What is the Difference between Exceptional Promise and Talent categories of the Global Talent Visa

Global Talent Visa has 2 sub-categories an applicant may be qualified under: Exceptional Talent and Exceptional Promise. The question is how does one understand which category does he/she fall under?

The Tech Nation guide states:

• An applicant evidencing Exceptional Promise must show they have been recognised as having potential to be a leading talent in the digital technology field in the last 5 years.

• An applicant evidencing Exceptional Talent must show that they have been recognised as a leading talent in the digital technology sector in the last 5 years.

Tech Nation will assess your endorsement application, establish whether your skills and achievements meet the eligibility criteria for Exceptional Talent or Exceptional Promise, and decide whether you should be endorsed for the Global Talent visa.

The difference between Exceptional Talent and Exceptional Promise

Exceptional Promise applicants are normally at the start of their professional journey with no more than 5 years of experience. They usually hold more junior positions than those applying for Exceptional Talent. However, they still must be able to prove that they are potential leaders of their industry. This can be demonstrated by providing evidence of their achievements in the digital tech sector as well as the contribution they have made so far.

Exceptional Talent applicants are recognised leaders of the industry with more than 5 years of professional experience. They usually hold senior positions in their organisations or run their own companies. Their significant impact on the digital industry can normally be evidenced by their major media presence, management of big-scale projects or securing large amounts of investment.

In order to apply for one of the visa categories you will have to provide certain pieces of evidence demonstrating that you are either an Exceptional Talent or Exceptional Promise candidate.

Global Talent Visa – Exceptional Talent Criteria

Exceptional Talent applicants must meet one mandatory and two optional “Exceptional Talent” criteria.

Mandatory Criteria

Applicants must show that they have been recognised as a leading talent in the digital technology sector in the last 5 years.

Optional Criteria

An applicant must choose 2 (out of 4) criteria to rely on. They can either show:

• a proven track record for innovation as a founder or senior executive of a product-led digital technology company or as an employee working on a new digital field or concept;

This can be evidenced by either a reference letter detailing an innovative project you were leading, by company documents describing the project, or by a patent application.

• proof of recognition for work beyond the applicant’s occupation that contributes to the advancement of the field

This can be evidenced by contribution to an Open-Source Project, your GitHub profile demonstrating active participation in a collaborative project or your Stack Overflow profile showing significant contribution to discussions around code. You can also provide evidence of any relevant talks or conference speaking that have had a significant viewership. If relevant, you can provide evidence of mentorship. However, please note, that it must be activity outside the applicant’s organisation or normal course of work duties and excludes mentorship of other commercial organisations as part of a commercial arrangement.

• they have made significant technical, commercial or entrepreneurial contributions to the field as a founder, senior executive, board member or employee of a product-led digital technology company

This can be evidenced by providing an employment contract with salary information including any bonus and equity options. Any documentation on product designs or architecture diagram clearly showing your contribution can also be provided as proof. Documents detailing your significant contribution towards commercial success (such as evidence of sales pipeline built and delivered, growth generated, leads generated, processes developed and implemented).

• they have demonstrated exceptional ability in the field by academic contributions through research published or endorsed by an expert.

This can be evidence by providing at least one significant contribution to the field in the form of a paper published in a top-tier peer-reviewed journal. Research undertaken as part of an undergraduate or MSc thesis does not qualify for this criteria. A letter of support from a research supervisor or other expert in your area of expertise affirming their potential world-class standard.

Global Talent Visa – Exceptional Promise Criteria

Exceptional Promise applicants must meet one mandatory and two optional “Exceptional Promise” criteria.

Mandatory Criteria

Applicants must show they have been recognised as having potential to be a leading talent in the digital technology field in the last 5 years.

Optional Criteria

An applicant must choose 2 (out of 4) criteria to rely on. They can either demonstrate:

• at least 1 example of innovation as a founder of a product led digital technology company or as an employee working on a new digital field or concept

This can be evidenced by either a reference letter detailing an innovative project you were leading, by company documents describing the project, or by a patent application.

• at least 1 example of proof of recognition for work beyond the applicant’s occupation that contributes to the advancement of the field

This can be evidenced by contribution to an Open-Source Project, your GitHub profile demonstrating active participation in a collaborative project or your Stack Overflow profile showing significant contribution to discussions around code. You can also provide evidence of any relevant talks or conference speaking that have had a significant viewership. If relevant, you can provide evidence of mentorship. However, please note, that it must be activity outside the applicant’s organisation or normal course of work duties and excludes mentorship of other commercial organisations as part of a commercial arrangement.

• at least 1 example of significant technical, commercial or entrepreneurial contributions to the field as a founder or employee of a product-led digital technology company

This can be evidenced by providing an employment contract with salary information including any bonus and equity options. Any documentation on product designs or architecture diagram clearly showing your contribution can also be provided as proof. Documents detailing your significant contribution towards commercial success (such as evidence of sales pipeline built and delivered, growth generated, leads generated, processes developed and implemented).

• at least 1 example of exceptional ability in the field by academic contributions through research endorsed by an expert.

This can be evidence by providing at least one significant contribution to the field in the form of a paper published in a top-tier peer-reviewed journal. Research undertaken as part of an undergraduate or MSc thesis does not qualify for this criteria. A letter of support from a research supervisor or other expert in your area of expertise affirming their potential world-class standard.

They must also be at an early stage in their career.