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

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Eligibility

You can apply either as:

  • a leader (called ‘exceptional talent’)
  • a potential leader (called ‘exceptional promise’)

Exceptional promise applicants are likely to have less than 5 years of experience in technology, but can have had a longer career in another type of work. 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.

You can also apply without an endorsement if you’ve won an eligible award.

Criteria for applying as a leader (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.

You must also show that at least 2 of the following are true:

  • you have a record of innovation as a founder or senior executive of 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

Criteria for applying as a potential leader (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.

You must also show that at least 2 of the following are true:

  • you can show innovation as a founder of a product-led digital technology company
  • you can show innovation where you’ve worked in a new digital technology field or concept as an employee
  • you can show you’ve contributed to the digital technology sector outside of work, for example by mentoring or through collaborative projects
  • you can show 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 had research published or endorsed by an expert

How your application will be assessed

When making a decision on your application, Tech Nation will check that you have met the criteria needed for the visa. 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

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