Digital technology is a thriving UK industry, with the economic output of the digital sector having risen by 12% since February 2020, whilst the overall economy has stagnated at 0.1% [1]. In order to drive innovation and shape the future of our country, it is necessary to continuously upskill and empower digital technology experts, and one way in which this goal can be achieved is through the Global Talent Visa.
The Global Talent Visa
The Global Talent Visa is a visa category that allows exceptionally talented digital technology leaders from overseas to live and work in the UK, crossing borders and bringing their talents, skills, networks and professional expertise with them to the benefit of the UK economy.
The Global Talent Visa offers a number of benefits to both successful applicants and their host country.
Life experience
Successful applicants benefit from the opportunity to live and work abroad, developing their skills and experience and gaining exposure to different perspectives and cultures. This can support them in forming collaborations and partnerships with global industry leaders, which will fuel creativity and inspire technological breakthroughs.
Enhanced professional reputation
Digital technology experts who secure overseas work through the Global Talent Visa have an unparalleled opportunity to showcase their skills on a global stage as this visa is only open to individuals with an exceptional skill set. Successful applicants often secure employment in world-renowned tech hubs, where their innovations help them to gain credibility and recognition within their field of expertise. This can enhance their professional reputation and help them to fast track their career.
Facilitated collaboration
The Global Talent Visa provides successful applicants with access to industry-specific resources and support, such as mentorship initiatives and innovation grants, which can nurture and support them in collaborating with industry experts and turning their ideas and aspirations into successful entrepreneurial ventures.
Pathway to permanent residency
Digital technology experts wishing to live abroad permanently can benefit from the opportunities offered by the Global Talent Visa. Initially granting the opportunity to live and work abroad for periods of up to five years, demonstration of the exceptional skills necessary to fulfil the requirements of the visa can result in permanent residency, thus offering long-term stability and access to UK benefits, including NHS healthcare and state funded education for dependent children.
Host countries such as the UK benefit from welcoming international specialists with a different skill set to their native technology experts. By embracing the diversity that these specialists bring with them, we can enrich the cultural fabric of our country, form social and professional connections with their countries of origin and continue to improve our economic standing.
Candidate requirements
The Global Talent Visa requires applicants to meet a stringent set of criteria in order to qualify. This includes a demonstrable track record of exceptional performance in related fields, digital technology achievements and awards and endorsements from industry experts and bodies.
Further, successful candidates should deliver a plan detailing the manner in which their contributions will enhance the tech ecosystem of their host country. Those applicants that demonstrate exceptionally high levels of experience and ambition stand the greatest chance of success in securing a visa and the opportunity to work overseas in a leadership role of their choice.
The Global Talent Visa application process is necessarily rigorous, as it aims to introduce only the strongest candidates to the UK’s digital technology marketplace. This is essential in order to drive rapid advancements in innovation and digital security for the benefit of the country’s standing in the global technology sector.
Digital technology sectors
The digital technology sectors in which applicants are highly sought after to bolster the UK workforce are fintech, gaming, artificial intelligence and cyber security [2]. Candidates who have won a Turing Award or an ACM Prize in Computing are also encouraged to apply for a Global Talent Visa to live and work in the UK, and it is important to note that both technical and business candidates are required.
Technical applicants are those directly involved in developing technology in either engineering, data scientist or similar roles. Those with demonstrably exceptional skill sets and those with emerging skill sets with significant potential for later expertise are invited to apply although a Tech Nation endorsement is required to support the application.
Business applicants are those with commercial, investment or digital product expertise and who are currently employed or running a technology business overseas. Successful Global Talent Visa applicants need not become employees once in the UK, but may run their own business or work in a self-employed capacity.
In conclusion
Digital technology experts who are seeking international success should consider applying to live and work in the UK via a Global Talent Visa. This visa will empower them to thrive in a global ecosystem and unlock significant opportunities for success on an international scale.
For bespoke advice that is tailored to your specific needs, please contact Stellar Immigration Services today.
Resources:
[1] https://commonslibrary.parliament.uk/research-briefings/cdp-2023-0137/#:~:text=In%20March%202023%2C%20economic%20output,2023%20than%20in%20February%202020.
[2] https://www.gov.uk/global-talent-digital-technology