How To Successfully Transition From A UK Skilled Worker Visa To A Global Talent Or Innovator Founder Visa

To switch from a UK Skilled Worker Visa to a Global Talent Visa or Innovator Founder Visa, it’s essential to clearly understand the requirements and what each visa involves. Each visa offers different opportunities, and the eligibility criteria can vary significantly, so careful consideration is needed to choose the right path.

‍UK Skilled Worker Visa

The UK Skilled Worker Visa is a points-based visa for individuals who have a job offer from a UK employer. To be eligible for this visa, you need to meet several key requirements:

• Job Offer: You must have a confirmed job offer from an employer who is approved by the UK Home Office and holds a valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS).
• Skill Level: The job you’re being offered must be at the required skill level, typically equivalent to RQF Level 3 (A-level) or above.
• Salary Threshold: You must meet the minimum salary requirement, which is generally £26,200 per year or the 'going rate' for your job, whichever is higher. There are exceptions for certain occupations and new entrants to the labour market.
• English Language: You need to prove that you have at least a B1 level of English proficiency.
• Points System: You must score 70 points, which are awarded based on criteria such as the job offer, salary, and English proficiency.

The Skilled Worker Visa is an excellent option for professionals who want to work in the UK with a defined role and employer, but it comes with limitations. Your visa is tied to your employer, meaning you cannot easily change jobs or work in multiple roles without applying for a new visa. If you’re looking for more flexibility in your career, transitioning to another visa type like the Global Talent or Innovator Founder Visa could be a better fit.

‍

‍Global Talent Visa

The Global Talent Visa is designed for highly skilled individuals in fields such as digital technology, arts and culture, or academia and research. It provides significantly more freedom than the Skilled Worker Visa, allowing you to work for any employer, be self-employed, or take on freelance and consultancy roles without being tied to a specific job or employer.

There are two routes to applying for the Global Talent Visa:

1. Exceptional Talent: This is for individuals who are recognised as leaders in their field on an international scale. You must demonstrate that you have already made a significant impact in your sector and that your expertise is widely acknowledged.
2. Exceptional Promise: This route is for individuals who are in the earlier stages of their career but have shown the potential to become future leaders in their industry.

To apply for the Global Talent Visa, you must first obtain an endorsement from an approved endorsing body. Each sector has its own endorsing body, such as Tech Nation for digital technology, the Arts Council England for arts and culture, or the Royal Academy for academia and research. These bodies will assess your application based on criteria such as:

• Achievements and Recognition: You must provide evidence of your past accomplishments, which could include awards, publications, or a portfolio of work that shows your impact on the industry.
• Leadership and Innovation: You need to demonstrate that you have led significant projects or contributed innovative ideas that have shaped your field.
• Future Contributions: You must show how you plan to continue making contributions in the UK and why your presence will benefit the sector.

One of the major advantages of the Global Talent Visa is that it offers complete flexibility in terms of employment. You can change jobs, start your own business, or even take on multiple roles without needing to reapply for sponsorship or change your visa.

‍

‍Innovator Founder Visa

The Innovator Founder Visa is specifically tailored for entrepreneurs who want to establish or run a business in the UK. This visa focuses on individuals with innovative, viable, and scalable business ideas. To qualify, your business proposal must meet three main criteria:

• Innovation: Your business idea must be original and demonstrate a novel approach to solving a problem or filling a gap in the market. It cannot be a business that already exists in the UK unless you are offering something substantially different.
• Viability: You must show that your business is realistic and has the potential to succeed. This includes having a sound business plan, market research, and the skills needed to make the venture successful.
• Scalability: Your business should have the potential to grow and create job opportunities in the UK. The ability to scale the business beyond a small, local operation is a key factor in securing an endorsement.

Like the Global Talent Visa, the Innovator Founder Visa requires an endorsement. An approved endorsing body will assess your business proposal and decide if it meets the required standards of innovation, viability, and scalability. Examples of endorsing bodies include venture capital firms, business accelerators, or other organisations specialising in supporting innovative businesses.

Unlike the previous Innovator Visa, the Innovator Founder Visa no longer requires a minimum investment of £50,000. However, you must still demonstrate that you have sufficient financial resources to fund your business and support yourself in the UK. Once granted, the Innovator Founder Visa allows you to set up and run your business, offering you the flexibility to focus entirely on growing your venture without the restrictions of a traditional employment visa.

