Tier 1 Architect Visa

A raft of recent immigration law changes has brought with it the extension of the Tier 1 Exceptional Talent Visa to now allow architects to apply. The decision comes after a years worth of partnership between RIBA and the government. The extension of the route to architects promises a new dawn for architecture in the UK, and offers fantastic options for talented architects who are leaders in their field to come to the UK to live and work. In this article we are going to take a look at the Tier 1 Exceptional Talent visa in further detail and break down some crucial information for those who would like to apply.

What Is The Eligibility Criteria For The Tier 1 Exceptional Talent Visa?

The process for the Tier 1 Exceptional Talent Visa is quite in-depth. The reasoning is that the route is one of the more generous available in the UK and therefore is likely to be heavily applied for. The rigorous two-step process ensures that only the best and brightest applicants are allowed to come to the UK to live and work. The two-step process consists of first having your application endorsed by the Home Office - this asserts that you are indeed a leader or emerging talent in your field, you can then move onto the visa application itself.

The visa has a strict limit of 2,000 applicants annually - this is due to the generosity of the visa and the possibility that applications will be low due to the stringent nature of the eligibility criteria. As with most UK visas, you will expect a decision in around 8 weeks and you cannot apply more than three months before you are due to visit the UK.

How Long Can I Stay In The UK For On A Tier 1 Exceptional Talent Visa?

The Tier 1 Exceptional Talent Visa is one of the UK’s most generous, it allows an almost automatic right to settle given the length of stay offered to applicants (5 years and 4 months if you apply for the visa from outside of the UK, or 5 years if you make your application from within the UK). The automatic length of stay given to applicants really does make the Tier 1 Exceptional Visa a great option for those who are eligible to move to the UK to live and work.

As well as offering an excellent length of stay for those who are eligible, the Tier 1 Exceptional Talent Visa also allows applicants to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) in the UK after just 3 years (5 for those on an Exceptional Promise eligibility). This makes the Tier 1 Exceptional Visa a great option for those who are looking to relocate to the UK on a permanent basis, and gives them a real platform to be able to do so. This option to settle early in the UK is also available to your family members (partner & dependents) thus making the Tier 1 Exceptional Talent Visa an ideal option for those who are looking to bring family with them.

Can I Bring Family Members To The UK On A Tier 1 Exceptional Talent Visa?

Yes. You are able to bring with you your partner and any dependent child under 18 (or over 18 if they are currently in the UK as a dependent i.e. switching visa). Your partner or dependents will need to file an application online in order to join you in the UK (if they come with you, they will be on your application). There will be a fee for them to pay as well as further fees such as the Immigration Health Surcharge. They will also need to provide biometric information. For more information on bringing family members to the UK on a Tier 1 Exceptional Talent Visa, get in touch and our team will be happy to assist.

Can I Work As Self-employed On A Tier 1 Exceptional Talent Visa?

Yes. You can and a work for yourself on a Tier 1 Exceptional Talent Visa as an architect - you can also take employment with a company. The Tier 1 Exceptional Talent Visa is one of the more generous visa routes in the UK, and for this reason has an arduous application process. Once you pass this application process and are granted a visa, you are free to set up on your own as an architect in the UK or join a company. The visa is fully intentioned to bring talented architects to the UK and allow them to develop their skills and businesses. This will help the sector in the long-term and put the UK at the forefront of innovation in architecture.

You will of course have some restrictions on your visa, but the Tier 1 Exceptional Talent Visa is certainly one of the more generous that is offered in the UK. You will be able to conduct business relatively freely, and for this reason the visa is likely to be heavily applied for. If you need help with your application for a Tier 1 Exceptional Talent Visa then please get in touch and our team will be happy to help you to create your application and give you the best chance of succeeding in your move to the UK.

Where Can I Get More Help With The Tier 1 Exceptional Talent Visa?

As you can see, the Tier 1 Exceptional Talent Visa offers a number of options for leaders or emerging talents in the architecture field. If you wish to take advantage of this opportunity and require some advice or help, please get in touch. Call today and our immigration lawyers will be happy to help assist you with all facets of the visa. With a long history of helping talented migrants move to the UK, we can help you complete your move - so get in touch and let us help make your move happen.