UK Global Talent Visa for IT Specialists: FAQ Your Guide to Tech Relocation to the UK

The UK Global Talent Visa is an excellent opportunity for IT specialists looking to work and live in the United Kingdom. This visa category is designed to attract highly skilled individuals from around the world and provides a streamlined pathway for talented professionals in the field of technology. In this article, we will address some frequently asked questions about The UK Global Talent Visa specifically tailored for IT specialists.

What is the UK Global Talent Visa?

The UK Global Talent Visa is a visa category designed for highly skilled individuals in various fields, including IT. It allows individuals to live and work in the UK and provides a path to settlement and British citizenship.

Who is eligible for the UK Global Talent Visa?

Tech specialists who demonstrate exceptional talent or promise in their field can apply for the UK Global Talent Visa. The visa is open to both established leaders (endorsed as recognised leaders) and promising individuals in the technology sector.

If you are considering the opportunity of tech immigration to the UK through the Global Talent Visa, we recommend taking our TEST, which can assess your eligibility and chances of obtaining the visa.

How do I apply for the UK Global Talent Visa?

To apply for the UK Global Talent Visa, you must first secure an endorsement from a designated endorsing body in the technology field. Once you receive the endorsement, you can proceed with the visa application through the UK Home Office.

What criteria do I need to meet for the endorsement?

The endorsement criteria for the UK Global Talent Visa in IT include a proven track record of innovation, significant contributions to the field, recognition from peers, and the potential to enhance the UK’s tech sector.

In addition to demonstrating exceptional talent or promise in your field, the endorsing body will also want to see evidence of your commitment to the United Kingdom. Exceptional Talent applies to individuals who have already demonstrated significant leadership and contribution in their field, and Exceptional Promise applies to those who are at the beginning of their careers but have already demonstrated potential to be future leaders and make significant contributions in their field.

Once Tech Nation has endorsed your application, the Home Office will notify you of the result. If your application is successful, you can proceed with the second stage, the visa application process.

Should I apply under Exceptional Talent or Exceptional Promise?

Applicants who choose to apply under the Exceptional Promise criteria are likely to be earlier in their career, typically with five years or less experience. If you have more than five years of experience in the tech sector, you would likely be considered under the Exceptional Talent criteria.

Which job roles are eligible for the Tech Nation Visa?

It’s important to clarify that the Global Talent Visa is not limited to just tech roles. Many individuals mistakenly assume that only tech-related positions qualify, but that’s not the case. While the visa does encompass traditional tech skills, it also extends to a wide range of other business roles that may not be immediately associated with tech. This includes professions such as product managers, venture capitalists (VCs) You can find all positions here.

Can I switch to the UK Global Talent Visa from another visa category?

Yes, it is possible to switch to the UK Global Talent Visa from certain visa categories. In order to transition to a Global Talent visa, certain criteria must be met while being in the UK:

• Having won an eligible award.
• Demonstrating leadership or potential leadership in one of the fields covered by the visa, which is commonly referred to as obtaining an endorsement.

However, there are specific circumstances where individuals are not eligible to apply for a switch to this visa while being in the UK. These circumstances include:

• Being on a visit visa.
• Holding a short-term student visa.
• Being on a Parent of a Child Student visa.
• Holding a seasonal worker visa.
• Having a domestic worker in a private household visa.
• Being on immigration bail.
• Having permission to stay outside the immigration rules, such as compassionate grounds.

If you find yourself in any of these categories, it is necessary to depart from the UK and apply for a Global Talent visa from abroad.

How long is the UK Global Talent Visa valid for?

If you are qualified as an Exceptional Talent your visa will be granted for 3 years. If you are an Exceptional Promise your visa will be granted for 5 years.

Can I bring my family with me on the UK Global Talent Visa?

Yes, the UK Global Talent Visa allows you to bring your spouse/partner and children under the age of 18 as dependents. They will have the same rights and access to healthcare and education as you do.

Can I work as a freelancer or start my own business?

Yes, the UK Global Talent Visa allows you to work as a freelancer or start your own business without any additional work visa requirements. This flexibility is advantageous for IT specialists looking to explore entrepreneurial opportunities. Unlike the Skilled Worker visa route, there is no minimum salary. This gives greater flexibility of roles you can apply for and for flexible (reduced hours) working options.

Are there any restrictions on changing jobs with the Visa?
No, there are no specific restrictions on changing jobs while on the UK Global Talent Visa. You have the freedom to switch employers or work for multiple employers without requiring further endorsement or visa changes.

Can I apply for British citizenship?

Yes, the UK Global Talent Visa provides a pathway to settlement (indefinite leave to remain) in the UK. The qualifying period depends on whether the visa is granted under Exceptional Talent (3 years) or Exceptional Promise (5 years).

After completing a period of continuous residence, you can apply for British citizenship if you meet the eligibility criteria.

Is there a cap on the number of Global Talent visas available?

The Global Talent category is not subject to a cap on the number of

applicants.

How do I choose my referees and how do I know if my referees are good enough?

It is important that the people you choose to act as your referees have worked with you directly and are therefore in a position to speak with authority and examples about your experience. You also need to ensure that your referees are recognisable figures in your particular field, in a senior leadership position and with a public facing profile, and whose comments on why you should be endorsed by Tech Nation will therefore be afforded significant weight.

How do I know what evidential documents to provide with my application?

The evidence you provide needs to help you satisfy the mandatory and

optional criteria that you have chosen and you need to be able to connect each document to at least one of the mandatory or optional criteria. The evidence you provide should also enable the Tech Nation assessor to measure you against the criteria, so should provide some form of tangible metric.

What if my Global Talent visa application is refused?

If your endorsement application has been refused then you may be eligible to apply for a review or re-apply.

We recommend you read our article about how to avoid rejection.

Is it necessary to provide evidence of English language proficiency for the Global Talent Visa?

There is no obligation to undergo a formal English language test as part of the eligibility criteria for the Global Talent Visa pathway.

What are the distinctions between a Skilled Worker Visa and a Global Talent Visa?

Individuals who meet the requirements for the Visa experience a significantly broader scope when it comes to their employment options. They enjoy extensive flexibility to work in any capacity and at any location within their specialised field. In contrast, skilled workers are hired by specific organisations to fulfil specific job roles, and their ability to change jobs or engage in different work activities is considerably restricted.

What is the timeframe for extending a Global Talent Visa?

You can begin the extension application process for your Visa up to four weeks (28 days) before your current visa expires. It is crucial to submit your application before the expiration date of your current visa to ensure the continuity of your stay in the UK. Once the application is submitted, you will be allowed to remain in the UK while awaiting a decision from the Home Office regarding your extension.

Conclusion:

Global Talent Visa offers IT specialists an exceptional opportunity to work and live in the UK. By addressing these frequently asked questions, we hope to provide a clearer understanding of the visa requirements and benefits associated with this visa category. Remember, it’s always advisable to seek professional advice or consult the UK Home Office for the most up-to-date and accurate information regarding your specific circumstances.