) Evidence of recognition by leading industry players – for example internationally renowned fashion designers, fashion media, retailers, brands, Graduate Fashion Week - of an exceptional graduating collection;

(e) Applicants cannot provide event listings or advertisements to demonstrate evidence of media recognition.

  • (i) Evidence of media recognition must be from independent sources.
  • (ii) If relying on evidence from social media under the Exceptional Promise criteria, articles must be from prominent bloggers or key opinion leaders.

(f) Applicants cannot provide monetary awards such as grants and bursaries to demonstrate evidence of having won or being nominated for an award. Evidence of having won or being nominated for an international award for excellence must include all of the following:

  • (i) full details of the nomination or award, including category and year of nomination or award.
  • (ii) evidence of the applicant’s involvement if the nomination or award was as part of a group.
  • (iii) evidence of the credit the applicant received for the nomination or award.

(g) If the applicant made a significant or direct contribution to winning or being nominated for international awards for excellence, this must be supported by evidence from the named person on the award(s) or nomination(s) which explains how the applicant has significantly influenced or directly resulted in the award or nomination.

(h) Evidence of having been given support or sponsorship, must include full details of the support or sponsorship including all of the following:

  • (i) the name and details of the scheme
  • (ii) the dates the support or sponsorship were received
  • (iii) the organisation that awarded it

(i) Evidence of a catwalk, presentation or exhibition, must cite participation in one or more reputable UK-based or international trade show or commercial showroom. The British Fashion Council will judge whether a particular trade show or commercial showroom provides appropriate evidence of recognition in the applicant’s field;

(j) Evidence of international distribution and sales, must include all of the following:

  • (i) the current number of outlets or stockists of the business’s products
  • (ii) the top 5 stockists and when these sales were achieved
  • (iii) where the applicant has sold through their own retail channels, a breakdown of sales and when these sales were achieved

(k) Evidence of orders placed by UK or international luxury retailers, must name the buyer or stockist and state when the order was placed.

(l) In all cases the applicant must also provide the evidence in W7.5.5.

W7.5.4 – Film and Television applications

(a) If the applicant’s field is within the film, television, animation, postproduction and visual effects industry, they must meet at least one of the following:

  • (i) The applicant has won, or within the last 10 years from the year of application, have received a nomination for at least one of the following awards:
    • (1) an Academy Award
    • (2) a British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) award (Film, Television, Television Crafts, Cymru, Scotland, Games awards only)
    • (3) a Golden Globe
    • (4) an Emmy Award

(b) The applicant has, within the last 10 years from the year of application, made a significant and direct contribution to winning or being nominated for one of the awards mentioned in paragraph (a) above.

(c) The applicant has, within the last 15 years achieved a minimum of two nominations for one of the awards mentioned in paragraph (a) above.

(d) The applicant has demonstrated notable industry recognition by providing evidence of both of the following:

  • (i) international distribution sales and recognition, and
  • (ii) having achieved one of the following combination of awards named on the PACT notable industry recognition awards list:
    • (1) won a minimum of 2
    • (2) won 1, and, within the last 6 years before the date of application, have been nominated for 1 other
    • (3) within the last 6 years before the date of application, have been nominated for a minimum of 3
    • (4) within the last 6 years before the date of application, made a significant and direct contribution to winning 3, or being nominated for a minimum of 3

(e) In all cases, for each award, applicants must provide all of the following:

  • (i) full details of the production nomination or award, including category and year of nomination or award
  • (ii) evidence of the applicant’s involvement if the nomination or award was as part of a group
  • (iii) evidence of the credit the applicant received for the nomination or award
  • (iv) if applying under paragraph (b) or (d)(ii)(4) above, evidence of their significant and direct contribution to the win or nomination.

(f) The evidence must relate to media recognition, an award nomination, appearance, performance or other event which occurred in the 5 years before the date of application.

(g) In all cases the applicant must also provide the evidence in W7.5.5.

