Tech-savvy professionals – IT managers, developers, AI specialists, and more tech experts – are extremely popular all over the world. Because of the AI and technology parks, UK and London are some of the top tech talent hubs which can be found in areas like AI, cyber security, and software development. For you digital technology worker, if you’re considering the UK then this UK Visa Deals for Techie Experts article will explain the main visa routes for you to relocate and eventually settle in the UK.
Some Of The Most Popular UK Visa Streams for Digital Tech Entrepreneurs
As a tech-savvy digital nomad, you have three major visas for moving to, and eventually living in the UK:
- Skilled Worker Visa
- Global Talent Visa
- Self-Sponsorship Route
Each path is better, and it all depends on what you are looking for in your job. Let’s examine each in turn.
1. Digital Tech Expert Skilled Worker Visa for Skilled Worker Visa
Skilled Worker visa: the preferred pathway for professionals who hold an offer of employment with a UK employer. This visa is a good fit for IT workers like:
- IT Managers
- Software Developers
- Cybersecurity Experts
- IT Project Managers
- Web Designers
- Data Analysts
You need to meet these qualifications to apply:
- Recipient of Job Offer: You must have a confirmed employment offer from a UK employer with a sponsor license.
- No Entry-Level Pay: Your job needs to have a minimum salary (typically £38,700 a year or more).
- English Language: You will have to prove you can speak, read, and write English in B1 or better (on the CEFR scale).
This is a great visa for people looking for long-term employment and looking to live in the UK. Upon 5 years of being on a Skilled Worker visa, you can get ILR (Indefinite Leave to Remain) and in due course become British.
2. International Talent Visa for Digital Technology Industry Leaders
Global Talent visa — for the professionals who are or are capable of being leaders in their field. If you are a specialist in AI, fintech, cybersecurity, etc, then this visa might be right for you.
Key benefits of the Global Talent visa:
- Flexibility: you can work for any employer, set up your own business, or even switch jobs without the Home Office knowing.
- No Minimum Salary: The Global Talent visa has no salary minimum and is a great solution for top specialists.
- Fast Track to Settlement: You can file for ILR only after 3 years if you are a senior leader.
You have to be a member of Tech Nation who checks your tech career performance to be eligible. You must show that you have already contributed to digital technology in significant ways:
- Leading a tech company
- Innovating in digital technology
- Publishing research
- Mentoring others in your field
- And if you’re going to lead, then you might be required to demonstrate your ability to be innovative or lead in your field.
3. Self-Sponsorship Route
The Self-Sponsorship path is for digital technologists who wish to start a business in the UK. : This is when you can become your sponsor by establishing a company and applying for a sponsor license. You can pay for yourself and your employees to work for you.
The upsides to the self-sponsorship path:
- Control: You are in control of your business and no longer dependent on an employment offer from a company.
- Fast Track to Settlement: After 3 years of operating in the UK you can get ILR.
- Excellent For IT Consultants: If you already are a freelancer or consultant, then this path is for you to set up your business in the UK.
This is a great solution for entrepreneurs and tech employees who want to set up their own company in the UK independently.
Digital tech careers are exciting in the UK, whether you’re employed by a company, are the innovation leader in your industry, or are launching your own company. Which is the correct visa path will depend on your circumstances and career goals.
We are experts at Law and Visas in the UK immigration of tech-based employees. We have a professional team that will take you through the application process and get you the right visa for you and your family. If you are looking to go through the Skilled Worker, Global Talent visa, or the self-sponsorship route, we are there for you.
To get a suggestion on which visa is best for you, call our immigration experts today.
