We know that there is a great deal uncertainty about what Brexit will mean for the UK’s immigration system. Some of you may have seen coverage in the press about the creation of a new route to living and working in the UK for architects with “exceptional talent or exceptional promise”. This note sets out some of the background to the announcements, how it came about and how the RIBA has been involved. The RIBA website contains a full overview of the application process and eligibility criteria for the new Tier 1 visa.
What Tier 1 is
The Tier 1 Exceptional Talent visa is open to those who are “recognised” or “emerging” leaders in their fields. With a total limit of 2,000 visas per year, it is a relatively small part of the UK’s broader work visa system. Applicants are required to demonstrate their eligibility to one of three “Designated Competent Bodies” covering science, technology and the arts. At the moment, the list of eligible occupations include artists, actors, fashion designers and film and television workers.
How was the RIBA involved in the process?
In early 2018, the RIBA was approached by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport about the opportunity to add architecture to the list of sectors covered by Tier 1. The RIBA Practice and Profession Committee decided to support this request and we have been working with the Government to develop the criteria and put an assessment process in place.
Why did the RIBA decide to get involved?
The RIBA has repeatedly highlighted the value and importance of migration to the UK’s architectural sector. Together with our partners at the RTPI, CIOB and RICS we’ve lobbied government directly on the need for a migration system that recognises the value that the international movement of people generates both in the UK and abroad. However, we also recognise the political realities around migration. At the 2017 election both the government and the Labour Party committed to ending the free movement of people between the UK and EU. As disappointing as this position is, we have been working on the assumption that whichever party is in power, it is highly likely that the UK’s migration system will change dramatically over the coming years. Our aim is to ensure that the UK’s status as a great place for architects from around the world to live and work is protected.
Was there an alternative?
Yes, the RIBA could have decided to decline the opportunity to participate in the scheme. However, this would have meant architects would not have been eligible to apply for Tier 1 visas. The RIBA’s Practice and Profession Committee decided that while this scheme was only likely to be relevant to a small number of architects, this was an opportunity that the RIBA should pursue on behalf of the profession.
What Tier 1 is not
In our discussions with the Home Office, DCMS and other politicians, the RIBA has been clear that the Tier 1 visa is not the answer to the uncertainty around migration caused by the decision to leave the EU. We expect an Immigration White Paper to be released soon which should present the plans for the future of the migration system in greater detail.
What are we doing?
During 2018, the RIBA has carried out extensive research on migration. This has included roundtables with EU architects who currently live and work in the UK and a detailed survey of their careers, interests and hopes and fears about Brexit. We will publishing this data and our recommendations for an overhauled migration system in early 2019. We have also hosted numerous events bringing together members, civil servants and politicians to highlight the role that international migration has played in supporting the development of the UK’s architecture sector. The RIBA will continue to champion the role that architects from around the world play in the success of our sector.
