Tech Nation Is Granted 50 More Visa Endorsements

In news that will be welcomed by the UK tech industry, which has been struggling to recruit the talent it needs to grow, Tech Nation has been granted an extra 50 visa endorsements by the British government.

It is thought that this move is in response to Brexit-based fears that innovative and talented EU nationals currently working in the British tech-sector will move to one of the other 27 member states. It is however, looking increasingly likely that the government plans to introduce a visa program for EU nationals once the country officially leaves the bloc, potentially hampering the ability of one of Britain’s most profitable sectors to acquire the skilled staff they need to scale up.

To ensure your application for endorsement has the best chance of success, it is important to instruct an experienced Immigration lawyer to assist you.

All about the Tech Nation Visa Scheme

The Tech Nation Visa Scheme was introduced in 2015 as part of the Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent) Visa. To obtain the visa, applicants must successfully complete a two-step process.

Endorsement by Tech Nation

To be endorsed for a Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent) Visa in the tech sector, applicants must meet at least one of the following two mandatory criteria:

• have a proven track record of innovation in the digital technology sector, as the founder or director of a tech company or an employee working in a new digital field or innovation; or
• have received outside recognition of their work which has contributed to the advancement of their sector (i.e. mentoring or teaching).

Applicants also need to meet two out of four of the following qualifying criteria

To receive an endorsement by Tech Nation, you must provide evidence that you:

• have made a significant technical, commercial, or entrepreneurial contributions in the digital technology sector;
• are recognised as a world-leading talent in the digital technology sector;
• have undergone continuous learning/mastery of new digital skills (commercial or technical) throughout your career; and
• have demonstrated exceptional ability in the field by making academic contributions through research

If you do not believe you quite meet the criteria stated above but you can demonstrate the potential to do so, and you have the necessary technical and business skills, you may still be able to gain endorsement Exceptional Promise candidate.

Endorsement by the UK Home Office

Once you have been endorsed, you must make a separate application to the UK Home Office, attaching your endorsement letter with your application. Tech City cannot influence this stage of the process.

Fast-tracked applications

You can apply for a fast-tracked endorsement from Tech Nation if you meet the following criteria:

Empowering the North

You plan to settle and be employed in one of these seven cities in Northern England; Hull, Leeds, Liverpool, Manchester, Newcastle, Sheffield, and Sunderland or the surrounding regions);

Building UK Scale-Ups

You have the specific skills and talents urgently required by the tech industry to scale-up their operations.

Relocating teams

You are part of a team of up to five people who all plan to relocate to the UK. Each member will be considered separately and have to meet the requirements in their own right. This route allows for existing teams within an international company which has been acquired by a UK business to relocate to the UK.

In summary

Tech companies who desperately need skilled workers to meet their client’s demands will be encouraged to take advantage of the Tech Nation Visa Scheme. The benefits for tech businesses are considerable; they do not need to obtain a UK Sponsor Licence to recruit someone who has a Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent) Visa and the Visa is granted for five years.

If you are looking to move to the UK to work in the ever growing technology market, then OTS Solicitors can fast-track your application process and ensure your application is made correctly. Widely regarded as one of the best Immigration and employment law firms in London, our solicitors have assisted hundreds of employees and entrepreneurs gain entry into the UK so that they can fulfill their career ambitions. To find out how we can help you, please phone us on 0203 959 9123 and make an appointment with one of our team.