The Tech Nation visa was designed by the United Kingdom government to attract talented individuals from all corners of the world, seeking to harness their expertise and entrepreneurial spirit in the realm of technology. It served as a gateway for tech leaders, exceptional talent, and promising individuals to venture into the thriving digital landscape of the United Kingdom.
Although it initially announced it would cease all operations and transfer all its assets following the termination of its core government grant funding, its recent acquisition in April by the Founders Forum Group (FF Group), a global community and group of businesses supporting entrepreneurs, has given the organisation the capacity to keep bolstering UK’s tech ecosystem by providing resources, funding, and support to entrepreneurs and startups from all around the world.
The United Kingdom is also willing to attract tech talents from around the world via senior specialist worker visas which is the best way to start your career in the country.
But asides from Tech Nation, there are other alternatives—different ways to pursue your dreams outside the shores of this country. If you are an aspiring tech talent and maybe looking for other easier means to japa, then look no further. These are other visa programs similar to the TechNation visa program that aim to attract tech talent.
Australia – Global Talent Visa
This visa programme rewards great talent and offers a quick route to citizenship for people with outstanding records of accomplishment on a global scale or who have the potential to become leaders in their areas.
Candidates must have the necessary technical skills and have the potential to earn more than the AUD162,000 high-income threshold required by Fair Work for this programme, which focuses on vital skill sectors like fintech, Healthtech, and Agritech.
The program is invitation-based, and applicants must be nominated by an eligible organization or endorsed by a Global Talent Officer. The visa provides a streamlined pathway to permanent residency in Australia and offers flexibility regarding work and study after three to four years.
France – French Tech Visa
The French Tech Visa is a simplified, fast-track scheme for non-EU startup employees, founders and investors to obtain a residence permit for France. It offers different categories such as the “Talent Passport” for highly skilled workers and the “Young Innovative Company” for startup founders.
A few of the benefits of the programme is that it automatically extends to a candidate’s spouse, supposing there is one, and a minor dependent child. It is also valid for four years — and renewable plus it does not have any diploma requirements.
Applicants must meet specific criteria depending on the category, such as having a job offer from a French company, demonstrating relevant skills and experience, or proving the innovative nature of their startup. The visa allows for a four-year residence permit and includes benefits like simplified administrative procedures and access to French Tech ecosystem support.
Canada – Global Talent Stream
The Global Talent Stream is a component of Canada’s Temporary Foreign Worker Program. It targets high-growth companies seeking to hire skilled foreign workers in the technology sector. To qualify, companies must obtain a labour market impact assessment (LMIA) and meet specific requirements related to job creation and skills transfer. Individual tech professionals may be hired through this program if they meet the skill and experience requirements of a designated occupation.
After fulfilling specific requirements, it may result in permanent residency if successful. The programme has a unique focus on tech jobs and gives Canadian tech companies access to top talent from across the world, such as creators, entrepreneurs, cybersecurity specialists, web developers, web designers, data scientists, software engineers, etc. The Global Talent Stream typically issues work visas for up to two years. To get more information, click here.
While TechNation stands tall as a renowned program, other genuine alternatives, such as these three, beckon with their unique advantages. These alternative pathways provide a gateway to embrace new cultures, tap into vibrant innovation ecosystems, contribute to the technological advancements of different nations and even have a better life.
