The UK will aim to attract more top scientists to the country by offering fast tracked entry to world leading scientists and researchers.
Home Secretary, Priti Patel, has announced that the number of eligible fellowships which can offer accelerated endorsement for visas for scientists wanting to conduct research in the UK will almost double from 62 to over 120.
individuals who receive these fellowships will only need to provide a letter from a relevant funding organisation, which will see them fast-tracked to the Home Office / UKVI visa application stage where immigration checks will be carried out.
“The UK is already a world leader in science, with some of the most exciting and innovative research being undertaken here in this country,” said Minister Patel. “We want to make sure the UK continues to be at the forefront of innovation, so we need an immigration system that attracts the sharpest minds from around the globe.
“As part of this ambitious plan, we are taking decisive action to boost the number of top scientists and elite researchers who can benefit from fast-tracked entry into the UK.”
The revised list of fellowships will be added to the existing Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent) route, which is the beginning of a wider package of measures to welcome the brightest and best researchers to the UK.
As announced in August 2019, the Home Office will be bringing forward the plans to abolish the cap on the numbers under the Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent) route and an accelerated path to settlement who arrive under this scheme.
Article published 6th January 2019