What does the changing landscape of the UK tech scene mean for immigration?

Google, Apple, Microsoft, Amazon, Meta, now Zoom, and even Disney – widespread layoffs are currently plaguing the digital technology sector. In spite of this, for foreign tech talent, it could not be a better time to seek new opportunities in the UK.

We have seen slow economic growth, recession fears, rising interest rates, and reduction in demand for tech services which became a household staple for many businesses during the Covid pandemic. This has resulted in tens of thousands of redundancies, particularly in the USA.

London is Europe’s leading tech hub. The UK’s tech industry is valued at over $1tn, which is impressive when compared to the size of its direct competitors the USA and China. However, the sector has been suffering from a chronic shortage of talent, so if you have specialist tech skills, now is the time to be in the UK. 

Compared to other countries, the UK’s immigration system for workers skilled in the technology sector is relatively simple. Employers require a sponsor licence and can then support migrants to obtain a work visa for the UK. Sponsorship can be granted for a wide variety of tech job roles, from software engineers to technical architects.

Tech businesses who have not yet obtained a sponsor licence risk missing out on the increasing supply of foreign talent. Therefore, to be able to attract talent in this highly competitive market, a sponsor licence and an offer to assist the migrant with the required visa application has become a must.

Visa applications are relatively straightforward, if not cheap, and can usually result in a visa within 3-8 weeks depending on location. Five years of continuous residence in the UK can then lead to indefinite leave to remain (i.e. permanent residence) and even UK citizenship. The UK also allows partners and children to accompany the main visa holder, so it is possible for tech talent to build their current and future professional and private lives in the UK.

For those who are using a potential redundancy to finally take the step and ‘go it alone’, there are other UK visa categories they should look into. For example, the Innovator and Start-up visa categories. They were introduced by the UK government to create a pathway for those with novel and scalable ideas to build their businesses in the UK. For any outstanding tech minds, the Global Talent visa may offer another alternative to come to the UK and tap into its buoyant digital technology job market.

It has never been a better time for tech talent to come to the UK, whether as an employee of an existing business, or as an entrepreneur seeking to build the next tech unicorn.

How Gherson can assist

Gherson’s Immigration Team are highly experienced in advising on UK visa matters. If you have any questions arising from this blog, please do not hesitate to contact us for advice, send us an e-mail, or, alternatively, follow us on Twitter, Facebook, or LinkedIn to stay-up-to-date.

The information in this blog is for general information purposes only and does not purport to be comprehensive or to provide legal advice. Whilst every effort is made to ensure the information and law is current as of the date of publication it should be stressed that, due to the passage of time, this does not necessarily reflect the present legal position. Gherson accepts no responsibility for loss which may arise from accessing or reliance on information contained in this blog. For formal advice on the current law please do not hesitate to contact Gherson. Legal advice is only provided pursuant to a written agreement, identified as such, and signed by the client and by or on behalf of Gherson.

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