Hello lovely folks!
I’m preparing to submit my Global Talent visa application this month and would greatly appreciate your feedback on my profile. I promise to pay it forward once I’m through this process!
About me: I transitioned from design to a programmer/designer hybrid role after completing my Masters in Interactive Media Arts in the US (2018-2020). I moved to the UK in 2023 on a High Potential visa and now work as a Principal Designer at an award-winning medical VR startup featured in Meta’s TV commercials. In my current role, I both mentor junior designers and contribute individually as a programmer and designer.
Here’s my application structure:
Main Criteria:
MC 1. I’m working with one of the biggest Medical Associations on their 5-year plan to transform surgeon training into VR. It’s an ambitious, world-first project that I’ve been involved with since the business pitch stage.
Proof:
- Letter of support from Head of Design outlining my contributions, explaining the scope and depth of my individual and leadership contribution, and detailing how the project will launch in October as one of the biggest rollouts of VR-enabled training globally and the first of its kind in Ophthalmology.
- Press release announcing the project.
- Feedback/Testimonials from the lead of the project at the medical organization on the simulation’s design quality.
MC 2. Peer judge for one of Design’s biggest awards for the past two years.
Peer reviewer for a major interactive media conference.
MC 3. Recipient of a prestigious creative media award by Mozilla Foundation. (Highly selective, one of 10 people chosen globally)
Other Criteria:
OC 1: My work, with my name, has been featured in multiple newspapers (~7), exhibited at prestigious art fairs, and mentioned in books.
Proof: newspaper clippings, e-book link
OC 2: I created the program structure and timeline for an Indian platform for designers looking to accelerate their careers, and for businesses to build & grow their design teams. The program has uplifted the careers of hundreds of designers. Proof: letter of support from the founder detailing my role, leadership, and impact (number of students, average revenue/salary increase)
OC 3: Currently working on 2 grants awarded to me via competitive process:
- One from a UK art council
- One from a Dutch organization
Previously awarded innovation grants by: - ASCAP (world’s largest music rights publisher)
- Consumer Reports (America’s most trusted investigative journalism/review website)
Proof: letters of acceptance/support from the different organizations
LOR 1: Professor from NYU. A very big name in Interactive Arts who has published fundamental books in the field and is a co-founder of Arduino. He can vouch for the work I do at MC-1, prestige of the journal/award for MC-2/3, and my unique skills and abilities.
LOR 2: Emmy award-winning professional at NYTimes who can talk about my work at MC-1.
LOR 3 Options: Option A: CTO at a startup who has held leadership/CTO positions at a previous startup, Pizza Hut, and DMG media.
Option B: Director of Products at an AR company who has worked on multiple AR campaigns which were first of their kind, and was part of the first AR/VR software and services company that got listed on NASDAQ.
I’d really appreciate your thoughts on a few things that I’m mulling over:
- While I graduated from my masters which is relevant to my current profession in 2020, I graduated from my undergrad in 2007. Do I count as Global Talent promise or leader?
- The Media campaign and announcement of the rollout for MC-1 happens in Oct end. I can’t wait that long because that will jeopardize my visa timeline. What other proof/details can I add as proof to make it stand out stronger?
- For LOR 3, which recommender should I choose? The first one knows me more personally and has a better title but the second person is closer to my industry.
- Should I drop or keep the mentions of the previous innovation grants in OC3?
- I would love to know if the MC and OCs are relevant and strong and any other feedback you all might have
Thank you so much for your time! I love the community and people here and I solemnly swear to pay back the favor once I am done with my application. Cheers!