The Government has provided further information about the new Global Talent immigration route, designed to attract the world’s top scientists, researchers and mathematicians.
The Prime Minister provided initial information about the route shortly after coming taking office in summer 2019.
It has now been confirmed that the new route will open on 20 February 2020 and that UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) will play a central role in endorsing applicants.
The Government has also confirmed in today’s announcement that “the route will also:
- provide for a brand new fast-track scheme, managed by UKRI which will enable UK-based research projects that have received recognised prestigious grants and awards, including from the European Space Agency and the Japan Science and Technology Agency, to recruit top global talent, benefiting higher education institutions, research institutes and eligible public sector research establishments – this will enable an individual to be fast-tracked to the visa application stage
- double the number of eligible fellowships, such as Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions, the European Research Council and Human Frontier Science, which also enable individuals to be fast-tracked
- continue to ensure dependents have full access to the labour market
- preserve the route’s flexibility by not requiring an individual to hold an offer of employment before arriving or tying them to one specific job
- provide an accelerated path to settlement for all scientists and researchers who are endorsed on the route
- provide for an exemption from the Home Office’s absence rules for researchers, and their dependants, where they are required overseas for work-related purposes, ensuring they are not penalised when they apply for settlement”
Further detail will be available when new Immigration Rules are laid on 30 January 2020.
