What To Consider Before You Apply

Candidates who submit poor quality or insufficient supporting documents undermine their application. Such as

• Letters of recommendation that are vague, generic, or lack specific details about the candidate’s achievements and impact.
• Submission of outdated evidence, or documents that do not relate directly to the digital technology sector or the claimed achievements.
• Evidence that cannot be independently verified or lacks credibility, such as unsubstantiated claims of awards, recognitions, or contributions.

Roles in consulting, while valuable, often do not provide the opportunity to achieve industry-wide recognition in the digital technology sector. These positions typically involve advising clients rather than creating, leading, or innovating within the tech sector itself.

Roles that do not involve leading or contributing to product-led digital technology initiatives, such as IT support or infrastructure management, are insufficient to demonstrate the required impact and recognition.

Candidates who have not participated in the end-to-end process of developing and launching new digital products do not demonstrate the high level of innovation and sector impact expected.

Candidates in the early stages of their career with limited experience and no substantial impact or recognition in the digital technology sector do not meet the criteria for exceptional promise. Such as:

• Early-career professionals, such as recent graduates, often lack the depth of experience needed to show significant contributions to the field.
• Candidates who are still developing their careers and have not demonstrated a pattern of high achievement or potential for future impact fall short of the exceptional promise standard.

Candidates who fail to provide clear and compelling evidence of their leadership in the digital technology sector do not meet the criteria for exceptional talent or promise.

Candidates who have not demonstrated a clear track record of innovation in the digital technology sector. Such as:

• Applicants who cannot show they have introduced new digital concepts, created novel applications of technology, or significantly advanced existing technologies.
• Lack of patents, unique intellectual property, or any evidence of original work that pushes the boundaries of the digital technology field.

Candidates who cannot demonstrate that their work has had a significant impact beyond their immediate organisation. For example:

• Candidates whose contributions do not clearly advance the digital technology sector or influence industry practices, standards, or trends.
• Lack of involvement in industry-wide initiatives, collaborations, or efforts that extend beyond the candidate’s employer.

The Global Talent Visa is a UK immigration route aimed at exceptionally talented leaders or those with the potential to be leaders in a number of fields, including digital technology. The Digital Technology route of the visa has two pathways available: Exceptional Promise and Exceptional Talent.

Exceptional Promise applicants are likely to have less than 5 years of experience in the digital technology sector. Their experience will exemplify their promise to lead in their field, but may also be early in their technology career due to factors such as career change for example.. Exceptional Talent applicants will have 5+ years’ experience in digital technology and are already leading in their field.

The Global Talent Visa is not a general work visa. If you’re not eligible for a Global Talent visa, please visit the Home Office website to explore other ways to work in the UK.

Both pathways require applicants to demonstrate exceptional abilities, but the criteria differ to reflect the different stages of a tech career. Review the specific criteria for each pathway to determine which best aligns with your current achievements and career stage. Please note: If you are endorsed under Exceptional Promise, you can’t switch into Exceptional Talent.

Deciding between the Exceptional Promise and Exceptional Talent pathways depends on your level of experience and achievement in your tech career.

• Exceptional Promise: This pathway is designed for individuals at an early stage of their tech careers, with early career status being a mandatory requirement for eligibility.
• Exceptional Talent: This pathway is for those who are already established and recognized as leaders in their tech careers.

You can switch to the Global Talent visa whilst in the UK on another visa, however you cannot apply to switch if you’re currently in the UK in one of the following circumstances:

• on a visit visa
• on a short-term student visa
• on a Parent of a Child Student visa
• on a seasonal worker visa
• on a domestic worker in a private household visa
• on immigration bail
• you were given permission to stay outside the immigration rules, for example on compassionate grounds

You must leave the UK and apply for a Global Talent visa from abroad if you’re in one of these categories. All information on switching to the Global Talent visa can be found on the Home Office website.

There is no open or close date regarding applications for the Global Talent Visa. You can submit your application whenever you are ready.

No, we are unable to review your documents prior to submission or provide advice on the likelihood of endorsement. Please ensure that you carefully read the official Guidance from Home Office for the Global Talent Visa, as well as Tech Nation’s Guide. Sending your application to Tech Nation before submission will not increase your chances of endorsement and may delay your application being processed.

Tech Nation is unable to provide immigration advice as it is a regulated activity. If you need immigration advice on your individual circumstances you can get help and advice from a solicitor or an immigration adviser.

Both Technical and Business type roles are eligible for the Global Talent Visa. There are no formal restrictions regarding role types or specialisms, partly due to the fast-changing nature of the technology sector. However, within our guide, you will find a list of example roles that are considered suitable and unsuitable for this visa route. With regards to Business type roles, applicants must have made significant technical, commercial or entrepreneurial contributions to the field as a founder or employee of a product-led digital technology company.

The application process for Stage 1 is completely online, you do not need to physically post any documents. To submit your application, you must first apply to the Home Office for endorsement by Tech Nation. Once you have completed this Home Office application, you must then complete a Tech Nation application form – you will be directed to this form by the Home Office. You can save and return to your application at any time before submitting. After submitting you will not be able to amend or provide additional documents.

You will receive an update from the Home Office on when your payment has been processed and again when Tech Nation has been notified of your application. Tech Nation will not provide you with an update directly as all official correspondence must come from the Home Office.

You may be eligible for Settlement under this visa route. The qualifying period depends on whether your visa is granted under the criteria for Exceptional Talent (3 years) or Exceptional Promise (5 years).

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.