Work in the UK as a leader in digital technology (Global Talent visa)
Eligibility
You can apply either as:
a leader (called ‘exceptional talent’)
an emerging leader (called ‘exceptional promise’)
You can also work in the UK on a Global Talent visa if you’ve won an eligible award.
Exceptional promise applicants are likely to be earlier in their career, usually with less than 5 years of experience. You must be able to prove your potential to be a leader through your skills and achievements.
Tech Nation will assess your endorsement application and decide whether you meet the criteria to apply for the Global Talent visa.
Exceptional talent
You need to show you’ve been recognised by others as being a leading talent in the digital technology field in the last 5 years. At least 2 of the following must also be true:
you have a record of innovation where you’ve set up or had a senior position in a product-led digital technology company
you have a record of innovation where you’ve worked in a new digital technology field or concept as an employee
you’ve contributed to the digital technology sector outside of work, for example mentoring or collaborative projects
you’ve set up or worked in a product-led digital technology company, and have made technical, commercial, or entrepreneurial contributions in the digital technology sector
you’ve had research published or endorsed by an expert
Exceptional promise
You need to show you’ve been recognised by others as being a potential talent in the digital technology field in the last 5 years. At least 2 of the following must also be true:
you can show at least one example of innovation where you’ve set up a product-led digital technology company
you can show at least one example of innovation where you’ve worked in a new digital technology field or concept
you can show at least one example of when you’ve contributed to the digital technology sector outside of work, for example by mentoring or through collaborative projects
you can show at least one example of when you’ve set up or worked in a product-led digital technology company and have made significant technical, commercial, or entrepreneurial contributions in the digital technology sector
you have at least one example of research published or endorsed by an expert
How your application will be assessed
When making a decision on your application, Tech Nation will assess that you meet the eligibility criteria. It will also consider the following factors:
your career history - for example the international reputation and impact of your work
the strength of the statements in your recommendation letter and of the evidence in support of your application
how you’ll contribute to UK digital technology by being based in the UK
personal factors such as your academic track record, salary level and company you’re being hired by, or amount of money raised if an entrepreneur
the commercial impact of your previous work, achievements and experiences
Fast track eligibility
You may get a faster endorsement decision if you’ve been accepted onto a recognised UK accelerator programme and can show this on your application for endorsement. The following accelerator programmes are accepted:
Antler
Bethnal Green Ventures
Carbon13
Collider
Creative Destruction Lab
Cylon
Entrepreneur First
Founders Academy
Founders Factory
Ignite
SETsquared
Startupbootcamp
techstars
Wayra
Zinc
Most fast track endorsement applications get a decision in 3 weeks.
View a printable version of the whole guide
How GTVTN Application Advisors can help you:
GTVTN Application Advisors have a highly trained and experienced team of professionals dealing ONLY with TechNation endorsements and Global Talent visas. Contact us today to arrange a consultation.
The firm is knowledgeable and experienced in a wide variety of technology, business, economic sectors and business domains, reflecting our emphasis on examining the most attractive story per application
regardless of the applicant's industry segment or geographical location.
