Everything you need to know about Global Talent Visa in Digital Technology

The Global Talent Visa came into force from 20 February 2020 after replacing Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent) visa on 20 February 2020. The Global Talent Visa is one of the best routes for attracting promising individuals who are either a leader or a promising leader in academia or research, arts and culture, and digital technology. They can either work in a qualifying field or wish to work/run a business in their qualifying fields in the UK. However, the individual must get an endorsement depending on the qualifying field. The endorsing bodies are Tech Nation-for digital technology, The Royal Society- for Science and Medicine, The Royal Academy of Engineering- for engineering, The British Academy-for humanities, The Arts Council England-for arts and culture, and UK Research and Innovation (UKRI)-for Research Applicants. 

• Process of obtaining Global Talent Visa 

The individual must take into consideration obtaining endorsement in order to prove if he or she is a leader or a potential leader. After getting an endorsement, the earliest an individual can apply for a visa is 3 months before he or she intends to travel. One can expect a decision about the visa within 3 weeks if he or she is outside the UK or 8 weeks if he or she is inside the UK. 

• Role of Tech Nation 

Tech Nation endorses applications for Global Talent Visa in Digital Technology. They assess endorsement applications from individuals having expertise in digital technology. 

• Typical Applicants of Tech Nation

Tech Nation accepts applications from those with technical and/or business skills in the digital technology sector. Technical applicants must evidence technical expertise with the latest technologies in building technical infrastructure. Business applicants must evidence a proven commercial, investment, or product expertise considering digital product businesses. 

• Eligibility Criteria 

When applying for endorsement to Tech Nation, there are two options for the individual. Exceptional Talent is designed for the individuals who are already recognised as leaders in the qualifying field. However, Exceptional Promise is those who are likely to be holding 5 years or less commercial experience and yet to demonstrate a track record in innovation. Tech Nation experts will examine if the skills and achievements are met with the necessary criteria and whether the individual must be endorsed for Exceptional Talent or Exceptional Promise. 

• Documents Checklist for Endorsement 

1. A personal statement in the form of Tech Nation Visa Application Form 
2. Curriculum Vitae 
3. Three letters of Recommendation signed by senior members of different establishments from the digital technology sector. 
4. Up to 10 pieces of evidence 

• Documents required for Visa Application 

An individual must provide the following documents for Visa Application: 

1. A Valid Travel identification 
2. Individual’s Tuberculosis Results 
3. A current passport with a blank page in it.
4. Copies of documents like passports, letters from a government department, photocard driving licences, or letter from a hospital signed and dated by someone well-respected in the community. 

• Switch to Global Talent Visa 

Those individuals who are already in the UK under Tier 1, Tier 2, Tier 5 (Temporary Worker-Government Authorised Exchange), a start-up visa, or an innovator visa can switch to a Global Talent Visa. If the individual is from another tier or category, he or she must leave the UK and make the application from abroad. 

• Global Talent  Visa Extension 

If the endorsing body continues to endorse the individual and if he or she is earning money in the qualifying field during the last period of leave to remain in the UK, an individual can apply for Global Talent Visa Expansion. However, the individual must make sure he or she applies for the Global Talent Visa Extension well-in advance. 

• Dependents 

Global Talent Guidance has defined dependents to be the spousal partner, individual’s child under 18 or above 18 if they’re already in the UK as a dependent. Those dependents who are applying from outside the UK, except North Korea, need to have their photograph and fingerprints taken at the visa application center in order to obtain a biometric residence permit. Those individuals who are already in the online application. Individuals who are already in the UK can extend or switch to a Global Talent Visa. Extend or Switch is possible if they apply online as a partner or as a child. 

Need to know more about Global Talent Visa?  We can help. 

A Y & J Solicitors is a multi-award winning UK Immigration law firm with a decade of experience recommended by Legal 500 based in Central London. Get in touch with our qualified solicitors to help in the Global Talent Visa Application. For further information about our immigration service, please email us at contact@ayjsolicitors.com or Whatsapp us / call on +44 7448 5656 70.