W7.5.5 – All Arts and Culture applications

(a) The applicant must provide letters of recommendation as specified in the relevant table below, which must meet all of the following criteria:

  • (i) be signed by the author who must be a senior member of the organisation, as follows
    • (1) for arts and culture or film and television applicants, such as a member of the senior management team or board, the Chief Executive, Artistic Director, Principal or Chair
    • (2) for fashion industry applicants, such as the Chief Executive, Chief Operating Officer, Creative Director, Buying Director, Fashion Director/Editor or, for Exceptional Promise applicants who have commercialised their graduating collections only, a Head of Course
    • (3) for architecture applicants, such as the President, Chair, Chief Executive, Chief Operating Officer, Managing Director, Senior Partner or Editor
  • (ii) The letter must include details of the author’s credentials (for example, a Curriculum Vitae or résumé) and how they know the applicant (whether through personal relationship or reputation).
  • (iii) The letter must detail the applicant’s achievements in their specialist field and how in the opinion of the author they have demonstrated that they are, or have the potential to become, a leader in their field.
  • (iv) The letter must describe how the applicant would benefit from living in the UK and the contribution they could make to cultural life in the UK, including details of any future professional engagements in the UK that the author is aware of.
Letters of endorsement for arts and culture, film and television, or architecture applicants Letters of endorsement for fashion industry applicants
The applicant must provide 3 letters of recommendation.

The first letter must be from a UK based organisation, institution or company which is well-established nationally and/or internationally and widely acknowledged as possessing expertise in the applicant’s specialist field.

The second letter must be from another organisation, institution or company which is well-established nationally and/or internationally and widely acknowledged as possessing expertise in the applicant’s specialist field. This second organisation may be UK or overseas based.

The third letter may be either from a third organisation, institution or company (UK or overseas based) which is well-established nationally and/or internationally and widely acknowledged as possessing expertise in the applicant’s specialist field or from an eminent individual with internationally recognised expertise in the applicant’s specialist field.		 The applicant must provide 3 letters of recommendation from established organisations, institutions or companies with a national or international reputation and recognised expertise in fashion. If applying under Exceptional Talent criteria, at least one of these letters must be from a UK organisation.

Acceptable organisations would be those which are well established nationally or internationally, work with many international designers and industry experts each year and are widely acknowledged as possessing expertise in fashion.

W7.6 Endorsement criteria – Digital Technology applicants (assessment by Tech Nation)

Tech Nation accept applications from applicants with technical and business skills in the digital technology sector. Technical applicants must demonstrate proven technical expertise in building, using, deploying or exploiting a technology stack and building technical infrastructure. Business applicants must demonstrate proven commercial, investment, or product expertise in building digital products or leading investments in significant digital product businesses.

Examples of applicants considered as technical or business applicants by Tech Nation can be found in the guidance.

(a) The applicant must meet one of the following:

  • (i) They satisfy 1 of the key “Exceptional Talent” criteria and 2 of the qualifying “Exceptional Talent” criteria in the table below.
  • (ii) They satisfy 1 of the key “Exceptional Promise” criteria and 2 of the qualifying “Exceptional Promise” criteria in the table below.
Exceptional Talent (leader in relevant field) Exceptional Promise (potential leader in relevant field)
Key Key
1. Have a proven track record of innovation in the digital technology sector as a founder or director of a product-led digital technology company or an employee working in a new digital field or concept that must be clearly evidenced

2. Proof of recognition for work outside the applicant’s immediate occupation that has contributed to the advancement of the sector (e.g. evidence that they have gone beyond their day to day profession to engage in an activity that contributes to the advancement of the sector)		 1. Provide more than 1 example of innovation in the digital technology sector as a founder of a product-led digital technology company or an employee working in a new digital field or concept that must be clearly evidenced

2. Proof of recognition for work outside the applicant’s immediate occupation that has contributed to the advancement of the sector (e.g. evidence that they have gone beyond their day to day profession to engage in an activity that contributes to the advancement of the sector)
Qualifying Qualifying
1. Have made significant technical, commercial, or entrepreneurial contributions in the digital technology sector as either a founder, entrepreneur or employee of a product-led digital technology company

2. Have been recognised as a leading talent in the digital technology sector

3. Have undergone continuous learning / mastery of new digital skills (commercial or technical) throughout their career

4. Have demonstrated exceptional ability in the field by making academic contributions through research published or otherwise endorsed by a research supervisor or other expert		 1. Have made significant technical, commercial, or entrepreneurial contributions in the digital technology sector as either a founder, entrepreneur or employee of a product-led digital technology company

