Everything You Need To Know About The Tier 1 Exceptional Talent Stage 2 Application

The Tier 1 Exceptional Talent Visa allows skilled and “exceptionally talented” individuals in science, engineering, humanities, medicine, digital technology, the arts and fashion to come live and work in the UK. The Visa is a very solid initiative from the UK Government to attract and retain people who will bring value to the UK’s economy. I am very lucky to have received the endorsement as a “World Leading Exceptional Talent in Digital Technology” back in May 2017 and have made it a point of duty to create content around this visa field and also create ways to help other aspiring applicants apply with more confidence.

I am very humbled that my blog has the most in-depth information and articles on the Tier 1 Exceptional Talent Visa and am glad that it has become a go-to hub for aspiring applicants. If this is the first time you are hearing about the Tier 1 Exceptional Talent Visa, be sure to read this post “How I Got and How To Get A UK Tech Nation Exceptional Talent Visa Endorsement” as it will give you some solid information what the visa is about, the Stage 1 process, how I got mine and how you can too.

Or check my dedicated category on Tier 1 Exceptional Talent Visa Guidance. So, before you can get the Visa, you need to have been endorsed and this is done in the Stage 1 process. I won’t be talking about that process in this post. I have a dedicated category for that. The stage 2 is my favorite because it is very very straight forward. Immediately you get your endorsement letter, the stage 1 process is done and you are 80% complete with the whole process.

All you have to do is apply for the Visa; you only need a printed copy of your endorsement letter and your passport to apply (and maybe your Tuberculosis Test results if you are from countries where that is required, like Nigeria where I am from)

What You Need To Apply for Stage 2.

• Endorsement Letter: In order to be able to apply for the Stage 2 Visa process, you MUST have been endorsed! The endorsement letter is the single most important document needed.
• Your Passport: Hopefully, you have a passport :). You will need to submit your international passport along with your documents just like you would for any other Visa application.
• Tuberculosis Test Result: You would need to have a TB test done and attach the result with your Stage 2 application if you are from any of these countries.
• Health Surcharge Fee: You must have paid your Health Surcharge Fee when applying for the stage 2 visa, the amount you would pay depends on the amount of years you request for (if endorsed, you can get up to 5years and 4months visa). I just checked my records and saw that as of May 24 2017, I paid $1,474 for 5 years Health Surcharge.
• Visa Application Fee: Obviously, you need to pay for the stage 2 Visa application. The price keeps changing, so be sure to check the official UK Government page to see the updated price.

That pretty much sums up all the documents or payments you need to make for your stage 2 application process in my opinion. It is very important to apply for your visa (stage 2) within 3 months from the time you received your endorsement from the designated body (Tech Nation for example for Tech applicants). I like to believe that this stage is very simple, it is less tiring and brain tasking than the stage 1 where you have to prove you are an exceptional talent.

I remember when I was about to apply for the Visa at the Lagos, Nigeria Visa center. The staffs were so astonished and were asking me “How did you do it” because this type of visa is very rare and they asked this when they read the endorsement letter and it’s content. So, some people ask – do you need a lawyer / solicitor for the stage 2 application process? Well, it depends, I didn’t make use of one because the process is straight forward in my opinion.

However, if you feel the need to make use of one, go for it. It’s all about personal preferences. As for me, when I got the endorsement letter on May 23rd 2017, I started the Visa application the next day! Yes, the next day! I was so happy, I wanted to leave Nigeria ASAP because fortunately for me, my Masters convocation was in July, So I wanted to ensure I got my visa on time to be able to arrive in London before my Convocation.

I am so grateful to God for the perfect timing and favour he showed me because being in the UK under the Tier 1 Exceptional Talent has really given me the freedom to create ad find myself. For everyone who has been endorsed and passed through the Stage 1 process, congratulations and good luck in the stage 2 application.