During a visit to Tech City, Britain’s answer to Silicon Valley, in east London today, Mr Cameron will outline plans for the Government to open up the Exceptional Talent visa route, which is usually reserved for international leaders in science and the arts.
Before, these applications were limited in number and needed to be put forward by bodies such as the Royal Academy of Engineering, British Academy or Arts Council England. It is not yet known how many slots will be allocated to Tech City, but the pathway will be open from April next year.
The idea is that Tech City, a government-backed body that promotes technology companies across London, will begin working with the Home Office so that recognised professionals can emigrate to the UK under the Exceptional Talent visa scheme.
Speaking recently at the three year anniversary of Tech City the Prime Minister said the digital business hub was an “enormous success story that we can be really, really proud of”.
The Prime Minister will also unveil a £15.5 million funding package to support innovative firms as he pledges to “make Britain the best place in the world in which to start and grow a business”.
It comes as a report reveals the sector grew by 16 per cent between 2009 and 2012 in London and is behind 27 per cent of all job growth the city, employing around 582,000 people.
Find out more about the Tier 1 Exceptional Talent visa route and if it might be open to you.