Global Talent Visa for AI and Automation Experts
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Why the Global Talent route suits AI and automation
- No sponsor and no salary threshold. The assessment is about what you have built, not who pays you.
- Settlement after three years on Exceptional Talent, or five on Exceptional Promise.
Which tier do you apply under?
Exceptional Talent, for established leaders
- Five or more years of hands-on innovation in AI or automation
- You have led automation projects with results you can measure
- You have founded a company or platform others use
- You hold patents in machine learning or robotics that are commercially deployed
- Settlement available after 3 years
Exceptional Promise, for emerging leaders
- Fewer than five years in digital technology
- Open-source tools with genuine adoption
- Research with meaningful citation or industry uptake
- A startup with funding or user growth behind it
- Settlement available after 5 years
What Tech Nation assesses
Mandatory: recognised leadership or promise
You need to show recognised influence, or clear potential, in developing or applying AI and automation, within the last five years. You must also meet at least two of the four optional criteria below.
Optional: original work
Something you built. A tool, product, system or patented idea that other people use.
Optional: industry recognition
Awards, speaking invitations, or coverage in publications your field takes seriously.
Optional: measurable impact
Results you can put a number against. Hours saved, costs cut, performance improved, users reached.
Optional: published research
Peer-reviewed papers, or presentations at recognised conferences.
How do you apply?
Build the portfolio. A personal statement, a CV, up to ten pieces of evidence, and three recommendation letters.
Submit Stage 1 on GOV.UK, selecting Tech Nation as the endorsing body. Since 4 August 2025 there is no separate Tech Nation portal.
Once endorsed, apply for the visa within three months. The endorsement letter expires after that and you would have to start again.
Prove your identity, either through the UK Immigration ID Check app or at a visa application centre.
Travel to the UK and start work. No further permission is needed to change employer, freelance or found a company.
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Cost Breakdown
Combined two-stage total: £766 | | Visa with an eligible prize (no endorsement needed) | £766 | | Dependants (partner and children under 18) | £766 each | | Immigration Health Surcharge | £1,035 per person per year (£776 per year for under-18s), paid upfront for the full grant | | Priority service, visa stage only (optional) | £500 (Priority, usually 5 working days) / £1,000 (Super Priority, usually next working day) |
In our clients' own words.
“After our ILR rejection, AY&J pursued our case through Administrative Review and Judicial Review. The team was open, honest, knowledgeable and attentive to every detail. They kept us informed at every stage, supported us throughout an extremely difficult journey and helped us regain confidence in our case.”
"Before coming to AY&J Solicitors, I made three major mistakes on my Entrepreneur visa application that could have completely ruined my status in the UK. Other famous law firms wanted £50,000 just to look at my case. When I met Yash and Anna, their clear logical thinking, expertise, and reasonable pricing stood out immediately. They worked with me like a true team, resolved every issue, and saved both my UK and Chinese businesses."
"I was in a position where I had literally just a couple of months to turn everything around.
Atter doing research online, I came across AY&J Solicitors' YouTube videos, and right from initial contact, I knew I was in capable hands.
They guided me step-by-step, answered my gazillion questions, and helped me secure a sponsor licence and my Skilled Worker visa in record time. Their customer service really sets them apart!"
"Working with AY&J Solicitors turned what felt like a complex visa journey into a true victory. Their legal team guided me step-by-step through every intricate detail of the Skilled Worker visa, sponsorship, and settlement process. Thanks to their meticulous approach and deep UK immigration expertise, I was able to secure Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) and build a successful future in the UK."
Frequently Asked Questions
Life on the visa
Yes. A partner and children under 18 can apply as dependants, with the same freedom to work and study.
Life on the visa
Up to five years initially, and you can extend as long as you still meet the requirements. Settlement comes after three years on Exceptional Talent or five on Exceptional Promise.
Life on the visa
Yes, and you do not need permission. You can move employer, freelance, or found a company, provided the work stays within the field you were endorsed in.
Eligibility and endorsement
No. There is no maintenance funds requirement on this route, at either stage.
Timing and refusal
Priority and Super Priority are available at the visa stage only, where offered. Neither affects endorsement, which is the longer of the two stages.
Timing and refusal
Around three months on standard processing. Endorsement is usually 4 to 8 weeks, then the visa is about 3 weeks from outside the UK or up to 8 weeks from inside.
Timing and refusal
You can request an endorsement review within 28 days. The Home Office and the endorsing body check whether the evidence was assessed correctly. If it is refused again, a fresh application with stronger material is the route.
Eligibility and endorsement
You skip endorsement entirely and apply straight for the visa. Only prizes on the Home Office list qualify, and that list is updated regularly.
Eligibility and endorsement
Tech Nation, for digital technology. Since 4 August 2025 applications go through the standard Stage 1 form on GOV.UK rather than a separate Tech Nation portal.
Eligibility and endorsement
Exceptional Talent for a record already recognised in the field. Exceptional Promise for a trajectory clearly heading there. The tier affects when you can settle, at three years or five.
Eligibility and endorsement
No. Unlike the Skilled Worker route, this one assesses achievement rather than pay. A strong salary can still help evidence your standing.
Eligibility and endorsement
Yes, if the work goes beyond standard development. Led rollouts in robotic process automation, machine learning or DevOps automation all qualify. What matters is evidenced innovation and impact.
Global Talent Visa Guides
Tell us what you have built
