UK Seeks a New Body for Tech Talent Visas
In a bid to bolster the influx of global tech talent to the United Kingdom, the UK Home Office has issued a tender for a new endorsing body responsible for reviewing applications under the "Global Talent" visa category, specifically focusing on the digital technology sector.
Tech Nation, which had been handling these applications since 2014, recently faced a setback when the UK government withdrew key funding from the accelerator program in 2023. Despite Tech Nation being acquired by the Founders Forum Group, it continued to manage the endorsement process on an interim basis.
The endorsement process assesses applicants based on a "proven track record of innovation," considering factors such as grants, fellowships, acceptance to accelerator programs, and evidence of recognition for advancing their respective fields.
According to Home Office data, there has been a substantial rise in the issuance of Global Talent visas, reaching 1679 in the year ending June 2023, marking a 76% increase from the previous year. Since 2020, a total of 3901 visas have been granted under this scheme, covering various fields such as science, engineering, humanities, medicine, digital technology, the arts, and culture.
With the recent announcement by the UK government regarding a nearly 50% increase in salary requirements for sponsoring foreign workers in the UK—from £26,200 to £38,700—an uptick in Global Talent visa applications is anticipated.
The open tender for the new endorsing body comes with a contract worth £7.5 million, spanning two years and four months until August 31, 2027, with an expected start date of May 1, 2025. Despite these changes, there is assurance that there will be no disruption in the endorsement process, with Tech Nation continuing its assessments until April 31, 2025.
These developments in the UK's immigration policies and endorsement procedures reflect a concerted effort to attract and retain global talent, particularly in the ever-evolving and crucial field of digital technology. The outcome of this tender will undoubtedly shape the landscape for international professionals seeking opportunities in the UK.
