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Work, Live, Thrive in the UK
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Understand the standards applicants need to meet to be considered for a successful endorsement
Celebrating 10 years of global talent in UK tech
This summary outlines 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.
IMPORTANT NOTE: These standards do not guarantee endorsement and act as examples only. The list is not exhaustive and the following is intended as useful reference and not official guidance.
Candidates who submit poor quality or insufficient supporting documents undermine their application. Such as
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:
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:
Candidates who cannot demonstrate that their work has had a significant impact beyond their immediate organisation. For example:
Please note, applicants are not required to instruct a professional adviser in order to apply for Tech Nation’s endorsement or the Global Talent Visa. Applicants have a choice of adviser. The provision of immigration advice is professionally regulated, you should check that your adviser is listed with a regulatory body such as the OISC or Law Society. You may find a list of regulatory bodies here:
Regulatory bodies for immigration advice
Tech Nation has a partnership with the law firm Fragomen in order to assist applicants with their search for a legal adviser. Tech Nation does not consider an applicant’s choice of legal adviser and it has no bearing on how applications are processed.
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.
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:
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.
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.