2. Have been recognised as having the potential to be a leading talent in the digital technology sector

3. Have undergone continuous learning / mastery of new digital skills (commercial or technical) throughout their career

4. Provide more than 1 example of innovation in the field by making academic contributions through research endorsed by a research supervisor or other expert

(b) The applicant must provide all of the following:

  • (i) a completed Tech Nation Global Talent application form.
  • (ii) a curriculum vitae outlining their career and publication history.
  • (iii) 3 dated letters of recommendation signed by 3 different senior members of different established organisations in the digital technology sector. The signatories must be familiar with the applicant’s work and their contribution to the digital technology sector, and be qualified to assess the applicant’s claim to be a leader or potential leader in this field. Each letter must:
    • (1) be written and signed by an authorised member of the organisation they represent, such as the Chief Executive, Chief Operating Officer, Finance Director or Head of Course
    • (2) include details of the author’s credentials (for example, a curriculum vitae)
    • (3) include details of how the recognised expert knows the applicant
    • (4) include the applicant’s achievements in the specialist field, and how, in the opinion of the recognised expert, the applicant exhibits exceptional talent or exceptional promise
    • (5) include how the applicant would benefit from living in the UK and the contribution they would make to the UK digital technology sector
    • (6) include details of any future professional engagements the applicant has in the UK, where applicable
  • (iv) Evidence of any active businesses established or businesses that have been dissolved in the last 5 years in which the applicant has been a director, founder or entrepreneur, or evidence of share ownership through business in a digital technology sector company
  • (v) Evidence in relation to the relevant key and qualifying criteria listed above. This evidence must consist of no more than 10 documents in total, and must be submitted via the Tech Nation (Global Talent) online form. Each document must be no more than 2 A4 sides in length. The evidence in (iv) above is included in the maximum of 10 documents.

(c) When assessing applicants, the endorsing body will take into consideration all of the following:

  • (i) The applicant’s track record/career history (including their international standing, the significance of their work and the impact of their activity in a company or as an individual)
  • (ii) The strength of the supporting statements in the letter of personal recommendation, and evidence in relation to qualifying criteria
  • (iii) The expected benefits of the applicant’s presence in the UK in terms of the contribution to the UK digital technology sector
  • (iv) Factors including but not limited to, the applicant’s academic track record and salary level if employed, the company the applicant is being hired by if an employee, the amount of money raised if an entrepreneur
  • (v) The commercial impact of the applicant’s previous work, achievements and experiences

W7.7 Endorsement criteria – science, engineering, humanities and medicine applicants (assessment by the endorsing bodies for science, engineering, humanities and medicine)

The endorsing bodies for science, engineering, humanities and medicine accept applications from applicants who are active researchers in academic, industry or government research institutions, in a range of disciplines in the areas of science, engineering, humanities and medicine.

A list of disciplines covered by the endorsing bodies for science, engineering, humanities and medicine can be found in the guidance.

The criteria applicants must meet depend on whether they are applying on the basis of fast track (paragraphs W7.7.1 to W7.7.3) or full peer review (paragraph W7.7.4).

W7.7.1 Endorsement criteria – science, engineering, humanities and medicine applicants – fast track

The applicant must demonstrate that they meet at least one of the following:

(a) They must currently hold, or have held within the 12 months before the date of application, a specific peer-reviewed research fellowship or award named on the list published by The Royal Society, The Royal Academy of Engineering or The British Academy. The applicant must provide written confirmation of the fellowship or award from the body that issued it.

(b) They must have been appointed to an eligible senior academic or research position at an approved UK Higher Education Institution or research institute named on the list published by The Royal Society, The Royal Academy of Engineering or The British Academy. The applicant must meet the criteria in paragraph W7.7.2.

(c) They will be hosted or employed in a UKRI-approved UK research organisation as listed in Annex 2 and will provide critical contributions to work supported by a substantial research grant or award. The grant or award must be from an endorsed funder named on the list published by UKRI. The applicant must meet the criteria in paragraph W7.7.3.

