Request to review my further application for Promise Talent as Software Engineer

Stage 1
1

Hi everyone,

I am planning to submit a further application for the UK Global Talent visa under the Digital Technology route (Exceptional Promise), targeting submission at the end of 2027. I would really appreciate feedback from the community on my profile and planned evidence:

Background:

  • Former civil engineering turned software engineer

  • Previously worked remotely at a Proptech B2B startup based in USA focused on property renovation (1year 6months).

  • Currently working remotely at a AEC technology and consulting company (2 years 1month) focused on building personalized automation tools and productivity applications for external Architecture, Engineering, and Construction teams.

  • Currently in the UK on a student visa finishing 2nd term of a Msc degree in software engineering (which started last year in September) while working part-time in my current role.

Application documents:

  1. Letters of Recommendation:
  • CTO from the startup
  • PM from the same startup
  • Software Engineering Tech Lead from current AEC technology/consulting company
  1. Mandatory Criteria (MC)

  • Should I repeat evidence from OC?

  • Open source contributions (Digital Twin / AEC related libraries)

  • Salary evidence I was in the top 10% of earners as junior developer in my home country while I was working remotely for the US startup. Currently, I’m in the 20% of senior developer earners in my country while working for the AEC consulting and tech company

  1. Optional Criteria (OC):

OC2:

  • Open source contribution: I’m actively contributing to open source projects (libraries) related with my field (Digital Twins).
  • (WIP) Mentorship via open source accelerator program. I’m currently coordinating my participation in the program.
  • (WIP) Planning to speak at two AEC tech conferences (late 2026 and April 2027)

OC3:

  • Technical contributions at the startup: videos demonstrating tools I built (digital twin automation, interoperability tools). I no longer have access to the codebase.

  • Technical contribution at current company: Code samples and videos of custom digital products for external clients.

  • Letter from PM showing business value generated through outsourcing my expertise for delivering client custom products.

  • Letter from external architecture firm endorsing my expertise and impact

Questions:

  • In my current company, I work on external client projects (web apps, APIs, desktop tools, DevOps, Agile). Does this type of customised product development count toward the criteria?

  • During my MSc, I am working part-time. Does this fully count toward the 5 years of experience limit, or could it viewed differently?

  • Is it OK to request recommendation letters now and use them for an application in late 2027?

  • Can the same evidence (e.g., open source, talks) be referenced across Mandatory and Optional criteria, or should they be strictly separated?

Thanks in advance and I look forward to hearing your feedback.

2

@Miguel_gt, aiming for a submission at the end of 2027 is still quite far away, so it’s better to ask for feedback closer to when you’re ready to apply.

All the best.

3

Hi @Raphael,
Thank you for the reply.
Just to clarify, the end of 2027 was a misunderstanding on my side. My intended timeline is around September 2027, as that would mark 5 years of industry experience. However, if my documentation is already strong enough, I would be willing to apply earlier.
I would really appreciate any feedback you could provide now, as it would help guide me in the right direction.
All the best,
Miguel