Seeking Advice: Should I apply for Global Talent Visa?

Hi everyone,

I’m a software engineer currently based in the UK on a Skilled Worker visa (tech), and I’ve been exploring the possibility of transitioning to the Global Talent visa under the Exceptional Promise route. However, I’m starting to second-guess myself after diving into the eligibility criteria and reading about others’ experiences.

Here’s my situation:

Career Background;

I have around five years of experience in tech, starting out as a freelancer. Before my current role, most of my work was on a contractual basis, so I didn’t stay in a single position for a full year. This has made me concerned about the requirement to provide three recommendation letters, especially as they need to come from people I’ve worked with for at least 12 months. While I’ve made an impact at many of the places I’ve worked, reconnecting with some of these individuals for recommendations might be challenging.

Lack of Public Profile: I’m more of a “keep to myself” kind of person and haven’t actively built a digital footprint through public talks or similar activities. That said, I’ve volunteered as a mentor and instructor for aspiring engineers at a local ICT school for about a month, which I hope counts as a meaningful contribution.

Motivation: I became a Software Engineer due to a genuine desire to create meaningful products. So far, I haven’t been able to fully pursue this due to prioritizing stability (balancing the pressures of a tight environment, university, and work (finances)). The Global Talent Visa feels like the right path to give me the freedom and flexibility to focus on innovation.

I’ve also considered the innovator visa, as I have an idea that feels unique and could meet the requirements. However, I would prefer to prioritize building solutions for my own immediate challenges and others like me. While similar businesses like these exist in the UK, I have a niche and a different approach. The innovator visa, though, seems like a more daunting leap right now.

All in all, I just want to be “stable” and start “hacking,” and a skilled worker visa will not provide me that due to the insecurities and uncertainties that come with keeping it.

If you’ve faced similar challenges or have experience navigating the Global Talent application process, I’d love to hear your advice, tips, or insights. Any encouragement would mean a lot too!

Thank you in advance for your help!

I’m afraid your description doesn’t seem to fit what TN are looking for. They need external evidence of leadership in the field and it seems yours might be lacking.
A month of mentorship is a good start but it it needs to be longer and in a structured mentorship program

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Thanks hsafra. Which kinds of mentorship programs will you suggest?

It needs to be a structured mentorship program. I can’t recommend any specific ones since this changes around the glove

  • Evidence of mentorship must be for activity outside the applicant’s organisation or normal course of work duties and excludes mentorship of other commercial organisations as part of a commercial arrangement. Mentorship should be on behalf of a structured programme with selection criteria and is inclusive of non-profit charities and social mentorship programmes. You must be able to demonstrate a consistent track record of mentoring and have received recognition for your personal contribution. Mentoring at a university or a single startup is not sufficient. When mentoring alongside other mentors (for example at a top-tier accelerator) you must have been a senior mentor that may be evidenced through a letter of reference from the programme. Note that simply training a colleague, providing general support or advice, or advising at a company of someone you know is not considered to meet the definition of mentorship.