Government Seeks to Encourage Immigration of International Talent

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Executive Summary

The UK government will accelerate the path to settlement for the best international scientific and research talent in order to promote growth in innovative technology, research and development.

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The situation

In the UK's 2017 Autumn budget, the UK government has set out plans to encourage the best international scientific and research talent to work in the United Kingdom in order to promote growth in innovative technology, research and development.

A closer look

The government will:

• Change immigration rules to enable world-leading scientists and researchers, as well as those in the technology and arts sectors, who are endorsed under the Tier 1, Exceptional Talent, route to apply for settlement after three years, rather than five at present;
• Allow highly-skilled students to apply more quickly for work in the United Kingdom after finishing their degrees; and
• Reduce bureaucratic impediments to hiring international researchers and members of established research teams through the relaxation of the labor market test and by allowing the UK’s research councils and other select organizations to sponsor researchers.

 

Looking ahead

Foreign nationals and employers should be aware that new opportunities for potential employment and sponsorship will arise from these changes in UK law.

This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen or send an email to [email protected].