I’m exploring the Global Talent Visa (Digital Technology route) and would really appreciate some honest feedback from people who’ve gone through the process. I’m trying to understand how strong my profile is and what I should focus on before applying.
Here’s a summary of my background:
Education and Research
Master’s degree in Artificial Intelligence from a UK university with Distinction
Dissertation received a mark of 90/100 for a project on smart-building data analysis using machine learning, completed in collaboration with a UK tech company
Abstract paper published at the university, currently preparing the full paper for publication
Professional Experience
Full-stack developer at a UK organisation working on a sustainability-related technology project (£70k salary)
Founder of a software company outside the UK for several years, delivering enterprise-level systems for major clients
Experience collaborating on machine-learning and data-engineering projects
Experience and be part of startup projects outside of uk and recently joined in a group of startup inside of uk
Community and Mentoring
Mentored undergraduate students and volunteered as a youth mentor in the UK
Currently mentoring university tech students to help them start coding for a startup project
Invited by my university to present my startup at a public event attended by stakeholders and industry partners
Achievements
Academic excellence and strong technical background in AI and sustainability technology
Track record of innovation through both commercial projects and applied development
Recipient of a Robotics Award (2012) for rescue robot
What I’m Hoping to Learn
Based on your experience, does my profile seem closer to Exceptional Promise or Exceptional Talent (Leader)?
Are there any major gaps I should fill before applying?
Would publishing my full paper or speaking at a public event make a meaningful difference for the Leader route?
For those who have been endorsed, what type of recognition or evidence seemed to carry the most weight?
I don’t have a PhD or extensive research record — do I still have a realistic chance in this situation? also I don’t have a strong github or stackoverflow
Evidence I’m Preparing
Three recommendation letters (academic, and two international industry)
Supporting letter from my current employer
Documentation of enterprise projects and technical contributions
Degree certificate and dissertation results
Invitation to present at a university event
Mentoring confirmation letters
I’d really appreciate any insights from people who’ve been endorsed or worked with others on similar applications. What do you think about my overall readiness, and what steps would make my profile stronger before submission?
Your profile seems to have some elements but lacks foundational TN guideline requirements.
you need to be working with product-led digital tech companies for your evidences
mentoring should be part of a structured program with selection of mentees
University dissertation and certificates aren’t valid for this application
university event is not counted. It needs to be a recognized large tech event. Invitation to present your startup is invalid, it needs to be invitation for you not company representation.
Evidences for more than 5 years ago are invalid for this application
Publishing a paper now will be considered close to application date
You need to build on the professional experience you have listed and demonstrate quantified impact on company metrics for OC3 and use your founder experience to demonstrate innovation in OC1. Show code commits, architecture diagrams, company registration etc to strengthen your evidences.
Thank you so much for the detailed feedback , that’s really insightful and helps me understand the gaps much better.
Just to clarify a few points:
I’m currently working in a product-led digital tech company in the UK, so my main evidence will focus on that role and its measurable impact.
The university event I’m invited to is specifically for founders to present my own startups, not as a company representative, so it’s more about my personal innovation journey.
I’ve also presented an abstract paper at a conference, which I plan to include as part of my supporting evidence.
In addition, I’m mentoring undergraduate students through a university tech club, guiding them in developing applications and exploring real-world tech projects.
As you mentioned, my paper will likely be published quite recently by the time I apply. Based on that, what would you suggest I focus on now to strengthen my profile further?
From your perspective, do you think I’m currently a realistic candidate for endorsement, or should I continue building more professional evidence before applying?
Thanks again for taking the time to share your honest and practical advice I really appreciate it.
is the university event a large tech event with 100+ attendees?
tech club mentorships are usually not structured programs. Is this a structured mentorship program with selection of mentees or is it open to all in the club?
Your profile shows promise but needs significant strengthening before applying. I’ve reviewed many applications with similar backgrounds and can point out the critical gaps you need to address.
Your current evidence won’t meet the strict requirements that came into effect in January 2025. The dissertation work and university presentations you mentioned won’t be accepted as valid evidence. Academic achievements are explicitly excluded, and university events don’t count unless they have 100+ industry attendees and notable recognition.
Your mentoring through the tech club needs to be part of a formal structured program with clear selection criteria to qualify. I’ve seen many rejections where informal mentoring was dismissed because it lacked proper structure and third-party verification. Your startup founder experience could work for OC3, but you’ll need concrete evidence of measurable impact on the sector, not just company success.
Focus on building evidence through your current product-led tech company role. Document quantifiable impacts you’ve made on company metrics, architecture decisions, or technical innovations. Your AI and sustainability background is strong, but you need to demonstrate how your individual contributions advanced the field beyond routine job duties. I’d recommend waiting 6-12 months to build stronger evidence rather than applying with your current profile and risking a rejection.
Thank you very much for your great feedback!
can I ask what kind of evidence should I prepare for my code? cause some of the projects are so old and I don’t have an access to code and architecture in my old company? and for mentoring how can I show that programme is structured base and I mentoring selected undergraduate students?