Solo SaaS Founder Seeking Advice Is the UK Global Talent Visa Realistic for Me?

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Hey everyone,

I’m hoping to get some advice (and maybe a reality check) about the UK Global Talent Visa, specifically the digital technology route. I want to keep this post anonymous and a bit stealth, so I’ll avoid sharing any personal details.

My background:

  • I’m an indie hacker, not on any work visa, and I mostly build micro SaaS tools solo.
  • I have a bachelor’s and a postgrad degree in marketing.
  • I shipped one SaaS product, but honestly, it hasn’t taken off.
  • I’m planning to start an LLC in the US and launch another product soon, this time focused on AI marketing.
  • I’m active on LinkedIn and X (Twitter), mostly posting about AI and marketing, and I’m considering starting a blog on Medium.

My questions:

  • Given my profile, do I even stand a chance for the Global Talent Visa? Or am I just wasting my time?
  • What exactly do I need to do to be eligible? What kind of evidence or achievements are they looking for?
  • Is it worth applying if I don’t have a work visa or a “successful” product yet?

What I’ve gathered so far:

  • You don’t need a job offer for the Global Talent Visa, but you do need to prove you’re a leader or potential leader in digital tech (or business roles in tech)
  • The endorsement process is strict: you need to show a strong track record, innovation, and measurable impact (like product launches, patents, revenue, or industry recognition)
  • There are mandatory and optional criteria. You must meet the mandatory one (proven recognition as a leader or potential leader) and at least two optional ones (like innovation, commercial impact, or contributions outside your main job)
  • Academic degrees help, but what really matters is your impact and recognition in the tech space
  • The process is two steps: first, get endorsed; then, apply for the visa itself. Fees are not trivial, and the bar for evidence seems high.

My concerns:

  • My current SaaS isn’t successful, and I don’t have big revenue or awards.
  • I’m just starting to build my public profile (no major press, no big exits).
  • I’m not sure if being active on social media and planning new projects is enough.

So, should I even try? Has anyone with a similar indie hacker/solo founder background (without a big exit or major press) managed to get endorsed? What would you recommend I focus on to improve my chances?

Any advice, reality checks, or stories from people who’ve been in a similar spot would be super helpful. Thanks!

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Hey,

  • My current SaaS isn’t successful, and I don’t have big revenue or awards.
  • It might still qualify but depends on how you present your evidences
  • I’m just starting to build my public profile (no major press, no big exits).
  • This isn’t a hard requirement but this is generally the major extent of evidences required
  • I’m not sure if being active on social media and planning new projects is enough.
  • Unfortunately it isn’t. Such evidences are generally swiftly rejected.
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Hey Akash,

Quick question for you—do you think if I focus and build strong evidence over the next 12 months, I could make a solid case for the UK Global Talent Visa? I’m aiming to show real impact and leadership in digital tech, but I’d love your take on whether that timeline and approach seem realistic.

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Yes, I would aim for 13 months though.