Elite award winners will now be offered fast-track visas to the UK under a new points-based immigration reform, the Home Office announced on Wednesday.
As part of the UK government's bid to attract the "best and brightest" from around the world, those eligible to apply include international stars who have won an Oscar, Grammy, Bafta, Brit, Tony or Golden Globe, as well as scientists and authors who have been awarded a Nobel Prize. Click here to see the full list of who is eligible.
In the past, the application process was known as the “global talent visa route” and meant that those looking for a visa to the UK had to receive an endorsement from one of six bodies. However, the new change will allow people who qualify to use a single application process instead.
The visa will allow people to stay and work in the UK for up to five years at a time, with the option to extend for another one or up to five years after the original visa expires.
"Winners of these awards have reached the pinnacle of their career and they have so much to offer the UK. These important changes will give them the freedom to come and work in our world leading arts, sciences, music and film industries as we build back better," said UK Home Secretary Priti Patel.
"This is exactly what our new point-based immigration system was designed for – attracting the best and brightest based on the skills and talent they have, not where they've come from," she said.
Since completing its exit from the European Union, Britain has introduced a new system for work visas based on points, which are on a scale depending, among other things, on the type of job offer, qualifications and the ability to speak English.
