Michael is a tech marketing specialist, and Faith is a poet. Although they have different skill sets and work in different industries, they are both Global Talent visa holders who ticked all the right boxes and secured the visa on their first try. 

If you’re a tech expert or a creative considering the UK Global Talent visa as a relocation route, Micheal and Faith are the perfect people to take advice from. We spoke to them about how they did it and turned their lessons into an actionable guide to help you apply for the visa.

How Micheal secured the UK Global Talent Visa as a tech professional

Michael moved to the UK in August 2024 as a Global Talent. His journey to securing the visa involved smart planning, solid tech experience, and an understanding of how to meet the specific criteria that the UK government values.

Here’s how he did it:

1. Know the different visa categories

Michael explains that the Global Talent Visa has two categories: Exceptional Promise and Exceptional Talent.

  • Exceptional Promise: This category is for people with less than five years of experience in their field. Those who qualify for this category receive a five-year visa, which can be extended after the five years are exhausted. After spending six years in the UK, you can apply for permanent residency.
  • Exceptional Talent: If you have five or more years of professional experience, you fall under this category. Those endorsed as “Exceptional Talent” get a two-year visa. After that, they can apply to stay for an additional year, totalling three years in the UK. After three years, they can apply for permanent residence in the UK.

The major difference between these two categories is the time it takes to gain permanent residency. So, if you leave Nigeria as an exceptional promise, it would take longer to settle permanently in the country than for an exceptional talent visa holder. 

2. Get the necessary work experience

Michael emphasises you need at least two years of experience in your field to qualify for the visa. For this tech professional, whose background is in marketing, gaining experience in a product-led company was important to qualify for the Tech Nation endorsement, not a marketing agency.

Micheal’s tip for building working experience: If you’re a product designer, for example, stay active in your field, work on your portfolio, and contribute to tech communities. Whether it’s through volunteering, speaking engagements, or leading initiatives, the focus must always be to build a reputation in your field.

3. Tech Nation endorsement

Getting an endorsement from Tech Nation is important for tech professionals like Micheal. To get the endorsement, you’ll be required to submit documents showing your work, impact, and how you’re recognized in your field. ‘If Tech Nation endorses you, you can proceed to apply for the visa. The Tech Nation website has everything you need to know about the Global Talent Visa, including clear, easy-to-understand guidelines”, Micheal explains.

Michael’s tip for getting the Tech Nation endorsement: Focus on building a solid CV and Personal Statement. It’s not enough to list your job titles; highlight your impact, leadership skills, and innovative work.

3. Prepare your documents

Once Tech Nation endorses you, you can apply for the visa. Michael had to submit proof of his expertise (about 10 documents showcasing his impact in his field). “You need to show that you’re not just another tech professional; you need to be convincing about how exceptional you are,” he says. These documents can include speaking engagements and evidence of leadership roles you’ve taken on.

Micheal’s tip for preparing your documents: Show how your skills have impacted your industry in Nigeria and how it can benefit the UK.

4. Know the costs

According to Michael, “The visa cost isn’t your biggest worry; it’s the endorsement.” The total cost for both the endorsement and visa is about £716 (around ₦1.5 million). The endorsement alone costs £524, and once you get that, you can then apply for the visa, which costs about £192.

In addition to these, there’s a healthcare surcharge of £1,035 per year, which you can choose to pay either upfront or yearly.

Michael’s tip: Start saving early. You’ll need to be financially prepared to cover all these costs.

5. Prepare for the wait

The entire process, from gathering documents to receiving the visa, can take three to six months. But  the wait is  worth it. 

Micheal’s tip for your waiting period: Don’t rush through the application process. Be patient and intentional about creating a solid application.

6. Be ready for rejection

The endorsement fee is non-refundable, and you might be rejected. If your application is rejected, you’ll receive feedback on what went wrong, and you can appeal the decision or improve your next application.

Micheal’s tip for avoiding rejection: Make sure your documents are impressive. If you’re rejected, review the feedback carefully and use it to strengthen your next application.

7. Know why it’s worth it

For Michael, the Global Talent Visa wasn’t just about leaving Nigeria. It was about securing a stable future in a thriving tech ecosystem. “If you’re working in tech in Nigeria, the opportunities aren’t the same. In the UK, I’m not worrying about missed opportunities or unstable systems,” he says.

How Faith Secured Her UK Global Talent Visa as a Poet

Faith drew up an actual plan to become a Global Talent, and it worked out perfectly. 

Here’s how she did it:

1. Become excellent at what you do

Faith didn’t just casually write a few poems. She dedicated two full years in Nigeria to becoming the best poet she could be. “I applied for a Global Talent Visa as a poet. Yes, it’s not just for tech guys. It’s also for researchers and artists. With that in mind, I dedicated the two years I had in Nigeria to becoming the best poet ever,” Faith explained.

By fully engaging with the Nigerian creative space, she built an impressive portfolio strong enough to appeal to the UK authorities. 

Faith’s tip for building excellence: Show up, perform at events, and ensure your name is tied to all the right projects.

2. Create a solid track record

If you’re eyeing a Global Talent Visa, visibility and consistency should be your go-to words. Faith knew she needed to build a track record of continuous activity over multiple years. She even took free gigs to build her resume and get noticed. She created a list of the most prestigious literary festivals in Nigeria and worked hard to perform at all of them, establishing her as someone worth paying attention to.

Faith’s tip for building relevance: Be active in the Nigerian creative space and do whatever it takes to build your portfolio, even if it means taking free gigs.

3. Understand the three types of evidence needed

Faith had to provide three major types of evidence for her application:

  • Proof of Performance or Publication: Faith didn’t just write poetry; she performed it on stage and published it in notable publications.
  • Media Recognition: She made sure to get mentions in the media, including interviews and blog features, to show her growing influence.
  • Proof of Awards: Though not essential, awards helped Faith stand out. She made sure to gather any accolades she received.

Faith’s tips for gathering evidence: It’s always better to have all three types of documents, but you don’t necessarily need them all. So, focus on getting at least two categories of evidence.

4. Get strong reference letters

Securing reference letters was the next step, and this part required careful planning. Faith needed one reference letter from a UK literary organization; for that, she needed to have made international connections. “In all your pursuits as a writer or poet, ensure that your recognition extends to the international space”, she shares.

Faith’s tip for getting your reference letters: If you plan to apply for the visa this year, it’s important to find a way to establish those international connections for your application. Faith also advises that you choose people with strong CVs in your industry to write your reference letters because they will have to submit their CVs and be vetted. 

5. Endorsement from Arts Council, England

Faith had to convince the Arts Council, England, in the endorsement phase that she was a poet with exceptional talent or promise. To do this, she submitted her proof of performance, media recognition, and reference letters.

6. Wait for the feedback

Although the website stated that applicants should expect feedback in 12 weeks, Faith was pleasantly surprised to hear back from the Arts Council in just five weeks. But she advises that you keep the 12-week window in mind. 

7. Submit the final documents

Once Faith received her endorsement, the next step was almost automatic. She just had to submit her endorsement letter along with a Tuberculosis test to the UK government. After this, she officially secured her Global Talent Visa.

Michael and Faith might be two different people, but they both agree that the UK is an incredible country to relocate to. And soon, you might agree too.


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