Fewer than half of British employers believe young people are leaving full-time UK education with sufficient advanced digital skills, while 76% of firms believe that a lack of staff with adequate digital skills will have a significant impact upon their profitability.
Against this backdrop, the UK Home Office is actively encouraging overseas tech-talent to consider living and working in the UK.
There are a variety of applicable UK visa categories for tech workers, including:
- The Skilled Worker category – available to those individuals who have received an offer of full-time employment from a Home Office approved UK employer. A number of tech sector positions, such as ‘software developer’ and ‘systems designer’, are classed as ‘shortage occupation’ roles and such roles attract less onerous visa requirements.
- The Start-Up and Innovator category – available to those individuals who have an innovative, viable and scalable concept for a new UK business which has been endorsed by a Home Office approved governing body.
- The Global Talent category – available to those individuals who are an established or emerging talent in the digital technology field and have been endorsed by Tech Nation (the relevant Home Office approved governing body).
Gherson has extensive experience in helping overseas tech-talent to navigate the requirements and process of migrating to the UK. If you have any queries, or are interested in talking to us about your specific circumstances, please contact us to discuss your immigration matter, send us an e-mail, or alternatively, follow us on Twitter, Facebook, or LinkedIn to stay-up-to-date.
The information in this blog is for general information purposes only and does not purport to be comprehensive or to provide legal advice. Whilst every effort is made to ensure the information and law is current as of the date of publication it should be stressed that, due to the passage of time, this does not necessarily reflect the present legal position. Gherson accepts no responsibility for loss which may arise from accessing or reliance on information contained in this blog. For formal advice on the current law please don’t hesitate to contact Gherson. Legal advice is only provided pursuant to a written agreement, identified as such, and signed by the client and by or on behalf of Gherson.
©Gherson 2021