Home Office to launch new fast-track immigration offer

THE home office will launch a new fast-track immigration offer for selected individuals with skills in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) subjects, 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 at will.

At the end of three years, those on the scheme would be able to apply for indefinite leave to remain giving a permanent right to reside in the UK and access to benefits and healthcare on the same basis as British citizens.

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

Individuals will be able to bring dependants (spouses/partners and children), with adult dependants having full access to the labour market.

This initiative will ensure that those with specialist skills in STEM subjects can come to the UK and make an important contribution to our leading science and research sector, significantly enhancing the intellectual and knowledge base of the UK.

The home office, together with the department for business, energy and industrial strategy and the scientific community, will do all to facilitate access for this specialist and skilled cohort of individuals to come and work, study and live in the UK, said a release from the home office.