The government has today announced the way that it will encourage exceptionally talented leaders in the fields of science, humanities, engineering and the arts to come to the UK.

The new Tier 1 (Exceptional talent) category will open on 9 August 2011. This new category will facilitate not only those who have already been recognised but also those with the potential to be recognised as leaders in their respective fields. There is a limit of 1,000 places in the first year of operation. There will be 500 places available between the 9 August and 30 November and a further 500 places available from the 1 December to 31 March 2012. The number of places will be reviewed at the end of March 2012.

Tier 1 (Exceptional talent) will be overseen by world-renowned 'competent bodies', which will advise the UK Border Agency on these 'exceptionally talented' migrants to ensure that they are the brightest and best in their field:

• the Royal Society, a fellowship of the world's most eminent scientists, will be able to nominate up to 300 places;
• Arts Council England, the national development agency for the arts, will also be able to nominate up to 300 places;
• the Royal Academy of Engineering, Britain’s national academy for engineering, will have up to 200 places to nominate; and
• the British Academy, the national academy for the humanities and social sciences will be able to nominate up to 200 places.