“I Had No Business Applying—But I Did It Anyway”
Ifeoluwa laughs as she recalls her unlikely path to the UK Global Talent Visa.
“Let me remind everyone—I’m a lawyer by training. Five years practicing law in Nigeria. When people see my tech career now, they’re shocked. I always say: ‘Yes, I used to wear wigs in court!’”
This refreshing honesty sets the tone for her extraordinary story—one that proves reinvention is possible, and exceptional opportunities often come from unexpected places.
The Moment Everything Changed
In February 2023, a friend’s casual request sparked a life-changing realization:
“She asked if I’d recommend her for the Global Talent Visa. I said sure—she ran an edtech podcast, we’d collaborated. When she got approved in two months, I thought: ‘Wait… could I?’”
At the time, Ifeoluwa was working at Amazon UK, having pivoted from law to fintech (via Flutterwave’s early days) to tech strategy. But like many immigrants, visa uncertainty loomed:
“You’re always one problem away from ‘What happens to my status?’ I needed stability. So in November, I decided: I’m applying. And I did the craziest thing…”
The 96-Hour Application Sprint
“I prepared my entire application in four days. Four. Days. I don’t recommend this—I looked exhausted! But I knew if I didn’t do it fast, I’d overthink it.”
Her secret weapon? Relentless focus on storytelling:
“The application isn’t checking boxes—it’s convincing reviewers you’re exceptional. Every document had to say: ‘This woman belongs in UK tech.’ Even my law experience became an asset—I highlighted how it shaped my strategic mindset.”
Three weeks later, the email arrived: Approved.
“I screamed so loud my neighbor knocked to check if I was okay!”
The Power of “Exceptional Talent” vs. “Promise”
Ifeoluwa applied under the Exceptional Talent category, requiring proof of sustained impact:
“This wasn’t about potential—I had to show years of leadership. My work launching Flutterwave’s expansion? Check. Advising African governments on tech policy? Check. Even my Oxford MBA played a role—but only because I connected it directly to tech strategy.”
Her golden rule for applicants:
“Your application must have one clear through-line. Mine was ‘tech strategy leader.’ If yours is ‘AI researcher’ or ‘blockchain developer,’ every piece of evidence should scream that identity.”
Life After Visa: “Immigration Officers Now Smile at Me!“
The transformation was immediate:
- No more work restrictions: “I left corporate to build my global advisory firm. No employer sponsorship needed—just pure freedom.”
- Travel without anxiety: “At Heathrow now, they see ‘Global Talent Visa’ and suddenly it’s ‘Welcome home, Ms. Ifeoluwa!’”
- Unshakable confidence: “Knowing the UK actively chose me? That changes how you walk into rooms.”
But her favorite perk? Bringing her parents to visit:
“When I got my parents their dependent visas, my dad cried. He kept saying ‘The UK wants my daughter?’ That’s when it hit me—this visa isn’t just about me.”
Her Raw Advice for Applicants
1. “Your Evidence Folder is Your Best Friend”
*”Start screenshotting everything today—event invites, thank-you emails from mentees, even DMs praising your work. I had emails from 2018 that became key evidence!”*
2. “Recommendation Letters Must Tell a Story”
“Don’t just ask for generic praise. Tell recommenders: ‘Highlight how I solved X problem with tech strategy.’ My letters wove a cohesive narrative.”
3. “If I Could Do It as a Lawyer, You Can Do It From Anywhere”
“Stop disqualifying yourself! The worst they can say is no. But what if they say yes?”
The Ultimate Mindset Shift
Ifeoluwa’s journey culminates in one powerful realization:
“This visa forced me to own my expertise. For years, I’d say ‘I’m just a lawyer trying tech.’ Now? I’m a UK-recognized tech leader. Sometimes the system needs to see you as exceptional before you believe it yourself.”
Ready to Start Your Journey?
Ifeoluwa leaves us with this challenge:
“What’s stopping you? Document one achievement today. Reach out to a potential recommender. The future belongs to those who show up—even when it’s scary.”
Follow Ifeoluwa’s work on Linkedin: Ifeoluwa Ogunbufunmi
Watch the full video: https://youtube.com/live/ZLks4aJYX-s?feature=share
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Key Takeaways in Ifeoluwa’s Voice
🔹 “My legal background became an asset—not a limitation.”
🔹 “Four days of Research and compilations got me a life-changing visa.
🔹 “At immigration now, it’s not ‘Prove you belong’—it’s ‘Welcome home.’”
🔹 “This visa isn’t just a document. It’s permission to dream bigger.”
Your turn. What’s your first step today?