'Competent body' for Tier 1 immigration

The government is currently implementing a range of reforms to the UK immigration system. One of these reforms includes the introduction of a new exceptional talent/exceptional promise route (Tier 1) which makes provision for up to 1000 of the brightest and best in the fields of science, humanities, engineering and the arts who wish to work in the UK.

Applicants wishing to enter the UK through Tier 1 must have the endorsement of a body designated by the UK government as capable of recognising exceptional talent and exceptional promise.  The Government currently recognises four such “competent bodies” whose endorsement will be accepted.  As part of this pilot, the Royal Society has agreed to become a competent body.  We will consider endorsing applicants who wish to enter the UK through Tier 1 that have shown exceptional talent or exceptional promise in their field within the Natural and Medical Sciences.

Other Competent bodies include:

• The Arts Council - For arts and culture applications
• The British Academy - For humanities and social science applications
• The Royal Academy of Engineering - For engineering applications

The route will be operational from 9 August, and in the first year there will be a total of 500 places available until the 30 November and a further 500 available from 1 December to 31 March 2012.

Full details of the route, as well as the criteria for each of the designated competent bodies can be found on the UK Border Agency website. For further information on eligibility and to download the eligibility criteria and application form please see the 'Request for endorsement by a designated competent body'.

All enquiries should be directed to the UK Border Agency.