Global Talent Visa - Digital Technology

Updates: Tech Nation will continue to be the endorsing body for applicants under the Global Talent Digital Technology route. From 4 August 2025, applicants will no longer need to complete a separate application form on Tech Nation’s website.

The UK’s Global Talent Visa offers a prestigious immigration route for high skilled individuals in the digital technology sector. This route is suitable for both technical and business applicants who can demonstrate exceptional talent or exceptional promise in the field of digital technology.

Who Can Apply under the Global Talent route?

Applicants must fall into one of two broad categories:

• Technical applicants, such as software engineers, DevOps professionals, data scientists, AI/ML experts, cybersecurity specialists, and product designers, must demonstrate proven technical expertise with the latest technologies, including in building, using, deploying or exploiting a technology stack and building technical infrastructure.
• Business applicants, such as product managers, commercial leads, performance marketers or senior VCs/PEs, must show a proven commercial, investment, or product expertise in building digital products or leading investments in significant digital product businesses.

Eligibility extends only to those whose experience is rooted in product-led digital technology companies. Work in outsourcing firms, consultancies, or traditional corporate management roles generally does not qualify.

What Does the Endorsement Process Involve?

Before applying for the visa itself, applicants needs to first secure an endorsement from the official endorsing body for digital technology – Tech Nation. This is the most critical part of the process and involves a detailed assessment of the applicant’s career, achievements, and future plans in the UK tech sector. Depending on their level of experience, they can apply under one of two categories:

• Exceptional Talent: for those recognised as leaders in the digital technology sector in the last five years
• Exceptional Promise: for individuals showing potential to be a leading talent in the in the digital technology sector in the last five years

Applicants need to provide a CV, three Letters of Recommendation from three different well-established experts in the sector with detailed knowledge of the applicant’s work over a period of 12 months or more, and up to 10 pieces of supporting evidence. These must collectively demonstrate innovation, recognition, and significant contribution to the digital technology field.

If the applicant is a founder or senior executive, additional evidence needs to be provided.

What is the Fast-Track Eligibility Requirement?

Applicants may be eligible for a Fast Track decision (within three weeks) if they have been accepted onto a recognised accelerator, and can show this on your application for endorsement. The following accelerator programmes are accepted:

• Antler
• Bethnal Green Ventures
• Carbon13
• Collider
• Creative Destruction Lab
• Cylon
• Entrepreneur First
• Founders Academy
• Founders Factory
• Ignite
• SETsquared
• Startupbootcamp
• techstars
• Wayra
• Zinc

What are the Mandatory Requirements?

The Applicant must meet two of the following requirements:

(a) a proven track record for innovation as a founder or senior executive of a product-led digital technology company or as an employee working on a new digital field or concept; or

(b) proof of recognition for work beyond the applicant’s occupation that contributes to the advancement of the field; or

(c) they have made significant technical, commercial or entrepreneurial contributions to the field as a founder, senior executive, board member or employee of a product-led digital technology company; or

(d) they have demonstrated exceptional ability in the field by academic contributions through research published or endorsed by an expert.

How We Can Help?

At Angelov Solicitors, we provide strategic advice tailored to your unique background. We help you understand how the endorsement requirements apply to your profile, review your documentation, and guide you through the process to maximise your chances of success.