W7.7.2 Applicants who have been appointed to an eligible senior academic or research position

The applicant must provide a statement of guarantee from the Director of Human Resources (or equivalent) at an approved UK Higher Education Institution or research institute. The statement must confirm all of the following:

(a) The job was advertised and an open competition was held for the position, or, where there was not an open competition, an explanation is provided for that decision which the endorsing body considers reasonable.

(b) The applicant has accepted a job offer of an eligible senior academic or research position at the employing institution.

(c) The name of the position and the department in which the applicant will be based.

(d) At least 3 references in respect of the appointment were required and received.

(e) At least 4 senior academic representatives from the employing institution were present on the interview panel.

(f) At least one senior external expert in a relevant field, who is not employed by the employing institution, was consulted during the recruitment process (either participating in the interview or providing written input).

W7.7.3 Applicants who will be hosted or employed in a UKRI-approved UK research organisation as listed in Annex 2, following receipt of a research grant or award from an endorsed funder

(a) The applicant must provide both of the following at (i) and (ii):

  • (i) Written confirmation of the award from the endorsed funder that confirms both:
    • (1) The grant or award is worth a minimum of £30,000.
    • (2) The grant of award covers a minimum period of 2 years.
  • (ii) A declaration from the Director of Human Resources (or equivalent) of the UKRI-approved UK research organisation as listed in Annex 2 where the applicant will be employed or hosted. The declaration must confirm all of the following:
    • (1) The applicant is essential to the execution of a grant or award and the grant and the applicant’s role meets the eligibility criteria.
    • (2) The applicant’s time is at least 50% attributable to the grant or award (individually, or in the case of applicants with Principal Investigator or Co-Investigator roles, from an aggregation of eligible grants).
    • (3) The applicant has accepted the job offer or hosting agreement.
    • (4)The name of the position and the department or group in which the applicant will be based.
    • (5) Where the individual was not specifically named on the grant application, details of the recruitment process. This must show that the recruitment was robustly conducted, and met the highest standards for open recruitment.

(b) The applicant must be an academic, researcher, scientist, research engineer or other skilled research technology/methodology specialist.

(c) The applicant must be hosted or employed in at an approved UK research organisation.

(d) The applicant must provide critical contributions to work supported by a research grant or award from an endorsed funder.

(e) At least 50% of an applicant’s time must be on the grant or award from an endorsed funder. The work must meet at least one of the following:

  • (i) It must be funded by a one-off grant or award that has been won in open competition
  • (ii) It must be attributed to a large institutional, renewable award that is subject to periodic, robust peer review.

Applicants who have roles as Principal Investigator and Co-Investigator may use an aggregation of eligible grants to demonstrate this requirement.

(f) The employment contract or hosting agreement of the applicant must have at least 2 years remaining at the time of the application for endorsement.

(g) Types of eligible grants or awards include programme and project grants, fellowships, strategic investments and large institutional investments.

(h) The applicant must meet one of the following:

  • (i) They must independently direct, or direct under the supervision of a Principal Investigator, a unique research or innovation project. The project may be a part of a wider programme of work. The applicant must meet all of the following:
    • (1) The applicant must have a PhD qualification or equivalent.
    • (2) The applicant must actively participate in a relevant field within a university, research institute or industry.
    • (3) The applicant must have their name or post listed on the grant/award as the Principal Investigator, Co-Investigator, Researcher Co-Investigator, Post-doctoral Researcher, Research Assistant.
  • (ii) They must make critical contributions to research through the provision of core technical or domain excellence, or in developing new technologies and methodologies. The applicant will be typically named, or their post listed, on the grant/award under ‘directly incurred’ costs. They must meet both of the following:
    • (1) The applicant must hold a UK Bachelors degree (or equivalent overseas research degree or research experience deemed acceptable by UKRI).
    • (2) The applicant must have research experience, typically within a university, research institute or industry.

W7.7.4 Endorsement criteria – science, engineering, humanities and medicine applicants – full peer review

Full peer review applications are considered by either The Royal Society, The Royal Academy of Engineering or The British Academy. UKRI do not consider full peer review applications.

