Seeking Assistance: Review of Cyber Security Engineer Evidence for Tech Nation Visa Reapplication

Hello TechNation forum,

I’m reapplying for the Tech Nation Visa as a Cyber Security Engineer under the exceptional promise category (I previously applyed as a talent and i was denyed) after an initial denial due to lack of third-party validation in some of my evidence and also an issue with the LOR i provided. I would greatly appreciate your review and feedback on my evidence package:

Letters of Recommendation:
• From a CIO at a CyberSecurity Company
• From a CTO at a Commercial Bank
• From another CIO at a CyberSecurity Company

Mandatory Criteria (MC) Evidence:

  1. Industry Event Panelist:

    • Explanation of the event (275+ attendees)
    • Photo of me on stage with other panelists (video link included)
    • Reference letter from conference organizer
  2. Salary Information:

    • Detailed explanation of annual remuneration (Nigeria to GBP)
    • Payslip screenshot and Glassdoor salary range comparison
    • Employment letter screenshot with links to scanned copies

Optional Criteria 2 (OC2) Evidence:

  1. Speaking Engagement (June 2024):

    • Event explanation and attendance figures
    • Photo of me speaking and program of events
    • Reference letter from conference organizer
  2. Certifications and Awards:

    • Explanation and screenshots of eight cybersecurity certifications

Optional Criteria 3 (OC3) Evidence:

  1. Large-scale Network and Security Modernization Project:

    • Project explanation, impact, and links to business case/design
    • User testimonial (60% improvement in business processes)
    • Reference letter from CTO detailing impact and cost savings
  2. Reference Letter from Current Boss:

    • Detailing work impact over the last 2 years
    • Includes metrics and major cost savings

I would particularly appreciate feedback on:

  1. The strength of my third-party validations
  2. Any areas where I could provide additional evidence
  3. How I can better present my impact and expertise

Thank you in advance for your time and insights!

@Francisca_Chiedu @pahuja

Hi @Elijah_Ekeleni

  • Can you please highlight the feedback on LORs and how you have incorporated it?

  • MC is weak. As such only salary information is insufficient and adding just one more evidence of an event is not strong enough.

Can you get one more piece of evidence here?

Was the panel speaking event a one-off or do you have more such events? Many times just a single event is given feedback of a one-off which doesn’t prove you are a leading talent in digital technology sector.

  • OC2
    Are these participation certificates or are they recognition certificates?

If the latter, from what kind of national or international bodies?

  • how have you made your third party validation evidences different from last time?

  • overall application looks weak and needs more evidencing. You have only 6 pieces of evidences - can you aim for atleast 9?

  • as of now OC3 looks passable (will be stronger with one more evidence), OC2 basis above questions and MC looks weak

  • to make it stronger
    A. you can use more work examples of your work and how they were significant contributions and impact? You have only used 1-2 examples in OC3. Use more work-related examples from last 5 years and include one in MC.
    B. Any cybersecurity communities you have contributed to? Any blogs?

2 Likes
  1. The strength of my third-party validations
  • how you know these people and how they talked about you should connect you with actual evidence
  • If you are a cyber security engineer, you should prove your talent in that field.
    e.g. vulnerability research, response or something else?
  1. Any areas where I could provide additional evidence
  • What’s your work and your skills?
  1. How I can better present my impact and expertise
    What you have done?

You might need a coach or you need share your linkedin or resume so people can help you.

Now looks very weak.

Hello @pahuja ,

Thanks for the feedback as this is really helpfull.

I have attched screenshots of the response I received for the panel accessment from my previous application.

attn: @Francisca_Chiedu
.


1 Like