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British Fashion Council supports visa scheme for creative fashion talent

Lauretta Roberts
06 July 2018

The British Fashion Council (BFC) has been working with Arts Council England (ACE), in partnership with the Home Office and the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, to expand and promote the Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent) visa to fashion industry applicants.

From today (6 July), the BFC will act as an independent assessor for Tier 1 Exceptional Talent visa applications in the fashion industry, to secure a new route for talented designers and fashion sector creatives to work in the UK.

The number of Tier 1 visas the government is willing to approve was increased in November 2017 from 1,000 to 2,000, and half of these will be allocated on a demand-led basis. This presents fashion with a key opportunity to attract and retain key designers, talent and creatives, the BFC said.

A Tier 1 Exceptional Talent visa is available to individuals from outside the European Economic Area & Switzerland who have been endorsed in their field in arts, humanities, engineering or science as a recognised (exceptional talent) or emerging leader (exceptional promise).

Exceptional Talent is defined as those individuals who have established themselves as world class, are internationally recognised and have won awards across their peer group. Applicants of Exceptional Promise may have previously been shortlisted for an international award. Successful applicants are granted a five-year visa, which is open to extension if the candidate can prove their exceptional talent.

BFC CEO Caroline Rush said: “In light of Brexit, the British Fashion Council were thrilled to work with the Arts Council and the DCMS to extend the opportunity for talented individuals to secure Tier 1 visas, allowing them to continue to work as fashion designers in the UK and contribute to our growing industry. This is a great example of positive change to support the creative industries to improve access to the best international talent.”

Margot James, Minister of State for the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport added: “The UK is a global fashion capital and home to world-renowned brands such as Burberry, Alexander McQueen and Ozwald Boateng. Our innovative designers and fashion houses not only showcase the nation's creative zeal but are also are a vital part of the economy. We are determined to do to all we can to support this hugely successful sector and these new visas will make it easier for brands to recruit the talent they need to continue to succeed in the future.”

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