Scheme Eases Entry into UK for Researchers

The UK government has changed the Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent Route) Visa Entry Scheme for international researchers to a new, fast-track visa scheme to help attract the world’s top scientists, researchers and mathematicians. The scheme, which opened on Feb 20, has no cap on the number of people able to come to the UK. Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, said: “The UK has a proud history of scientific discovery, but to lead the field and face challenges of the future we need to continue to invest in talent and cutting edge research. That is why as we leave the EU and level up skills and opportunity across the country I want to send a message that the UK is open and stands ready to support the brightest minds to turn their ideas into reality.”

UK Research and Innovation Chief Executive, Professor Sir Mark Walport said: “Our ambition is clear: to create a stronger research and innovation environment that is focussed on supporting talented people and realising the full potential of their work. The new Global Talent Visa, including extensions to the existing fast-track process, will be welcomed across the community and will provide further support to our universities and institutions in their international ambition.”

The changes mean that, for the first time, UK Research and Innovation will endorse applicants from the scientific and research community. This new scheme allows researchers and specialists who are named, or whose role is named, on a grant from an endorsed funder to apply for a fast track visa.

The changes also expand the number of individual fellowships that are covered by a scheme administered by The Royal Society, the Royal Academy of Engineering and The British Academy. The announcement doubles the number of eligible fellowships under this scheme. EPSRC-STFC Stephen Hawking Fellowships and the NERC-UKRI Landscape Decision Fellowships will join other fellowships already eligible, including the UKRI Future Leaders Fellowships.

Further details on the Research and Innovation Visa Scheme can be found at www.ukri.org and at www.gov.uk

Details of the schemes administered by national academies can be found at www.royalsociety.org ; www.raeng.org ; www.thebritishacademy.ac.uk