
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.
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].
Explore more at Fragomen

Podcast
David Kipp von der Stiftung Wissenschaft und Politik im Gespräch mit Marius Tollenaere, Partner im Frankfurter Büro von Fragomen.

Blog post
Partner Dan Schwarz and Senior Associate Mikhail (Mike) Izrailev provide an overview of the EB-5 visa program, highlighting its benefits and key considerations for potential investors.

Blog post
Business Immigration Consultant Ryaihanny Sahrom discusses Timor-Leste's ASEAN debut and its impact on regional mobility.

Blog post
Destination Services Manager Ali Sikandar provides essential information for expats navigating the Saudi real estate market.

Blog post
This blog highlights the most significant immigration developments shaping the Middle East and Africa in 2025, drawing from Fragomen’s upcoming 2025 Regional Immigration Overviews—available mid-July.

Video
Immigration Consultant Azela Hadia covers everything you need to know about French citizenship by decree, a legal process through which a foreign national can acquire French nationality.

Blog post
This blog provides an overview of the key factors to consider when deciding in which jurisdiction to set up a company in the UAE.

Media mentions
Manager Alexander Hood explains how the UK’s Global Talent visa helps tech founders start and grow businesses without employer sponsorship.

Blog post
Partner Siobhan Owers and Senior Associate Asif Hanif discuss the latest UK immigration announcements and their impact on the future of care work.

Media mentions
Senior Business Immigration Analyst Rabaa Biry recently shared her journey to Canada and how support and perseverance helped shape her path forward.

Media mentions
Partner Abeer Al Husseini highlights how Saudi Arabia’s growing film industry is creating jobs, attracting global talent and supporting economic diversification.

Podcast
David Kipp von der Stiftung Wissenschaft und Politik im Gespräch mit Marius Tollenaere, Partner im Frankfurter Büro von Fragomen.

Blog post
Partner Dan Schwarz and Senior Associate Mikhail (Mike) Izrailev provide an overview of the EB-5 visa program, highlighting its benefits and key considerations for potential investors.

Blog post
Business Immigration Consultant Ryaihanny Sahrom discusses Timor-Leste's ASEAN debut and its impact on regional mobility.

Blog post
Destination Services Manager Ali Sikandar provides essential information for expats navigating the Saudi real estate market.

Blog post
This blog highlights the most significant immigration developments shaping the Middle East and Africa in 2025, drawing from Fragomen’s upcoming 2025 Regional Immigration Overviews—available mid-July.

Video
Immigration Consultant Azela Hadia covers everything you need to know about French citizenship by decree, a legal process through which a foreign national can acquire French nationality.

Blog post
This blog provides an overview of the key factors to consider when deciding in which jurisdiction to set up a company in the UAE.

Media mentions
Manager Alexander Hood explains how the UK’s Global Talent visa helps tech founders start and grow businesses without employer sponsorship.

Blog post
Partner Siobhan Owers and Senior Associate Asif Hanif discuss the latest UK immigration announcements and their impact on the future of care work.

Media mentions
Senior Business Immigration Analyst Rabaa Biry recently shared her journey to Canada and how support and perseverance helped shape her path forward.

Media mentions
Partner Abeer Al Husseini highlights how Saudi Arabia’s growing film industry is creating jobs, attracting global talent and supporting economic diversification.