‍

Transitioning from a UK Skilled Worker Visa to a Global Talent or Innovator Founder Visa requires more than just meeting the basic eligibility criteria; it involves showcasing your unique achievements and contributions. While you're on a Skilled Worker Visa, you have an excellent opportunity to build a competitive profile that will strengthen your future visa applications. 

Here's how to make the most of your time to stand out as a strong candidate:

Excel in Your Current Role
Deliver exceptional results, such as leading projects or implementing innovative solutions. These achievements will form the foundation of your application, especially for the Global Talent Visa, where demonstrating impact is key.

‍

Take on Leadership Roles
Look for opportunities to lead teams or initiatives. Leadership isn’t just about managing people—it’s about driving change and demonstrating your ability to shape your industry’s direction.

‍

Develop Your Expertise
Stay up-to-date with industry trends, attend conferences, and gain relevant certifications. Building expertise not only boosts your performance but also strengthens your profile for both visas.

‍

Network and Collaborate
Engage with industry leaders and expand your professional network. Building connections can lead to mentorship, partnerships, and endorsements, which can support your visa application.

‍

Build a Public Profile
Increase your visibility by publishing articles, speaking at events, or being featured in industry media. A strong LinkedIn profile and online presence also highlight your leadership and expertise.

‍

Create a Business Case for Innovation
If you’re aiming for the Innovator Founder Visa, begin developing your business idea now. Conduct market research, refine your business plan, and consider joining incubators or mentorship programmes to strengthen your proposal.

‍

Document Your Achievements
Keep detailed records of your accomplishments, such as successful projects, leadership roles, and professional growth. This evidence will be crucial for both visa applications.

‍

Contribute to Industry Innovation
Drive innovation in your current role by introducing new solutions that add value to your company or sector. Innovation is a central element for both visa routes.

‍

For marketing leads, we have more specific advice in our dedicated article on this topic, where we dive deeper into how you can leverage your unique skills and experiences to strengthen your application

When developing a business idea for the Innovator Founder Visa, it's essential to focus on innovation, viability, and scalability. Here's a brief guide:

Innovation: Your business must offer a unique solution. Ensure your idea:

• Addresses a specific problem with a clear market gap.
• Uses new technology or methods to differentiate your offering.
• Provides a competitive advantage through efficiency or cost-effectiveness.
• Transforms market practices by improving industry standards.

Viability: Your business should be realistic and capable of long-term success. Key points include:

• Market research to support the feasibility of your business.
• Customer need and demand to show there’s a market for your product.
• Operational plan outlining day-to-day functions and customer strategy.
• Revenue model explaining how you will generate income.
• Sustainability with clear risk management strategies.

Scalability: Your business should have potential for growth. Focus on:

• Growth potential through market expansion or additional products.
• Job creation to contribute to the economy.
• International reach for potential global expansion.
• Investment potential to attract funding and partners.

For a more detailed breakdown of these criteria, including financial projections and business models, please refer to our previous article. By addressing these areas thoroughly, you'll build a strong case for your Innovator Founder Visa application.

‍

Transitioning from a UK Skilled Worker Visa to a Global Talent or Innovator Founder Visa can be a rewarding journey, filled with opportunities for career advancement, business growth, and long-term success in the UK. 

Here’s a breakdown of each step of individuals who have successfully made the transition:

‍Step 1: Leveraging Your Skilled Worker Visa to Build Experience

A Skilled Worker Visa is often the first step in establishing a long-term career in the UK. During this time, it’s essential to focus on:

• Building expertise: Gaining practical experience in your field is crucial. 
• Enhancing your skills: Seek opportunities to upskill through certifications, extra responsibilities, or industry events.
• Networking: Connect with professionals, attend conferences, and strengthen your LinkedIn profile to increase visibility.

‍

‍Step 2: Excelling in Leadership and Innovation

While on the Skilled Worker Visa, you have an opportunity to show that you can take on leadership roles or demonstrate innovation. For those transitioning to a Global Talent Visa or Innovator Founder Visa, this step is critical.

