A promising international scientist who was hoping to build a research career at the University has been prevented from doing so by UK immigration rules.

Dr Prashant Jain, an Indian researcher who holds a PhD in materials sciences, was offered a fellowship by the Department of Materials and Metallurgy to continue his research work at Cambridge.

However, he was unable to take up the fellowship because his application for a work permit was turned down by the UK Border Agency.

Speaking to Varsity, Dr Jain said, “I really wanted to work at the University of Cambridge and was quite disappointed when my visa was denied.

“I feel that the issue of visa regulations is a critical one for international researchers, who, like me, are offered a position in a UK institution, but depend on a visa to take up the position.”

He added, “I was looking forward to coming to Cambridge to start as a postdoctoral fellow, but due to the visa issues was forced into an uncertain position in terms of my future.  As I was unable to come to the UK, I have returned to Florida State University, while I apply for other research positions.”

According to current UK Border Agency rules, migrants who aim to work in the UK must apply through the points-based assessment system.

Dr Jain required 75 points to qualify for a visa. His doctorate entitled him to 45 points. To secure the remainder, he would have needed to show proof of an annual salary of £25,000 – a sum that is considered to be beyond what researchers typically earn at such an early stage in their careers.

Dr Jain’s case has alarmed many academics and researchers who think that the UK’s competitiveness in higher education and science research could be damaged by restrictive immigration policies, particularly for highly skilled workers.

This week, eight British Nobel Prize laureates, including Professor Sir John Walker, Fellow of Sidney Sussex College, signed a letter to The Times, warning that Britain’s reputation for scientific excellence would be jeopardized by government caps on immigration.

Despite the difficulties that Dr Jain faced with his visa, he has not entirely ruled out a career in the UK.

“I plan to continue my research in the US, considering the difficulties with taking up positions in the UK.  However, in the future, I would consider competitive positions in the UK if I were able to secure a visa,” he said.