As the nation celebrates the success of Emma Raducanu at the US Open and the return of Cristiano Ronaldo to the Premier League (depending on which team you support), the Home Office announced fast-track routes for gifted stars to come to the UK.

From October 2021, the new International Sportsperson route will replace the existing Tier 2 and Tier 5 options for sportspeople and their sponsors.  Moreover, 73 prizes are added to the Global Talent Visa category to widen the eligibility criteria for those who are exceptional in the arts, science, engineering, medicine and other fields.

"Through our points-based system we focus on talent and skills, not where someone comes from, and the immigration changes we’re making today demonstrate this, making it much easier for the brightest and best to live and work in the UK."  

As highlighted by the Home Secretary, the key focuses of the new UK immigration system are "talent" and "skills".  

It is interesting to note that variations of the word "simple" appear four times in this relatively short announcement published by the Home Office.  Applicants and practitioners are well aware that UK immigration applications are often far from simple.  Therefore, those who are interested in moving to the UK should seek advice and consider which visa option is best suited to their circumstances.

We have a particular specialism in advising high net worth individuals on complex issues and interactions between UK immigration and tax law including the UK tax implications of moving to the UK, pre-immigration tax planning, tax residence, domicile, settlement and naturalisation.  Please do not hesitate to get in touch if you have any questions.