26 September 2020
For those who have demonstrated top talent within the technology sector, the Global Talent Visa provides one of the most flexible routes to live and work in the UK. It has also proved a popular route; over 4,000 Global Talent Visas have been granted.
The technology sector employs millions of people in the UK. The Covid-19 pandemic focused our attention on how valuable and necessary technology now is to our everyday lives. Thanks to technology, people can now work from home, enabling them to spend more time with their families. Test, track, and trace systems around the world are helping countries control the Coronavirus pandemic. And many monotonous tasks are now being performed by AI, leaving humans to focus on creative, intellectually engaging work.
The role technology plays in our lives and work is constantly developing. According to a recent report by Deloitte:
“Three forces are converging to reshape the future of work in technology:
- The proliferation of disruptive technologies is continually reshaping businesses, industries, and markets.
- Technology’s role is shifting to that of a catalyst for business strategy and transformation, changing the expectations and delivery of technology and blurring the lines between business and technology functions.
- Global demographic and workforce trends such as gig and contingent workers, a multigenerational workforce, more diverse talent, and global talent markets are transforming the labour market in general—and the technology workforce in particular.”
UK companies are at the heart of the global digital economy, which is why the British government is committed to providing an immigration route for leaders in the tech field who want to advance their careers overseas.
The Tech Nation endorsement requirement
To obtain a Global Talent Visa in the field of technology, you must obtain endorsement from Tech Nation. Therefore, the global talent route in the technology field is sometimes referred to as the Tech Nation Visa.
The advantages of a Tech Nation Visa include:
- The visa is valid for five years, extendable for a further five years and provides a route to Settlement.
- You can bring your dependent family members to the UK with you.
- You can be a founder or an employee.
- You will not be tied to a specific job or company during your time in the UK.
- The visa is for all tech sub-sectors (i.e. fintech, AI, cyber, games, etc.)
Applicants must meet a high standard, demonstrating they are a recognised leader or an emerging leader in the technology field.
If you choose to apply under the Exceptional Promise category, you are likely to have five years or less commercial experience and therefore have yet to establish a track record in innovation. However, through your skills and achievements thus far, you must still be able to prove that you are a potential leader in the technology field.
To obtain endorsement for exceptional promise or exceptional talent you must meet one of the Key criteria and two of the Qualifying “Exceptional Promise” criteria listed in the Tech Nation Visa guide.
The two key criteria for exceptional promise are:
- Provide more than one example of innovation in the digital technology sector as a founder of a product-led digital technology company or an employee working in a new digital field or concept that must be clearly evidenced
- Proof of recognition for work outside your immediate occupation that has contributed to the advancement of the sector (e.g. evidence that you have gone beyond your day to day profession to engage in an activity that contributes to the advancement of the sector).
The two key criteria for exceptional talent are:
- Have a proven track record of innovation in the digital technology sector as a founder or senior executive of a product-led digital technology company or an employee working in a new digital field or concept that must be clearly evidenced, or
- Proof of recognition for work outside your immediate occupation that has contributed to the advancement of the sector (e.g. evidence that you have gone beyond your day to day profession to engage in an activity that contributes to the advancement of the sector).
If you can provide evidence of being accepted onto a current or future programme at Barclay’s Accelerator or Antler, your application may be eligible to be fast-tracked. It is important to check the Tech Nation Visa guide for updates on the recognised accelerator programmes, as they can change.
Getting professional advice
Gaining endorsement from Tech Nation for a Global Talent Visa can provide incredible professional and personal opportunities for you and your family. However, the standards are high, and competition is fierce. Investing in legal advice from an experienced immigration Solicitor will greatly increase your chances of success.
To find out more about applying for a Tech Nation Visa, please call us on +44 (0)20 7799 1600 or fill in our contact form.