(a) The applicant must meet one of the following:

  • (i) They satisfy all of the mandatory “Exceptional Talent” criteria, and at least one of the qualifying criteria, in the table below.
  • (ii) They satisfy all of the “Exceptional Promise” criteria in the table below.
Exceptional Talent (leader in relevant field) Exceptional Promise (potential leader in relevant field)
Mandatory Mandatory
1) The applicant must be an active researcher in a relevant field, typically within a university, research institute or within industry.

2) The applicant must have a PhD or equivalent research experience.

3) The applicant must provide a letter of personal recommendation from an eminent person resident in the UK supporting the Global Talent application.

4) The applicant must meet 1 or more of the following Qualifying Criteria		 1) The applicant must be an active researcher in a relevant field, typically within a university, research institute or within industry.

2) The applicant must have a PhD or equivalent research experience (including industrial research).

3) The applicant must provide a letter of personal recommendation from an eminent person resident in the UK supporting the Global Talent application.

4) The applicant must be at an early stage in their career.

5) The applicant must have been awarded, hold, or have held in the past 5 years, a prestigious UK based Research Fellowship, or an international Fellowship or advanced research post judged by the endorsing bodies to be of equivalent standing.
Qualifying  
1) The applicant must be a member of their national academy or a foreign member of academies of other countries (in particular any of the UK national academies).

2) The applicant must have been awarded a prestigious internationally recognised prize.

3) The applicant must provide a letter of recommendation from a reputable UK organisation concerned with research in the applicant’s field. The letter must be written by an authorised senior member of the organisation, such as a Chief Executive, Vice-Chancellor or similar.		  

(b) Applicants who are applying for a full peer review consideration must provide all of the following:

  • (i) a curriculum vitae outlining their career and publication history
  • (ii) a letter of recommendation written in support of the application from an eminent person resident in the UK. The person must be familiar with the applicant’s work and their contribution to their field, and be qualified to assess the applicant’s claim to be a leader or a potential leader in their field. This letter must include all of the following:
    • (1) how the eminent person knows the applicant
    • (2) the applicant’s achievements in the specialist field, and how in the opinion of the eminent person the applicant exhibits exceptional talent or promise
    • (3) how the applicant would benefit from living in the UK
    • (4) the contribution the applicant would make to UK research excellence and to wider society
  • (iii) for applicants applying under “Exceptional Talent”, additional evidence in relation to at least 1 of the qualifying criteria listed in the table above

(c) When assessing applicants, the endorsing body will take into consideration all of the following:

  • (i) The applicant’s track record/career history (including their international standing, the significance of their publications, prizes and research funding awarded, patents, and the impact of past innovation activity, in a company, academia or as an individual)
  • (ii)The strength of the supporting statements in the letter of personal recommendation, and evidence in relation to qualifying criteria, including a written recommendation from a reputable UK organisation concerned with research in the applicant’s field (if relevant)
  • (iii) The expected benefits of the applicant’s presence in the UK in terms of the contribution to UK research excellence and to wider society, including potential economic benefits from exploitation of intellectual capital
  • (iv) Additional factors in the table below.
Exceptional Talent (leader in relevant field) Exceptional Promise (potential leader in relevant field)
Whether the applicant is the winner of a prestigious prize or award

Whether the applicant has secured significant funding for their work in the past 10 years Whether the applicant is regarded as a leader in their field.		 Whether the applicant has provided evidence sufficient to demonstrate that they have the potential to be a future leader in their field.

The level of additional funding secured during, or following tenure of, a relevant fellowship.

Whether the applicant can provide evidence of a relevant prize or award for early career researchers.

The significance of the applicant’s contribution to their field relative to their career stage.

”.

W21. In the table in Annex 1, before the first row insert: “

approved UK Higher Education Institution or research institute means an organisation that appear on the list published by The Royal Society, The Royal Academy of Engineering and The British Academy.

”.

W22. In the table in Annex 1, after the row for “decision maker” insert: “

directly incurred means costs that are explicitly linked to the conduct of a project, are charged as the cash value actually spent and are supported by an audit record. These must follow the UK Government’s Transparent Approach to Costing (www.trac.ac.uk/about/)) /Full Economic Costing methodology or alternative methodology deemed to be equivalent by UKRI.

”.

