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Work, Live, Thrive in the UK
Supporting global talent to work live and thrive in UK tech through our various support services
Discover the steps to apply and begin your journey
Gain access to a global talent alumni network to support your journey
Spotlighting top talent from our Visa Programme
Understand the standards applicants need to meet to be considered for a successful endorsement
Celebrating 10 years of global talent in UK tech
Work, Live, Thrive in the UK. One of the largest tech ecosystems in the world.
The Global Talent Visa enables the best tech talent from around the world to work in the UK’s digital technology sector, contributing their cutting edge expertise and creative skills.
Whether you’re an experienced coder or an established tech marketeer, our top tier visa offers great flexibility and freedom. You and your family will be able to seize opportunities enriching your lives and careers, without having to regularly update your visa status.
Please note, Tech Nation cannot advise or respond directly to enquiries regarding endorsement applications or reviews. Please contact the Home Office in the first instance with any enquiries or issues. See the official Global Talent Visa page for more information.
Before you read on, be sure to read our summary outlining some common reasons that can lead to non-endorsement, providing a clearer understanding of the standards applicants need to meet to be considered for a successful Global Talent Visa endorsement.
Application Guide
Review the Tech Nation Application guide here
Official Guidance
Review the official guidance here
Visa Alumni Forum
Speak to our friendly alumni who’ve been successful in the application process here. Please note, this is not official immigration advice.
Change your job or start up on your own without needing to update your immigration status.
Your spouse and any children under 18 can come with you. Get more info here.
The total cost of application is only £716 per person (+ UK healthcare surcharge).
Join our network of over 2000 visa alumni members, to share your skills, knowledge and opportunities.
The Global Talent Visa allows top tech talent worldwide to contribute to the UK’s digital technology sector without being tied to a specific role, company, or job offer. Applicants apply via the following pathways:
Exceptional Talent
If you are well-established in your career (5+ years) and have a strong track record in your particular field, you should explore this pathway. If you have recognition in the technology industry through receiving reputable industry awards, speaking at prominent tech events, being featured in well known publications, either online or in print.
If technical background, you have published open source code to a reputable platform and received significant engagement.
These are just some of accomplishments that signify a strong leadership profile in the technology industry. Both technical and business skills are eligible.
Exceptional Promise
If you are earlier in your career (5 years or less), with a strong academic record or you are making significant contributions to innovative or impactful projects either in your own tech company or as an employee, this pathway could be perfect for you. You will also need to be able to:
Demonstrate your potential to be a future leader and your strong contribution to a new digital field. You should also have 3 senior stakeholders within product-led digital tech who are willing to vouch for your abilities and achievements.
All visa applications can take a while and so it’s important you give yourself enough time to prepare your application and for it to be processed. We recommend that you give yourself up to 12-weeks to prepare your application, to ensure you have enough time to gather all of the necessary documents.
Apply for endorsement. Complete the Government application form and submit your documents to Tech Nation.
UK Home Office inform you of the outcome within 8 weeks.
Apply for the Visa. Submit proof of endorsement and all biometric information (if you’re relocating with family, you’ll upload their info here too).
UK Home Office inform you of your application outcome within 3 weeks.
Awarded the Global Talent Visa? Want to join our active and vibrant Alumni Network?
Read the Home Office Official Guidance: Ensure you understand the general process and requirements.
Read the Tech Nation Guide and Application Criteria: Familiarise yourself with the specific criteria and expectations for the Tech Nation endorsement.
Conduct a Personal Audit: Evaluate your experience and achievements against the criteria outlined by Tech Nation.
Research Successful Applications: Review case studies on our Success Stories page and speak to alumni via the forum to gather insights and context. This will help you understand what a strong application looks like.
Assess Criteria and Decide Pathway: Match your background and experience to the appropriate application pathway (Talent or Promise). Determine if you meet the criteria for endorsement.
Gather Evidence: Following the Tech Nation Application Guide, collect documentation that demonstrates your achievements and experience.
Contact Referees: Reach out to professionals who will provide reference letters to support your application.
Start your application: Begin the process on the official Global Talent Visa site and pay the application fee for endorsement.
Submit to Tech Nation: Within 30 working days of submitting your Home Office form, submit your endorsement application and evidence on Tech Nation’s platform.
Notification: If endorsed, Tech Nation will notify the Home Office, who will then notify you.
Global Talent Visa Application: You have three months to apply for your visa through the Home Office website.
Right to Appeal: If you believe there was a mistake, apply for an Endorsement Review via Tech Nation. The review process is free.
Immigration Advice: The provision of immigration advice is subject to regulation by the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC) when given in the course of business, whether paid for or free. Any advice posted on this forum is the opinion of the author and must not be provided, or taken as, professional immigration advice. Should you require immigration advice and services you should ensure the adviser is regulated by the OISC or another Designated Professional Regulator.
30 days from when you submit your form to the Home Office.
Up to 8 weeks.
Up to 3 weeks. Please note this MUST be done within 3 months of receiving your endorsement.
If your endorsement application was refused and you believe a mistake was made, an endorsement review will take place 4 weeks from when you submit your review form.
09 January 2024
The Home Office has released an information notice regarding the endorsement body contract for the Global Talent Digital Technology visa route. The endorsement process for this visa route is expected to remain with Tech Nation as the endorsing body until the end of 2024, whilst the Home Office considers the option of identifying a new endorsing body or remaining with Tech Nation.
Tech Nation will continue to process endorsement applications for the Global Talent Visa on behalf of the Home Office and applicants can continue to apply as normal.
