UK government announces new fast-track visa for STEM talent

The UK government has announced its plans to create a new fast-track visa to entice the world’s top talent with skills in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), to migrate to the UK.

Building on the existing Tier 1 Exceptional Talent visa route, the new scheme will provide eligible individuals with a three-year visa, during which they can come and go from the UK as they choose. At the end of those three-years, individuals on the scheme will then be eligible for indefinite leave to remain and able to bring dependants (spouses and children) along with them who will have full access to the labour market.

There will be no minimum salary requirement and unlike the existing Tier 2 route for skilled workers, individuals will not need to secure a job before arriving in the UK.

The new fast-track route will expand the opportunities available for the STEM field, with the aim of widening the current criteria and removing the requirement for those endorsed as Exceptional Promise to have been awarded a prestigious research fellowship. By opening up this route, individuals who are integral to the STEM field will have the opportunity to come to the UK and make important contributions to the UK’s leading science and research sector, which will significantly enhance the intellectual knowledge base of the UK.

If you would like further information, please contact our Employment lawyer, Angharad Aspinall.