In the March 2021 Budget, the UK Government announced they would be modernising the immigration system to attract and retain highly skilled, globally mobile talent. This is within the fields of academia, science, research and technology. The Government announced some of the following initiatives:

• Introduce by March 2022, an ‘elite points-based visa,’ which would include a ‘scale up’ visa. This would allow those with a job offer from a recognised UK scale up to qualify for a fast-track visa. Further details on this below.
• Reforming the Global Talent visa
• Reviewing the Innovator visa to make it easier for experienced and skilled persons to establish innovative businesses
• Expansion of the Global Entrepreneur Programme and exploring the building of an overseas talent network
• By spring 2022, to launch the Global Business Mobility visa for overseas businesses to establish a presence or transfer staff to the UK

In the Government’s Autumn Budget and Spending Review 2021, it was noted that ‘it is vital that innovative businesses have access to the talent and skills they need. High-skilled migration boosts innovation, jobs and competitiveness.’

Although the Government are still due to outline the full details and eligibility requirements, at GNR Solicitors we have outlined some of main launches expected in spring 2022: Scale up, High Potential Individual, revitalised Innovator route and Global Business Mobility visas.

Scale up route

The government proposes to allow talented individuals with a high skilled job offer from a qualifying scale up at the required salary level, to come to the UK. The information released by the government so far are as follows, although could be subject to change once further details on the application process is issued:

• Scale ups will be able to apply through a fast-track verification process
• They will need to demonstrate an annual average revenue or employment growth rate over a three-year period greater than 20%
• A requirement to have a minimum of 10 employees at the start of the three-year period.
• Eligible applicants will be able to work, switch jobs or employers.
• Eligible applicants will be able to extend their visa and settle in the UK, subject to meeting specific requirements.
• Applicant’s will also be required to pass the language proficiency requirements and have a high-skilled job offer with a salary of at least £33,000 from an eligible business.

High Potential Individual route

This route is to allow internationally mobile individuals who can demonstrate high potential to come to the UK. This will allow applicants who have graduated from a top global university to be considered. The UK government have indicated that they will explore the scope and consider expanding eligibility to other characteristics of high potential. The definition of ‘other characteristics of high potential’ will need to be reviewed to determine eligibility, once complete guidance has been issued.

There will be no requirement for a job offer, providing individuals the flexibility to switch jobs or employers and make contributions to the economy of the UK. Eligible individuals will be able to extend their visa and settle in the UK.

Revitalised Innovator route

This visa will allow innovators and entrepreneurs from overseas to start and operate a business in the UK that is venture -backed or harnesses innovative technologies. The Government is looking to streamline the eligibility criteria, fast-tracking applications and building flexibility. Further details are expected on the full eligibility requirements.

Global Business Mobility visa 

Currently, the Intra-company transfer visa allows employees to come to the UK to do an eligible job at their employer’s UK branch. The government is looking to make improvements in line with their wider sponsorship transformation project. The new sponsorship system will ‘make it easier for overseas businesses to assign and manage workers coming to the UK under the Global Business Mobility route.’

If your organisation requires support with sponsorship or visa applications, our immigration team at GNR Solicitors can assist your business with every aspect of sponsoring overseas workers as well as with all the compliance requirements and ongoing legal duties.

We are holding a business immigration webinar on 9th February at 12pm called: "What is a UK visa sponsorship licence and when do employers need to apply for one." To learn more on this event click here. 

It should be noted that the above information is correct as per the latest government announcements in 2021 but may be subject to change. The precise immigration eligibility requirements in relation to the above visa categories is expected spring 2022. The above does not constitute legal advice.