The Tech Nation Visa Scheme – am I eligible?

If you are a digital technology professional thinking of coming to the UK on a Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent) visa, it is worth considering whether your visa application would be eligible for endorsement by Tech City UK as part of the Tech Nation Visa Scheme.

Introduced in November 2015, the scheme enables applicants of the Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent) visa category to receive endorsement from Tech City UK, a Home Office appointed Designated Competent Body, before their visa application is passed over to the Home Office for consideration.

But am I eligible to apply for endorsement from Tech City UK?

Before you apply for endorsement, take a look at the criteria against which your application will be assessed. In order to be successful, you need to satisfy a set of mandatory and qualifying criteria, and provide certain documents in support of your application.

The mandatory criteria

In order to be eligible for endorsement you must be able to satisfy at least one of the following mandatory criteria:

• You have a proven track record of innovation in the digital technology sector as a director, founder or employee of a digital technology sector company.
• You can prove recognition for work outside of your immediate occupation which has contributed to the advancement of the sector.

The qualifying criteria

Once you are confident that you can satisfy at least one of the mandatory criteria, you should ensure that you meet at least two of the following qualifying criteria:

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

You must provide documents in support of the mandatory and qualifying criteria as part of your application, along with a C.V., a cover letter, and two letters of recommendation.

Unfortunately, ensuring that you meet the criteria and providing the required documentation does not secure the endorsement of your application, or the granting of your UK visa. If endorsement is given, your visa application must be submitted to the Home Office for consideration.

As a legal partner of of the Tech Nation Visa scheme, Smith Stone Walters is contactable for is advice and support throughout the visa application process.

Contact us to ensure that your UK visa application has the best chance of success.

Click here to read the Application Guidelines for the Tech Nation Visa Scheme.