W23. In the table in Annex 1, after the row for “endorsing body”, insert: “

endorsing bodies for science, engineering, humanities and medicine means one of the following organisations which has been approved by the Home Office to endorse applicants in the Global Talent category:

- The Royal Society
- The Royal Academy of Engineering
- The British Academy
- UKRI
endorsed funder means an organisation accepted by UK Research and Innovation as prestigious funders of research and innovation who have an excellent track record of awarding funding to researchers with critical skills, following a rigorous peer review process. These are:

the following organisations able to award a peer-reviewed grant or award:

- UK Research and Innovation, and its Councils
- The Royal Society
- The Royal Academy of Engineering
- The British Academy
- The Academy of Medical Sciences
- Wellcome Trust
- Cancer Research UK
- British Heart Foundation
- National Institutes for Health Research

the following European Agencies:

- European Union Horizon 2020 programmes
- European Molecular Biology Organisation
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory
- Human Frontier Science Programme
- International Institute for Applied System Analysis
- European Space Agency

the following Non-European Funding agencies:

- The National Science Foundation of the United States
- The Japan Science and Technology Agency
- The Indian Council of Medical Research
- FAPESP, the Research Council for the State of São Paulo
- Fonds National de la Recherche (FNR) Luxembourg
- Science Foundation Ireland

”.

W24. In the table in Annex 1, in the row for “endorsement letter” for “issued by an endorsing body” substitute “issued by an endorsing body or the Home Office”.

W25. In the table in Annex 1, after the row for “initial application” insert:

“

PACT notable industry recognition awards means an industry award within film or television that has been deemed acceptable by PACT and is include on its published list (www.pact.co.uk/services/tier-1-notable-awards-list.html).  
peer-reviewed research fellowship or award means a specific fellowship or award awarded by:

- Academy of Medical Sciences
- Alexander von Humboldt Foundation
- Alzheimers Research UK
- Alzheimers Society
- Breast Cancer Now
- British Academy
- British Heart Foundation
- Cancer Research UK
- Diabetes UK
- EC Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions
- European Molecular Biology Organization
- European Research Council
- Human Frontier Science Program
- Leverhulme Trust
- National Institute for Health Research
- Parkinson’s UK
- Royal Academy of Engineering
- Royal Commission for the Exhibition 1851
- Royal Society
- Royal Society of Edinburgh
- UK Research and Innovation and its Councils
- Universities UK
- Versus Arthritis
- Welcome Trust

The fellowship or award must also appear on the list published by The Royal Society, The Royal Academy of Engineering and The British Academy.		  

”.

W26.  In the table in Annex 1, after the row for “resident worker” insert;

“

senior academic or research positions means a Professor, Associate Professor, Reader, or equivalent position such as Senior Group Leader, at a UK Higher Education Institution or Research Institute.

”.

W27. In the table in Annex 1, after the last row insert:

“

UKRI means UK Research and Innovation, an endorsing body in the Global Talent category.

”.

W28. After The table in Annex 1 insert:

“

ANNEX 2: UKRI-APPROVED UK RESEARCH ORGANISATIONS

This annex contains the list of organisations accepted by UKRI as able to employ or host an applicant who holds an award or grant from an endorsed funder.

These are:

