Reject, appeal, endorsed!🌟 Even if you are Not Typical, Don't Give Up -

Stage 1
1

As the year draws to a close, I want to share a reflection and a message of hope for those of you considering or currently navigating the Tier 1 Global Talent Visa journey.

Earlier this year, I received my Global Talent Visa. Looking back, it wasn’t an easy path, but it was one filled with lessons and unexpected triumphs.

“I suggest you don’t waste your time.”
Those were the words I heard when I first asked for advice. I remember the moment vividly: standing at the Shard, talking to a young Global Talent Visa holder, and feeling a wave of self-doubt. Even a friendly neighbor (a software engineer) later said, “You don’t have the experience.”

But what else could I do but try? :muscle:
捃里äč‹èĄŒïŒŒć§‹äșŽè¶łäž‹
Lao Tzu said, “The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.”

So, I started leveraging what I had:
:sparkles: My working experience
:sparkles: My volunteering efforts
:sparkles: My podcast platform

The initial application was intense—drafting, rewriting, facing rejection. When I received a “no” on New Year’s Eve, it felt devastating. But that rejection came with feedback, and feedback meant I could try again.

To anyone standing where I once was: don’t give up if it’s a ‘no’ at first. Find out why, appeal if you can, or reapply with a stronger case. Persistence truly pays off.

This visa isn’t just about entering the UK. It’s a testament to resilience, the power of belief, and the idea that what seems impossible can become possible with relentless effort.

:bulb: If you’re considering the Tier 1 Global Talent Visa, here are some of my learnings:

  1. Start with what you have. Showcase your unique skills and contributions—even if they don’t seem “traditional” for tech.
  2. Use rejection as fuel. Feedback is gold—improve, reapply, or appeal.
  3. Build your case. From personal statements to leveraging achievements, craft a compelling narrative about why you are a global talent.

:sparkles: Ready for more tips? I created a video sharing my step-by-step journey, from rejection to approval in just 3 months. Watch it here: They Said I Couldn’t: How I Got My UK Global Talent Visa

If you’re unsure about yourself or your qualifications, remember this: you are capable of more than you think. Take the first step, and see where it leads. :rainbow:

3 Likes
2

Congratulations! Can you post your timeline for this process until you were endorsed?

4

@Lydia_C Thank you so much. It was a nice video and all details included. Thank you and congratulations.

5

Thank you I’m glad it’s helpful!!

6

Hi, I just watched your video but it didn’t mention how long the Appeal timeline was

7

You typically get a response within 28 days.

8

It’s within 28 days! : )

9

Quick follow-up to this thread :speech_balloon:

Since sharing my Global Talent Visa story, I’ve spoken to so many people who are thinking about applying—some are confident, but many are still unsure if it’s the right path for them.

So I recorded a new video with the most honest advice I can give:

:movie_camera: Should You Apply for the Global Talent Visa? (My Honest Take + Free Guide)

In it, I talk about:

  • Why GTV might not be the best option for everyone
  • Other UK visa routes worth considering
  • What I wish someone had told me when I first started

I also created a free guide to help clarify your thinking—it’s linked in the video description.

Hope this helps someone in the middle of the decision-making fog :yellow_heart: Feel free to reach out if you’re navigating this too.