Work in the UK as a leader in digital technology (Global Talent visa)
Eligibility
You can apply for an endorsement either as:
- a leader (called ‘exceptional talent’)
- a potential leader (called ‘exceptional promise’)
Exceptional promise applicants are likely to have less than 5 years of experience in technology, but can have had a longer career in another type of work. You must be able to prove your potential to be a leader through your skills and achievements.
The endorsing body will assess your application and decide whether you meet the criteria to apply for the Global Talent visa.
You can apply for the Global Talent visa without an endorsement if you’ve won an eligible prize.
Criteria for applying as a leader (exceptional talent)
You need to show you’ve been recognised by others as being a leading talent in the digital technology field in the last 5 years.
You must also show that at least 2 of the following are true:
- you have a record of innovation as a founder or senior executive of a product-led digital technology company
- you have a record of innovation where you’ve worked in a new digital technology field or concept as an employee
- you’ve contributed to the digital technology sector outside of work, for example mentoring or collaborative projects
- you’ve set up or worked in a product-led digital technology company, and have made technical, commercial, or entrepreneurial contributions in the digital technology sector
- you’ve had research published or endorsed by an expert
Criteria for applying as a potential leader (exceptional promise)
You need to show you’ve been recognised by others as being a potential talent in the digital technology field in the last 5 years.
You must also show that at least 2 of the following are true:
- you can show innovation as a founder of a product-led digital technology company
- you can show innovation where you’ve worked in a new digital technology field or concept as an employee
- you can show you’ve contributed to the digital technology sector outside of work, for example by mentoring or through collaborative projects
- you can show you’ve set up or worked in a product-led digital technology company and have made significant technical, commercial, or entrepreneurial contributions in the digital technology sector
- you have had research published or endorsed by an expert
How your application will be assessed
The endorsing body will check that you have met the criteria needed for the visa. It will also consider the following factors:
- your career history - for example the international reputation and impact of your work
- the strength of the statements in your recommendation letter and of the evidence in support of your application
- how you’ll contribute to UK digital technology by being based in the UK
- personal factors such as your academic track record, salary level and company you’re being hired by, or amount of money raised if an entrepreneur
- the commercial impact of your previous work, achievements and experiences