Hi all,
I’m Bangladeshi and currently living in the UK as a dependent of a Skilled Worker. I’m considering applying for the UK Global Talent visa (Digital Technology) from within the UK and would really appreciate some candid feedback.
Brief profile
15+ years of experience in web development, primarily focused on WordPress and e-commerce. Most of my career has been as an independent developer and product builder.
Co-founded a WordPress product that gained a significant global user base and was later sold to another entrepreneur in the ecosystem within the last 5 years.
Currently active on a highly vetted, top-tier WordPress development platform where experts are selected through a strict screening process. Over the years I’ve completed several hundred projects for international clients and generated substantial revenue through the platform.
Worked with thousands of clients across freelance marketplaces and direct contracts throughout my career.
Developed and contributed to several open-source plugins and tools within the WordPress ecosystem, including contributions within the last 5 years. I also have some older WordPress core contribution history.
Previously organised both a global tech event and a community tech event in my home country (outside the last 5 years), and attended international WordPress/tech events in several countries within the last 5 years.
Previously worked remotely with multiple global companies within the web development and WordPress ecosystem.
Hold an industry-recognised certification related to my technical field (older than 5 years).
Currently running a small UK-registered company providing development services and working on building a SaaS-style product alongside client work.
Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees (not in Computer Science).
Questions
With this background, does this look like a realistic profile for the Global Talent visa (Digital Technology)?
Given the length of my career (15+ years), would Exceptional Talent be the more appropriate route, or is there still a reasonable case for Exceptional Promise if framed around being a relatively new product/SaaS founder?
Some recognitions (e.g. a government-level outsourcing award and older remote roles) are slightly older than 5 years, but the product growth/sale, open-source activity and current company work are within the last 5 years.
How much of an issue is that in practice?
Would really appreciate candid views on whether this profile seems viable for the route and whether there are any obvious red flags.
Thanks in advance.