Oxford's "Admission on academic ability and academic potential alone" statement sharply contrasts with well-known US admission practices.

http://www.ox.ac.uk/admissions/international_students/

AFAIK, college *domestic* admissions in Germany is on merit alone too. (I guess that would also apply to international admissions.)

HowlerKarma - UK in particular has "Exceptional Talent" visa (unfortunately, only about 1000 for sciences / per year) and general science and engineering employment visas.