Tech Nation Visa open to Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent) Visa Applicants

We recently reported on some welcome proposed changes to the Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent) Visa route specifically under the Tech Nation Visa scheme. The Tech Nation Visa Scheme makes it possible for talent from outside of the European Economic Area (EEA) to come and work in the UK’s digital technology sector. Tech City UK has made positive amendments to the endorsements necessary for Applicants to become eligible to apply for a Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent) visa. We have outlined what this means for Applicants below;

Tier 1 Exceptional Talent Route Under Utilised

In November 2015, Tech City UK (Tech Nation) and the Home Office announced new qualifying criteria had been added to Tech City UK’s Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent) endorsement standards. The changes were aimed at ensuring that the UK is able to attract exceptional talent from across the world and to maintain the UK’s “position as a globally competitive digital powerhouse”.

The Tier One (Exceptional Talent) Visa is one of the least utilised visa options available for non-EEA nationals wishing to enter the UK.  A survey conducted by PwC’s 2015 Global Digital IQ Survey found 78% of UK companies consider a skills shortage in digital expertise as one of their main barriers to progress.

Our team of experienced and professionally qualified solicitors and barristers welcome the Home Office recommendations and are pleased to the see direction and scope of the digital sector agreements with the Home Office. The changes made by Tech City are encouraging and should be welcomed because they will have a positive impact on the Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent) applications and thus the UK economy. The changes are in complete harmony to the spirit of the Tier 1 category which is to promote investment in the UK economy and to boost the UK economy.

What this means for Tier 1 Exceptional Talent Visa Applicants

What this means for talented visa applicants in the technology sector is that Tech City is able to consider applications from individuals who are able to demonstrate “Exceptional Promise”; there is a fast-track application procedure for digital businesses in the seven cities under the Tech North remit (including Leeds, Liverpool and Manchester); and if you are an overseas team of up to five individuals and want to relocate your team to the UK, you may also qualify for fast tracking.

Under the current UK immigration rules, Tech City UK has the power to endorse 200 of the 1000 application places available under the Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent) Visa.  With only 37 applications made under the scheme so far, there are still plenty of places left in 2016.

Successful Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent) Visa Applications

It is particularly pleasing to see that the Home Office is considering the needs of UK businesses who are in desperate need of skilled migrants in the Technology sector.

If you are interested in applying under this route, our team of experienced and professionally qualified solicitors and barristers will be able to guide you through the process of making a Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent) visa application. We are regularly instructed by Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent) entrepreneurs and undertake a detailed review for  Applicants and will be able to guide you through the process of making a Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent) visa application step by step and limit the possibility of failure by complying with the strict letter of the law.

From our experience, we have found that the UK Border Agency are very strict when deciding applications under this route so if you consider yourself as having exceptional talent, contact us to arrange a consultation in which we will guide you through the process. Successful Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent) Visa Applications

We also undertake a great deal of appeal work before the Immigration and Asylum Tribunal and have a successful track record of successful results for our clients. We have the experience and the knowledge required to take your case forward successfully. If you have had a Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent) entrepreneur visa refused, contact us to discuss your case so that we can provide you with a case assessment.

Call Now Button search previous next tag category expand menu location phone mail time cart zoom edit close