Digital technology professionals like IT managers, developers, AI specialists, product managers, and digital marketing experts are in high demand globally. With technology hubs growing fast, especially in AI, London has emerged as a leading center for tech innovation in Europe, hosting many new startups. The UK offers exciting career opportunities for digital specialists, and if you’re thinking about moving here, you’ll need to consider the best immigration routes.
In this guide, we will cover the main visa options for digital tech specialists who want to move to and settle in the UK.
What Visa Do I Need as a Digital Technology Specialist?
There are three main visa options for digital tech professionals who want to live and work in the UK:
- Skilled Worker Visa
- Global Talent Visa
- Self-Sponsorship Route
Each option leads to settlement and permanent residency, but they have different requirements and benefits. Let’s explore each one.
1. Skilled Worker Visa for Digital Technology Specialists
The Skilled Worker visa is the most common visa for tech professionals who want to work in the UK for a UK employer. It also provides a path to permanent residency after 5 years of living and working in the UK.
To apply for a Skilled Worker visa, you’ll need:
- A job offer from a UK employer that holds a sponsor license.
- A Certificate of Sponsorship from your employer.
- The job must be eligible under the Skilled Worker list (including roles like IT managers, software developers, cybersecurity experts, etc.).
- You must meet the minimum salary requirement, typically at least £38,700 per year, or the “going rate” for your job.
- You must show that you meet the English language requirements (usually B1 level on the CEFR scale).
After working in the UK for 5 years on a Skilled Worker visa, you can apply for permanent settlement.
2. Global Talent Visa for Digital Technology Specialists
If you’re an expert in your field, like AI, cybersecurity, or fintech, and you have leadership experience, the Global Talent visa may be a better option. This visa is more flexible than the Skilled Worker visa because it allows you to work as an employee, be self-employed, or even start your own company in the UK.
The benefits of the Global Talent visa include:
- No minimum salary or English language requirements.
- More flexibility in changing jobs or careers.
- The ability to apply for permanent settlement after 3 years if you’re a recognized leader in your field, or 5 years if you are a potential leader.
To qualify for the Global Talent visa, you must be approved by Tech Nation, which checks whether you are a leader or a potential leader in digital technology. You need to meet certain criteria, such as:
- Leading a successful tech company.
- Contributing to the tech industry through innovation.
- Mentoring others in the tech field.
- Having recognized achievements, such as published research or industry awards.
3. Self-Sponsorship Route
Another option is the Self-Sponsorship route, ideal for tech specialists who want to work for themselves. This pathway allows you to start your own business in the UK, apply for a sponsor license, and sponsor yourself for a visa. It’s a popular choice for IT consultants and entrepreneurs who want to set up and run their own tech companies in the UK.
The self-sponsorship route offers:
- The ability to run your own business while living in the UK.
- A faster path to permanent settlement after just 3 years.
- More control over your career and business.
This route is perfect for people who prefer to work independently rather than being employed by a company.
The UK offers plenty of opportunities for digital technology specialists. Whether you choose a Skilled Worker visa, a Global Talent visa, or the Self-Sponsorship route, each option provides a clear path to permanent settlement.
To determine which visa is right for you and your family, it’s best to speak with an experienced immigration advisor at Law and Visas. We can help guide you through the process and handle your application, so you can focus on the exciting opportunities ahead, whether it’s finding a job, starting a business, or settling into life in the UK.
