How to Secure a Global Talent Visa for Tech Professionals.

The Digital Technology Global Talent Visa allows talented and promising individuals with technical or business skills in the digital technology sector to work in the UK. Applicants must demonstrate leadership or potential leadership in their field, as assessed by Tech Nation, the appointed endorsing body for this visa route.

Tech Nation Endorsement Criteria

For endorsement by Tech Nation, applicants in the digital technology sector must fit into one of two categories:

1. Technical Skills: Applicants who can demonstrate proficiency in creating technological infrastructure and utilizing or building technology stacks.
2. Business Skills: Applicants who can provide evidence of commercial, investment, or product expertise, either by creating digital products or managing investments in large digital enterprises.

Details of the specific careers within these categories can be found in the Tech Nation guidance document.

Note: The UK Home Office has issued an information notice regarding the endorsement process for the Digital Technology Global Talent visa. Tech Nation will remain the endorsing body until the end of 2024, while the Home Office considers whether to retain Tech Nation or appoint a new endorsing body. In the meantime, Tech Nation continues to process applications, and prospective applicants can apply as usual.

Eligibility Requirements for the Digital Technology Global Talent Visa

To qualify for the visa, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Be aged 18 or over;
• Obtain an endorsement letter from Tech Nation or win an award listed in Appendix Global Talent: Prestigious Prizes;
• Avoid falling under general grounds for refusal;
• Provide a valid TB certificate, if required.

The exact requirements may vary based on individual circumstances. Consulting an immigration lawyer is advisable for tailored advice.

Exceptional Talent Applicants

To qualify as an applicant of Exceptional Talent, you must show recognition as a leading talent in the digital technology sector within the last five years and provide evidence of at least two of the following:

1. A proven track record of innovation, such as founding or serving as a senior executive of a product-led digital technology company, or contributing to a new digital field or concept.
2. Recognition for work that goes beyond your immediate occupation and contributes to the advancement of the digital technology field.
3. Significant technical, commercial, or entrepreneurial contributions to the sector.
4. Exceptional ability demonstrated through academic contributions, such as research published or endorsed by an expert.

Exceptional Promise Applicants

To qualify as an applicant of Exceptional Promise, which indicates potential for leadership in the field, you must provide evidence of at least two of the following:

1. At least one instance of innovation as a founder or employee working on a new digital field or concept.
2. Recognition for work outside your regular occupation that advances the digital technology sector.
3. Significant contributions to the field as a founder or employee.
4. Exceptional ability demonstrated through academic research endorsed by an expert.

In all cases, applicants must provide evidence of any commercially successful businesses, share ownership, or dissolved companies where the applicant was a founder or senior executive in the last five years.

Documents Required for the Application

After submitting your endorsement application on GOV.UK, you must complete an additional application on the Tech Nation website. The following documents are required:

• Personal Statement: A statement explaining the contribution you plan to make to the UK digital technology sector.
• CV: Detailing your career and publication history (up to 3 pages of A4).
• 3 Letters of Recommendation: These letters must be written by established experts in digital technology who have known you for at least 12 months.
• Proof of connection to a technology business: If you have been a founder or senior executive in the past five years.
• Proof you meet the eligibility criteria: A maximum of 10 documents that demonstrate your qualifications.

Letters of Recommendation

Each letter must be written by an established expert and should include:

• How the writer knows you.
• Your achievements in the digital technology sector.
• How you are a leader or potential leader in the field.
• How living in the UK will benefit you and the sector.
• Your future work plans.

These letters should be signed, include contact details, and be accompanied by the author’s CV or credentials.

Proof of Connection to a Technology Business

If you were a founder or senior executive in the past five years, evidence can include:

• Audited accounts or financial projections.
• Domestic or international sales figures.

Meeting the Eligibility Criteria

You’ll need to provide a maximum of 10 documents that prove you meet the eligibility criteria. These must include:

• 2 documents proving your recognition as a leading or potential talent.
• 4 documents proving you have any two of the other necessary skills.

Each document can be up to 3 pages of A4. Your CV and letters of recommendation do not count toward the 10 pieces of evidence.

Tech Nation Endorsement Application: Additional Considerations

When assessing applicants, Tech Nation considers:

1. Your track record, career history, and international standing.
2. The strength of your letters of recommendation.
3. The potential benefits of your presence in the UK.
4. Factors like academic background, salary, or company funding.
5. The commercial impact of your previous work.

Visa Application After Endorsement

Once endorsed by Tech Nation, you have three months to apply for your Digital Technology Global Talent visa. You can apply from within the UK unless you are in certain categories, like a visitor or seasonal worker, in which case you will need to apply from outside the UK.

There is no maintenance or English language requirement for this visa category. The visa is valid for up to five years, and the duration you request will affect the Immigration Health Surcharge.

Fast-Track Route: Prestigious Prizes

If you’ve won a qualifying prestigious award, you may be able to skip the endorsement process and apply directly for the Digital Technology Global Talent visa. The list of eligible awards is available in Appendix Global Talent: Prestigious Prizes.