Blog
Pointless points based posturing in Government’s new immigration policy proposals
Katie Newbury
From 20 February 2020, the Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent) category changed to Global Talent.
Applicants with ‘exceptional talent’ or ‘exceptional promise’ can apply for endorsement by a recognised body, including:
- Tech Nation
- The Royal Society
- The Royal Academy of Engineering
- The British Academy
- Arts Council England
- UK Research and Innovation
Stringent documentary requirements and detailed assessment criteria are in place for all endorsing bodies. Successfully applying for endorsement can be challenging, even for the most talented applicants.
For more detailed information on endorsement from Tech Nation and how to apply, please see our Global Talent FAQs.
How we can assist
Our specialist private client immigration team has a wealth of experience assisting clients with complex exceptional talent and exceptional promise applications. We can assist in preparation of the necessary documentation and help to ensure your application is fast tracked as much as possible by the endorsing body and by the Home Office once the subsequent visa application is submitted.
As a full service law firm, we can provide coordinated advice that you and your business need, including employment law advice, corporate and commercial, tax, regulatory and property.
Marcia Longdon
Partner
Katie Newbury
Partner
Nicolas Rollason (Français)
Partner and Head of Department
Kim Vowden (Français)
Partner
Kim Vowden
Partner
Ilda de Sousa
Partner
Elspeth Guild
Legal Counsel
Emma Fowler
Senior Associate (FCILEx)
Robert Houchill
Senior Associate
Oliver Oldman
Senior Associate
Josephine Burnett
Associate
Emma Dauriac (Francais)
Associate
Emma Dauriac
Associate
Elli Graves
Associate
Kate Harding
Associate
Bukunmi Osuntoki
Associate
Tim Richards
Professional Support Lawyer
Vandana Ruda
Associate
Isabelle Turner
Associate
Abigail Watt
Associate
Melissa Field
Senior Paralegal
Bethany Hall
Trainee Solicitor
Jemima Watkins
Paralegal
Ellis Chan
Immigration Advisor
Shahirur Choudhury
Immigration Advisor
Nardos Engeda
Immigration Advisor (Global Lead)
Olivia James
Senior Immigration Advisor
Radhika Patel
Immigration Advisor
Alexandria Shahade
Immigration Specialist
Jacklyn Widjaja
Immigration Advisor
Latest blogs & news
Permission to Visit - Goldilocks and the Three Bank Statements
From UKVI’s published statistics on immigration applications, in the most recent reported quarter (March to June 2025) UKVI received 938,527 visit visa applications – the highest ever reported in at least the last 20 years. In that quarter, UKVI also refused 156,659 visit visa applications (and issued 790,708 visas), unsurprisingly, also the highest number reported. The refusal rate for this quarter (which will not cover all applications received) was just shy of 20%.
Suspension of the UK’s Refugee Family Reunion scheme: an afront to the principle of family unity
The Secretary of State for the Home Department (“SSHD”) Yvette Cooper has trained her crosshairs squarely on foreign national families in her recent announcement, declaring the suspension and reform of the refugee family reunion scheme and a review of “the application of Article 8 in the immigration and asylum system.” The suspension came with a statement of changes to the Immigration Rules today at 3pm.
What to do if you receive a civil penalty for illegal working
UKVI can issue a whopping fine of up to £60,000 to a company that is alleged to have employed someone illegally in the UK. The size of the fine is partly determined by whether the breach is a first for the business or not.
Why more Americans are seeking British citizenship in 2025
As political and economic uncertainties continue to shape the global landscape, a growing number of Americans are setting their sights on the United Kingdom, not just for travel or business, but for a new life altogether.
The UK Government’s plan for AI and the UK immigration White Paper
At the start of the year, the Prime Minister outlined the UK Government's vision for making the UK a global leader in AI innovation in its response to the AI Opportunities Action Plan. But does the UK really have a competitive offering for AI talent?
EU nationals – top tips for applying for your Student visa this summer
For EU nationals looking to start university in the UK this year, we’ve set out some key issues to consider before applying for your Student visa.
Tech Nation Wins Tender to Continue as Endorsing Body for Global Talent Visa
Tech Nation has confirmed on its website that it has successfully been awarded the status of endorsing body for the UK’s Global Talent visa in digital technology for the next three years. This provides much-welcomed certainty for the Global Talent route which, in my view, is the jewel in the UK’s visa crown.
A back-up for those with US immigration difficulties – common issues when transferring staff to the UK
In a flurry of executive orders, the uncertainty created by the US administration’s approach to immigration has left many US businesses seeking options to retain high-valued migrant staff, especially after failed lotteries and quota issues. Invariably the UK figures prominently in the thinking of many businesses as a potential destination for staff who are at a dead-end from a US immigration perspective – either as a permanent or temporary relocation.
Linking skills with visas: why the UK must not repeat Australia’s mistakes
In our last blog on this topic, we looked at the Government’s announcement that it would publish a White Paper which will set out its plans to link the ability to sponsor migrant workers to training “people here in our country.” The White Paper is now imminent.
New extension scheme but there’s still no route to settlement for Ukrainian nationals in the UK
In response to the invasion of Ukraine by Russian armed forces in February 2022, the UK government introduced various immigration routes for Ukrainian nationals seeking safety in the UK. However, recent updates to the Immigration Rules regarding the Long Residence route have made clear that time spent in the UK under the Ukraine Schemes no longer counts toward the 10-year qualifying period required for settlement.
Going nuclear - new immigration ideas needed for new energy
As the UK embarks on the construction of new energy infrastructure, most notably new nuclear power stations, industry insiders will be well aware of the stark challenges that face these projects.
Brexit: Five years on – A nation adrift
On Friday 31st January 2020 the UK officially left Europe via the Withdrawal Agreement. Five years on and it is difficult to look at the challenges the UK faces and not question whether it has been very problematic for the UK’s economy. Please indulge me to reflect on the last five years.
Timetable for full rollout of UK Electronic Travel Authorisation Scheme
The announcement on the UK’s Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme finally shed light on when it will be expanded to the remaining 83 other countries.
UK Immigration: a year in review and 2025 forecast unveiled
We are familiar with change in immigration but even for us, 2024 has been a monumental year.
Linking skills with visas? Just make sure the Immigration Skills Charge does what it says on the tin
In his speech last week, Sir Keir Starmer, the UK Prime Minister, announced plans to publish a White Paper which will link the ability to sponsor migrant workers to training “people here in our country”.
It used to be so straightforward – sponsor licence application refusals dramatically increase
When someone sets out a process and gives your instructions, you kind of expect when you follow the instructions to achieve the desired outcome, like assembling some flatpack furniture.
Unlocking potential: fresh ideas to attract fresh talent on the Global Talent visa
Nearly 10 months have passed since the Home Office put the contract to take over from Tech Nation as the Global Talent digital technology endorsing body out for tender, and we have been waiting for a meaningful update. We suspect that the old adage no news is good news probably doesn’t apply here.
International adoption: Growing families across borders – how to navigate bringing your child home to the UK
21 October to 27 October 2024 marks National Adoption Week in the UK, the aim of which is to recognise and highlight the importance of adoption and, also, to encourage more people to consider adoption as a way to build their family.
International surrogacy – key immigration considerations
Growing your family through international surrogacy comprises many legal and logistical aspects. Managing these, at what can be a very busy and emotional time, can be extremely challenging.
Timetable confirmed for full rollout of UK Electronic Travel Authorisation Scheme
Today’s announcement on the UK’s Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme finally sheds light when it will be expanded to the remaining 83 other countries.
