UK Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent) visas--urgent

[wow99]

I am currently on tier 2 general and like to switch from tier 2 general to Tier 1 exceptional talent category. I have done PhD recently and have 5 international publications. Can someone who apply before or some one expert immigration adviser tell me that will I qualify for switching to tier 1 exceptional talent. I read the guidelines it is a little bit confusing...On the basis of those guidelines may be no one can qualify? I need some advices and suggestions specially from someone who applied before or have some comprehensive information and knowledge about UK Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent) visas. Thanks

[wow99]

Any suggestions and advices to above post!!!!!
Surprise no one one know....
Thanks for looking and reading the post....

[anniecc]

There have been only a handle of successful applications in this visa category to date, which is probably why no one has replied to your post.

I don't think it is possible to switch into the exceptional talent category within the UK. You would have to leave the UK and apply from your home country.

Success relies on a judgement by one of the 'competent bodies' - Royal Society, British Academy, Royal Academy of Engineering depending on your field - so it's not possible for someone on an internet forum to say whether you would qualify of not. Relevant questions would be the quality and reputation of the university awarding your PhD, whether you've published in high impact journals, whether you have been awarded any prestigious fellowships or competitive research grants, whether you have letters of support from senior academics etc. etc. Basically you need to be able to show that you have the potential to be a world-leader in your field.

[wow99]

Thank you for your reply anniecc.
The rule changes in December 2012 as
"Eligibility to apply in the UK
23. You are allowed to make an application in the UK (including switching from one immigration category to another) if you are here with permission to stay as:
• a Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent) Migrant;
• a Tier 2 (General) Migrant; or
• a Tier 5 (Temporary Worker) Migrant, sponsored in the Government Authorised Exchange sub-category in an exchange scheme for sponsored researchers".
Can see full details
Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent) of the Points Based System – Policy Guidance Version 12/2012.

I know it is really difficult to get/switch to UK Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent) visas at the moment.
Anyway Many thanks anniecc

[The Station Agent]

Are you endorsed by one of the listed bodies? If not you won't get the visa regardless of where you apply. You may be able to switch in-country but would definitely need endorsement by one of the bodies first.

[wow99]

Yes you are right...
Thank you for your reply

[mbz17]

Thank you for your reply anniecc.
The rule changes in December 2012 as
"Eligibility to apply in the UK
23. You are allowed to make an application in the UK (including switching from one immigration category to another) if you are here with permission to stay as:
• a Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent) Migrant;
• a Tier 2 (General) Migrant; or
• a Tier 5 (Temporary Worker) Migrant, sponsored in the Government Authorised Exchange sub-category in an exchange scheme for sponsored researchers".
Can see full details
Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent) of the Points Based System – Policy Guidance Version 12/2012.

I know it is really difficult to get/switch to UK Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent) visas at the moment.
Anyway Many thanks anniecc

yes above statement is true