• Leadership roles: Take ownership of projects, lead teams, and introduce innovative solutions to showcase your higher-level contributions, vital for the Global Talent Visa.
• Innovation and entrepreneurship: Develop a unique business idea while employed, focusing on solving industry problems or improving efficiency—start small but push boundaries for the Innovator Founder Visa.

‍

Step 3: Establishing a Public Profile

For both the Global Talent Visa and Innovator Founder Visa, a visible public profile is essential. This is how you demonstrate your industry recognition and leadership.

• Public speaking and networking: Attend conferences, webinars, and industry panels where you can share your knowledge. 
• Publishing and thought leadership: Write articles, blog posts, or research papers, and share them on platforms like LinkedIn or Medium. Your written work should showcase your deep knowledge and insights into your industry. 
• Awards and recognitions: Seek opportunities for industry awards, media features, or certifications to boost your credibility.

‍

‍Step 4: Creating a Compelling Business Idea or Proposal

If you’re aiming for the Innovator Founder Visa, the next step is to craft a compelling business idea that meets the criteria of innovation, viability, and scalability.

• Market research: Do extensive market research to understand the needs of potential customers and your competitors. 
• Business planning: Draft a detailed business plan that includes clear financial projections, operational strategies, and scalability potential. 
• Seek mentorship and advice: Reach out to successful entrepreneurs or business incubators for guidance.

Read more about:

‍UK Global Talent Visa: Building Public Profile for Leaders in Arts & Culture‍

UK Global Talent Visa: Building Your Profile as Marketing Lead in Digital Technology

‍

‍Step 5: Obtaining an Endorsement

• Global Talent Visa: To be eligible for the Global Talent Visa, you must obtain an endorsement from a recognised UK body in your field. This body will assess your work, achievements, and potential to contribute to the UK’s economy, technology, or culture. This endorsement is vital for showing that you meet the visa’s leadership and innovation criteria.
• Innovator Founder Visa: For the Innovator Founder Visa, you must secure endorsement from an approved UK endorsing body that specialises in supporting innovative businesses. The body will assess your business idea based on its originality, viability, and growth potential. A strong endorsement will demonstrate that your business meets the requirements of the visa and has the potential to succeed in the UK.

Read more about:

‍UK Innovator Founder Visa: Detailed Guide About Endorsing Bodies And Their Requirements

‍How to Secure Strong Recommendation Letters For The UK Global Talent Visa

‍

‍Step 6: Applying for the Visa‍

Once you have received the endorsement, the next step is to submit your application for the visa. This will involve gathering all required documents, including:

• Proof of endorsement
• Evidence of your achievements, such as awards, publications, or letters of support
• Financial documentation, including proof of business funds (for Innovator Founder Visa applicants) or a detailed CV (for Global Talent Visa applicants)
• Proof of your ability to financially support yourself (if required)

Ensure that your application is complete and accurate to avoid delays or rejections.

Read more about:

‍Why Personal PR Is Key To Your Visa Application

‍Strategies For Reapplying For The UK Innovator Founder Visa After Rejection

‍

‍Step 7: Settling in the UK and Scaling Your Career or Business

After successfully obtaining the Global Talent or Innovator Founder Visa, it’s time to settle into your new role as a leader or entrepreneur. 

• Expand your network: Continue building relationships within your industry and beyond. Networking in the UK can lead to new business opportunities, collaborations, and further growth.
• Scale your business: If you’re on the Innovator Founder Visa, focus on growing your business by expanding your customer base, increasing your team, and exploring new markets.
• Contribute to the UK economy: As a holder of the Global Talent Visa, you’ll be expected to continue making significant contributions to your field, whether by publishing research, mentoring others, or contributing to technological or scientific advancements.

By following these steps, individuals can successfully transition from a Skilled Worker Visa to a Global Talent or Innovator Founder Visa, taking their careers or businesses to new heights in the UK. 

‍

To explore your relocation options, you may:

‍

• Assess your chance with a Tech Nomads Global Mobility Expert
• Read guides and articles on the Tech Nomads website

‍

Subscribe to our social media platforms to stay up-to-date on global mobility news and opportunities:

• LinkedIn
• Facebook
• Instagram
• Telegram
• X

‍