On 10th September 2021, the UK government announced further simplifications to the Immigration Rules, focused on high-achieving individuals.
International Sportsperson route announced
The publication outlined the creation of a new fast-track International Sportsperson visa route, that is said to make it easier for professional athletes to work in the UK.
This route is said to open next month and will be solely dedicated to simplifying the process of visa application for sportspeople and their sponsors. It will bring together and replace the current Tier 2 and Tier 5 paths.
Adjustments to the Global Talent Visa
Individuals who have won prestigious awards in arts, science, engineering, medicine and more will be able to use the awards to their advantage when it comes to applying for the Global Talent Visa. Applicants who hold a qualifying prize will be able to fast-track the endorsement application and instead make a single visa application.
Among the 73 prestigious awards added to the Global Talent Visa are:
- Science, engineering, humanities and medicine: Benjamin Franklin Medal, Faraday Medal, L’Oréal-UNESCO Award for Women in Science, Wolf Prize categories;
- Arts and culture: the Booker Prize, Queen Elizabeth Competition categories, International Dublin Literary Award;
- Film and television: best supporting actor and actress across the Academy Awards, BAFTA and Golden Globes.