  • All UK Higher education institutions
  • The following UK Independent research organisations who are eligible to receive UKRI funding (www.ukri.org/files/legacy/documents/updated-eligibility-criteria-nov-16-pdf/):
    • All NHS Trusts, Hospitals, Boards, Primary Care Trusts and GP Practices
    • Animal Health Trust
    • Armagh Observatory
    • Beatson Institute for Cancer Research
    • Bradford Teaching Hospital NHS Found Trust
    • British Film Institute
    • British Institute of International and Comparative Law
    • British Library
    • British Museum British Trust for Ornithology
    • CAB International
    • Cambridge Crystallographic Data Centre
    • Chatham House (Royal Institute of International Affairs)
    • CERN
    • EMBL - European Bioinformatics Institute
    • European Synchrotron Radiation Facility (ESRF)
    • Historic Buildings and Monuments Commission for England
    • Historic Environment Scotland
    • Historic Royal Palaces
    • HR Wallingford Group Ltd
    • Imperial War Museum
    • Institute for Fiscal Studies
    • Institute of Development Studies
    • Institute of Occupational Medicine International Institute for Environment and Development
    • Marine Biological Association
    • Moredun Research Institute
    • Museum of London Archaeology
    • National Archives
    • National Centre for Social Research
    • National Gallery
    • National Institute of Agricultural Botany
    • National Institute of Economic and Social Research
    • National Maritime Museum
    • National Museum Wales
    • National Museums Liverpool
    • National Museums of Scotland
    • National Portrait Gallery
    • Natural History Museum
    • Nesta
    • North Bristol NHS Trust
    • Overseas Development Institute (ODI)
    • RAND Europe Community Interest Company
    • Royal Botanic Gardens - Edinburgh
    • Royal Botanic Gardens - Kew
    • Royal Society for the Protection of Birds
    • Royal United Services Institute for Defence and Security Studies
    • Science Museum Group
    • Sightsavers
    • Sir Alister Hardy Foundation for Ocean Science
    • Tate
    • Tavistock Institute of Human Relations
    • The Welding Institute
    • The James Hutton Institute
    • Transport Research Laboratory Limited
    • UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology
    • Victoria and Albert Museum
    • Wellcome Trust Sanger institute
    • World Conservation Monitoring Centre WCMC
    • Young Foundation
    • Zoological Society of London, Institute of Zoology

UK research council institutes who are eligible to receive UKRI funding (www.ukri.org/files/legacy/documents/updated-eligibility-criteria-nov-16-pdf/):)

  • Alan Turing Institute
  • Babraham Institute
  • CCFE/UKAEA
  • Diamond Light Source Ltd
  • Earlham Institute
  • The Faraday Institution
  • The Francis Crick Institute
  • Health Data Research UK (HDR UK)
  • Isaac Newton Group
  • John Innes Centre
  • Joint Astronomy Centre
  • MRC Centre for Macaques
  • MRC Harwell Institute
  • MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology
  • MRC London Institute of Medical Sciences
  • NERC British Antarctic Survey
  • NERC British Geological Survey
  • The Pirbright Institute
  • Plymouth Marine Laboratory
  • Quadram Institute Bioscience
  • Rosalind Franklin Institute
  • Rothamsted Research
  • Scottish Association for Marine Sciences
  • STFC - Laboratories

  • UK Astronomy Technology Centre

  • One of the following UK Public sector research establishments:
    • Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute
    • Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA)
    • Arts Council England
    • Atomic Weapons Establishment
    • Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult
    • Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture (Cefas)
    • Clinical Practice Research Datalink (subsidiary of MHPRA)
    • Compound Semiconductor Applications Catapult
    • Connected Places Catapult
    • Daresbury Laboratory (DL)
    • Digital Catapult
    • Energy Systems Catapult
    • English Heritage
    • Environment Agency
    • FERA Science Ltd
    • Forest Research
    • Health and Safety Executive
    • Health and Safety Laboratory (HSL)
    • High Value Manufacturing Catapult
    • Hydrographics Office
    • Intellectual Property Office
    • Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC)
    • Laboratory of the Government Chemist
    • Marine Management Organisation
    • Marine Scotland Science
    • Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (subsidiary of MHPRA)
    • Medicines Discovery Catapult
    • The Met Office
    • National Engineering Laboratory
    • National Galleries of Scotland
    • National Institute for Biological Standards and Control (NIBSC)
    • National Institute for Biological Standards and Control (subsidiary of MHPRA)
    • National Institute of Health and Care Excellence
    • National Library of Scotland
    • National Library of Wales
    • National Nuclear Laboratory
    • National Physical Laboratory
    • Natural England
    • Natural Resources Wales
    • Northern Ireland Environment Agency
    • Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult
    • Ordnance Survey
    • Public Health England (PHE)
    • Royal Armouries
    • Satellite Applications Catapult
    • Science and Advice for Scottish Agriculture
    • Scottish Environment Protection Agency
    • Sir John Soane’s Museum
    • Sport England
    • UK Space Agency
    • Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD)
    • Wallace Collection

”.

  1. This Statement of Changes can be viewed at https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/immigration-rules-statement-of-changes. ↩

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