Work in the UK as a leader in digital technology (Global Talent visa)

Skip contents

Documents you'll need to apply

After you submit your endorsement application on GOV.UK, you’ll also need to complete the application form on the Tech Nation website. This must include a personal statement explaining the contribution that you’ll make to UK digital technology.

You’ll need to upload the following documents along with your application form on the Tech Nation website:

  • your CV
  • 3 letters of recommendation
  • proof of your connection to a technology business if you’ve been a founder or senior executive in the last 5 years
  • proof you meet the eligibility criteria (a maximum of 10 documents)

Your CV

You’ll need to upload your CV. It should include your career and any relevant publication history. It must be typed and be up to 3 sides of A4 paper.

Letters of recommendation

You must provide 3 letters of recommendation. Each person who writes a letter must:

  • be an ‘established expert’ in digital technology - this will be judged by Tech Nation
  • have known your work for at least 12 months

Each letter must:

  • be about your Global Talent application - you cannot use a letter that was written for another reason
  • say how the person knows you
  • show your achievements in the digital technology sector, and how you are a leader or potential leader
  • say how you would benefit from living in the UK
  • say how you would contribute to the digital technology field in the UK
  • explain what plans you have for work in the future

The letters must also:

  • be typed and dated
  • be up to 3 single sides of A4 paper, excluding the author’s credentials and contact details
  • be signed by the author, or by someone on behalf of the organisation recommending you
  • include a telephone number and email address, and the organisation’s logo and registered address, if applicable
  • come with the author’s CV (or other proof of their credentials that the endorsing body will accept)

Proof of your connection to a technology business

If you’ve been a founder or a senior executive of a technology business in the last 5 years you must include evidence to prove this.

Evidence can include:

  • your last set of audited accounts, projections for the current financial year and articles of association
  • domestic or international sales showing customer numbers for each country in which the company is operating

Proof you meet the eligibility criteria

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

These must include:

  • at least 2 documents showing you are recognised as either a leading talent or potential talent
  • at least 4 documents showing you have any 2 of the other necessary skills (use 2 documents as proof for each skill)

Each piece of evidence can be up to 3 sides of A4 paper. You cannot use the same piece of evidence for more than one criteria.

Your CV, letters of recommendation and evidence of your connection to a technology business do not count toward the 10 pieces of evidence.

Evidence of meeting the eligibility criteria could include:

  • starting or contributing to open source projects in a way that peers have acknowledged has advanced the field
  • relevant qualifications, or documentation of speaking in a prestigious conference
  • an award granted by an organisation of a similar standing and distinction to the Royal Society in the UK

Read more about accepted examples of evidence on the Tech Nation site.

View a printable version of the whole guide

Related content