Visa options for the tech sector
In recent weeks, the US government has made it clear that they want to make it harder for those applying for work visas in the US, whilst the Chancellor, Rachel Reeves, has promised “to make it easier to bring talent to the UK”. In this article, we explore the ways that those in the tech sector may benefit from the UK governments current focus on improving visa routes to attract international talent, amidst the overarching goal of reducing net migration.
Current and proposed visa routes for tech workers
Attracting those in the tech and science industries to relocate to the UK is a key part of the Chancellors plan to boost the UK economy. To do so, the government has confirmed its intention to improve existing visa routes and potentially introduce new options for higher skilled and higher paid jobs.
The current proposed changes, many of which may benefit those in the tech sector, are set out below:
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High Potential Individual visa
This list currently includes around 40 prestigious academic institutions from which recent graduates can make a straightforward application to come to the UK. The government has indicated that more institutions will be added to this list.
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Global Talent visa
Historically, this visa has been very difficult to obtain with only those applications supported by celebrities, politicians and significant awards being endorsed as globally talented. As the complexity and cost of the Skilled Worker visa has increased, many have turned to this route as an alternative and UK universities, and research institutes are now much more aware of this option as means to keep top talent in the UK. Digital technology applications are assessed by Tech Nation in the fields of financial technology, gaming, cybersecurity, or artificial intelligence. There are many benefits to this visa, including a shorter period to settle, no financial thresholds and the freedom to work without being tied to one employer. The cost of the application is also significantly lower than the Skilled Worker route. All in all, the Global Talent route is now an attractive option to come to the UK providing you meet the requirements – if you require advice as to your eligibility, we would be happy to assist.
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Innovator founder
This route was introduced to replace the now defunct Entrepreneur visa. However, it has been underused due to the varying requirements and application process implemented by each endorsing body, of which there are now only four. The intention is to reform the requirements so that it can be utilised by more applicants wishing to start a business in the UK, with the likelihood that applications from tech start-ups will be favoured.
Reducing net migration
Whilst doing its best to attract talent to the UK, the government intends to simultaneously reduce net migration. To do so, reforms to the Skilled Worker route were introduced making it harder and more costly for many. The higher salary thresholds and Home Office fees have made it impossible for many, particularly start-ups and those workers who are asked to pay the application fees or Immigration Health Surcharge and cannot afford to do so.
At the Labour Party Conference last week, the Home Secretary, Shabana Mahmood, stated that the UK government still intends to double the qualifying period to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain from five years to 10 years and that the criteria to apply for ILR will be made harder. It remains unclear whether these changes will apply to those already in the UK or only those wishing to make an application in the future. Either way, this change is likely to make the UK a less attractive option for those considering moving to a UK tech company.
If you are an employer or prospective employee considering your options in the tech sectors, please do not hesitate to get in touch with a member of the RWK Goodman Immigration team.
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