Winners of ‘prestigious prizes’ – including Nobel prizes and Fields Medals – can relocate to the UK more easily following changes to the fast-track ‘global talent’ immigration route that have been announced by the Home Office.

The global talent visa is a route for highly skilled individuals from various fields to obtain the right to live and work in the UK. Launched in February 2020, the scheme requires applicants to receive an endorsement from one of six approved bodies including the Royal Society, the Royal Academy of Engineering and UK Research and Innovation. It aims to attract top international talent to the country, with no cap placed on the number of visas that can be approved.

Now, the government has announced that winners of certain high-profile awards can apply for a global talent visa, without requiring an endorsement. The government’s list of eligible prizes includes the Nobel prizes, the Fields Medal and the Millennium Technology prize. Winners of Golden Globes, Academy and Tony awards can also benefit from the streamlined system.