UK tech visas are in more demand than ever before with an increase in global applications

Highlighting the desire to join Britain’s thriving tech industry, Tech Nation has revealed the top countries with the highest number of incoming visa requests

UK tech visas are in more demand than ever before with an increase in global applications

The techsphere is constantly evolving with new devices and gadgets all the time, for example, Amazon’s new drone and Apple’s cheese grater-esque gizmo. So it’s no surprise the UK’s Tier 1 Exceptional Talent visa is attracting more candidates from around the world. As the name suggests, the visa is for the most impressive individuals outside the European Economic Area who wish to come and work in one of a handful of UK plc sectors. And applicants worldwide are flocking towards the tech space, according to Tech Nation.

It was revealed by the business network that India dominated in the quest for a tech visa with 432 applications, followed by 256 from the US. Following on from the top two, Nigeria was in third with 124, trailed by Russia, Canada and Australia on 84, 57 and 48 respectively.  

And with candidates fighting for visas across the globe, the financial year of 2018/2019 saw a 45% rise in tech visa applications than the previous year. Indeed, an overflow of applications saw Tech Nation increase its allowance of 200 endorsement places by 63% to account for the surge.

But which jobs do these applicants have their eyes on? Software engineers narrowly came out on top with 232 applications with business developers hot on its heels with 231. These were both pretty much double that of product management and data scientists at 121 and 111 respectively. According to Tech Nation, apps and software development is the leading sector for applicants, while AI and machine learning closely followed.

Commenting on this new research, Matt Jeffs-Watts, head of visas at Tech Nation, said: “The UK tech sector is an incredibly attractive place to work, with its unparalleled connectivity, access to exceptional talent and significant levels of innovation and investment.

“This view is evidenced by the overwhelming enthusiasm from Tier 1 Exceptional Talent applicants wishing to enter the UK tech sector. It is this level of talent and skill that will help in the UK keeping its position at the forefront of the global digital economy.”

Technological advancements are clearly going full steam ahead and with more brilliant minds jumping on the case, it’s great to see Britain is still attractive to skilled workers from overseas despite the ongoing Brexit debacle.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Fahima Begum
Fahima Begum
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