After two years of uncertainty and speculation for digital technology applicants, Tech Nation has announced they will continue to endorse Global Talent visa applications for a further three years.
Tech Nation is one of several ‘endorsing bodies’ that issue Global Talent endorsements to individuals who are leaders or potential leaders in their field. Tech applicants can apply to Tech Nation for an endorsement and, if successful, can apply for the Global Talent visa. Sometimes called the ‘gold standard’ of work-based visa routes, the Global Talent visa provides an accelerated route to settlement for some and provides unique flexibility for successful applicants. The Global Talent visa route is likely to become more popular in light of the proposed changes to the Skilled Worker visa route.
With a tech talent shortage in the UK and the government’s plans to make the UK ‘the world’s next Silicon Valley’, workers and businesses will no doubt be reassured that Tech Nation will continue to assess endorsement applicants. It remains to be seen whether the Tech Nation endorsement criteria guidance will be updated. The Global Talent visa evaluation: Wave 2 report published in March 2024 found that: “Tech Nation, Arts Council and Royal Academy of Engineering visa holders were more likely than those endorsed by other bodies to say that more guidance should be provided on the information that applicants need to provide.”
We are experienced in preparing Global Talent endorsement and immigration applications for individuals spanning a range of industries and sectors. If you need further information about the Global Talent route, please contact our friendly team.