What is the UK Global Talent Tech Visa?
Do you believe you have the potential to be a leader in UK’s digital technology scene? Are you already a prominent player in a digital tech company? Then the UK may be able to offer you a Global Talent Visa which will allow you to live and work in the United Kingdom for 5 years.
Global Talent Visa holders can come from any digital tech industry, these industries can range from gaming to fintech and artificial intelligence. The Visa allows you to to work in the UK’s growing digital technology industry and even if you do not have the most experience in the industry but you are over 18 (which is a requirement for applying) you still might be eligible so it is worth applying!
There a lot of benefits from gaining one of these Visas, with the UK’s exit from the European Union, this Visa gives you a chance to work worry-free for 5 years in England. It does not tie you to any specific job or location and allows you to explore your own possibilities and future in the UK’s digitech industry.
The Visa allows you to travel abroad and still return to the UK if you want to visit family or friends elsewhere. Moreover, there is even the opportunity to have your family live in the UK as well, however that is subject to conditions and requirements which you found out after you have obtained the visa.
There is no limit to the number of visas available so they will not run out and this visa can easily lead to full time residence in the UK with a job in the digital technology sector if that is something that you are aiming to do. In this article TechRound will give you a step-by-step guide to how you can apply and attempt to gain one of these Global Talent Tech Visas for the United Kingdom.
Key Points
- There are an unlimited amount of Visas, do not fear that they will run out.
- You can apply if you are both already a leader in your field or believe you have the potential to be a future leader
- The visa lasts 5 years and can be renewed an unlimited amount of times.
- The process can take up to a few months to fully process and will cost around £600
- You can have a passion for or work in any technology sector to be eligible to apply for the Global Talent Tech Visa.
Step 1: Application Process for Endorsement
The first stage in obtaining the Tech Global Talent Visa to the UK is an application process. The application process takes into account whether you are one of two things, either an Exceptional Talent or have Exceptional Promise. If you are a recognised and reputable leader in your field and proven to this effect then you may be eligible for the visa on being an Exceptional Talent, this would give you a visa for 3 years. If however, you are younger and are newer to the Digital technology sector, but you are proven to be an emerging leader then you may be eligible for the Exceptional Promise visa which would allow you to be in the UK for 5 years.
The first step of the process is an application which is an application for endorsement. This endorsement will be what allows you to come to the UK and apply for the Visa to work and live in the UK. This costs £456 to apply for so be sure this is what you want to do before you start the process. It can take up to 8 weeks for a decision to be made on your eligibility for endorsement. If you are successful then you will be able to move to the next stage.
Step 2: Applying for the Visa
If you are successful in applying for endorsement, then you will have to apply for a Visa. This process costs £152 however there can be some added costs included a healthcare surcharge. It will take around 3 weeks for a decision to be made if you are living outside of the UK and 8 weeks if you are already in the UK. If you are successful at this stage then you are able to come to the UK and begin to take part in the digital technology industry.
Step 3: Working in the UK
As mentioned previously, there are no requirements on where you have to live or what job you have to do. You are able to be self-employed without the need for further authorisation or to be sponsored for employment in a specific post. Furthermore, the Global Talent Tech Visa to the UK can be extended as many times as you want. Therefore, although the Talent Visa at first allows you to be in the UK for up to 5 years, you will be eligible to extend this further if that is what you want to do.
This Global Talent Visa is a great opportunity for anyone looking to work and thrive in the UK’s growing digital technology sector. With the Global Talent Visa you will be able to expand your digitech portfolio and continue being an exceptional talent in your industry.
If this Tech visa sounds interesting and you would like to learn more, go to the Home Office website to find out more information including how and where you can apply.
FAQs
Who can apply?
Anyone non-UK citizen over 18 can apply to the Global Talent Tech Visa. They should be already working in the tech industry or looking to become a future leader and innovator in the UK scene.
How long does it take to be approved?
There are two stages to the application, the first stage is an applying to become endorsed in order to apply for the visa. The endorsement process can take up to 8 weeks for a decision to be made. After gaining endorsement, you must apply for the Visa, a decision on this can take up to 3 weeks if you are living outside of the UK and up to 8 weeks if you are inside the UK already.
How much does applying for the Visa cost?
Applying for the endorsement costs £456 and then applying for the Visa costs an additional £152. However, be aware that there are extra costs that could be involved including a healthcare surcharge. All together if you reach the second stage of applications it will cost you £608 without added charges needed for a successful Visa application.
What industries do you have to work in to apply?
You are able to apply for the Global Talent Tech Visa if you are working in any part of the digital technology industry, this includes sectors such as Digital Marketing; Cybersecurity; Web Development; Fintech; Gaming; Artificial Intelligence and many, many more. If you work in any part of the digitech sector then you are eligible to apply for this Visa.
How long does the Visa last?
The Visa allows you to live and work in the United Kingdom for up to 5 years, however there are unlimited opportunities to renew the Visa for a further 5 years on top of that.
When do applications close?
There is no formal date for opening or closing of Global Talent Tech Visa applications; moreover, because there are an unlimited number of Visas available you are able to apply all year round without fear of missing out because all of the available visas have run out.
Where can I find out more information?
If you want to find out more information about the Global Talent Tech Visa, visit the Home Office website with all the details here.
