UK introduces visa scheme for tech talent

The UK government is changing immigration rules to make it easier for technology start-ups to hire talent from outside the EU.

The government's new Tech Nation Visa Scheme adds four new qualifying criteria for Tier 1 Exceptional Talent work visas. These include experience building UK scale-ups, such as taking a company to IPO or consulting on specific technical criteria including cybersecurity.

In addition, the new visa scheme will consider applications from tech workers demonstrating “exceptional promise", while providing a route for companies to hire experienced teams of up to five from overseas.

A fast-track process will be available for digital businesses in seven technology hostpots in the north of England — Hull, Leeds, Liverpool, Manchester, Newcastle, Sheffield and Sunderland.

“Fast-growing digital technology businesses play a central role in ensuring the UK stays at the forefront of digital innovation and economic growth on the world stage," commented Gerard Grech, CEO of Tech City UK, a government body tasked with helping nurture digital business in the UK.

“Based on the feedback from the tech community, the new Tech Nation Visa Scheme will prove to be a vital tool for companies that want to secure the high-calibre people they need to quickly scale their product, service and operations."

Tech City UK is one of five designated government bodies appointed to review applications to work in the country under the Tier 1 Exceptional Talent Visa route.