Applicants seeking to apply for a Global Talent Visa in the field of technology must demonstrate the potential to be recognised as either an Exceptional Talent or Exceptional Promise in the United Kingdom. İlk aşamada (Stage 1), adayın mesleki başarıları ve potansiyeli Tech Nation tarafından değerlendirilir. Bu değerlendirme, adayın teknoloji alanında uluslararası düzeyde tanınmış bir yetenek olduğunu veya sektörde liderlik potansiyeline sahip olduğunu kanıtlamaya yönelik belgeler sunmasını gerektirir. Değerlendirme sonucunda uygun bulunan adaylara Tech Nation tarafından bir “endorsement letter” verilir.
With this endorsement, the applicant may proceed to Stage 2, where they submit their visa application. At this stage, the UK Home Office evaluates the supporting documents and considers the applicant’s potential contributions to the UK. This two-stage process is designed to attract exceptional individuals in digital technology to contribute to the UK’s innovation ecosystem.
As part of the eligibility assessment, applicants must meet at least two of the following optional criteria:
- Provide evidence of proven innovation as a founder, senior executive, or employee of a product-led digital technology company, or as someone working in a new digital field or concept.
- Demonstrate recognition for work beyond one’s occupation that contributes to the advancement of the sector (e.g. through open-source contributions, mentorship, or thought leadership).
- Show significant technical, commercial, or entrepreneurial contributions to a product-led digital technology company in a leadership or impactful role.
- Provide evidence of exceptional talent demonstrated through academic research endorsed by a recognised expert or through publication in a reputable journal.
For the Exceptional Promise category, applicants must demonstrate that they are at an early stage in their career but have already made significant contributions in the digital technology sector and show clear potential to become future leaders.
Applicants must also show that, within the last 5 years, they have been recognised as a potential talent in the digital technology sector.
In addition, they are expected to meet at least two of the following criteria:
- Evidence of innovation as a founder of a product-led digital technology business.
- Innovation in a new digital field or concept as an employee.
- Contributions to the technology sector outside their immediate role—such as mentoring or participating in collaborative projects.
- Significant technical, commercial, or entrepreneurial impact as a founder or employee of a product-led digital technology company.
- A published research paper in the applicant’s field, or evidence that the research has been endorsed by an expert.
When reviewing applications, Tech Nation considers the applicant’s career trajectory, international standing, and the quality of submitted evidence. Additional factors, such as the applicant’s potential contributions to the UK tech ecosystem, academic background, salary level, and the nature of the UK company they will work with, are also assessed. The commercial impact and achievements of past work are key components of the evaluation.
An accelerated endorsement process is available for applicants accepted into a recognised UK-based accelerator programme. In such cases, applicants must submit supporting evidence of their acceptance into the accelerator. Applications submitted via the fast-track route are generally processed within three weeks. Examples of recognised accelerator programmes include Startupbootcamp, Founders Academy, and Techstars.
Who is eligible?
This visa covers not only technical experts but also individuals who hold strategic and leadership roles in the business world. The competencies of individuals eligible to apply for this visa can be divided into two groups: technical and business-oriented.
Technical Experts
DevOps or SysOps engineers, software developers, data scientists, artificial intelligence and machine learning experts, cybersecurity experts, hardware engineers, front-end and back-end developers, operating system engineers, augmented and virtual reality developers. Additionally, video game developers, mobile app developers, and individuals specialising in user experience (UX/UI) design are also included in this category. Developers with experience working on new technologies or open-source projects, as well as leaders with experience managing teams as a CTO or Vice President of Engineering (VP Engineering), are also encouraged to apply.
Business People
Among those who are competent in the business world, the following characteristics are found:
Leaders who have managed venture capital investments of over £25 million, commercial leaders who manage growth, sales and distribution strategies in digital businesses, and professionals who manage the international expansion processes of product-focused technology businesses. Additionally, individuals with experience in SaaS or corporate sales leadership, performance marketing, solution sales, and senior-level management roles (CEO, CMO, CIO) in digital businesses are also suitable. For example, individuals with experience in developing payment infrastructure in sectors such as FinTech or international expansion in the EdTech field fall under this category.
This visa programme focuses on individuals who can create value on a global scale with different areas of expertise in digital technology. You can stand out in the application process by highlighting both your technical and business-oriented skills.
Global Talent Visa Application Cost
Application Fee:
The total fee for a Global Talent Visa application is £766. If you are applying based on an endorsement, this fee is paid in two stages:
- £561 at the time of your endorsement application, and
- £205 at the visa application stage.
If you are applying on the basis of an eligible award, you must pay the application fee of £766 in full at the time of your visa application. In addition, if you are including your spouse or children in your application, you must pay £766 for each of them separately.
Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS):
As part of the application process, you will be required to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge. This fee is currently set at £1,035 per year, per applicant.
10 Questions About the Global Talent Visa
Yes, the Global Talent Visa allows you to work in the UK. It is designed for individuals with exceptional talent or promise in fields such as science, engineering, medicine, humanities, digital technology, arts, and culture.
For tailored guidance and support regarding the Global Talent visa process, please contact us directly.