In a recent session of the Cross-Border Stories, Sunday Paul Adah, the CEO and founder of Radius sat down with Raymond Akpan, an IT professional and founder of Par Technologies Limited, shared his story of relocating from Nigeria to the UK, pursuing a Master's in cybersecurity, and successfully securing the prestigious UK Global Talent visa.
This conversation sheds light on two powerful yet often misunderstood UK immigration pathways: the Global Talent visa and the Innovator Founder visa. Raymond's experiences offer valuable insights for anyone considering these routes.
From Engineering Challenges to a Passion for Tech
Raymond's path wasn't straightforward. He initially studied materials and metallurgical engineering in Nigeria, but faced repeated rejections in the job market. He even pivoted to learn welding, only to encounter additional setbacks. Determined to succeed, he made a complete U-turn toward his true passion: computers.
Through self-directed online learning, he built expertise in digital marketing and cybersecurity. This shift opened doors, leading him to volunteer, gain hands-on experience with various companies, and eventually pursue a Master's degree in cybersecurity in the UK over five years ago.
After completing his studies, Raymond founded Par Technologies, drawing on his accumulated IT support and consultancy experience. His story highlights resilience, adaptability, and the power of following one's passion.
Navigating Post-Study Options
As his student visa neared expiration, Raymond explored ways to stay in the UK. He considered the post-study work visa and the Start-up visa (now evolved into the Innovator Founder visa). During his first semester, he learned about the Global Talent visa but initially found it "technically intimidating," given his engineering background rather than a pure tech background.
Encouragement from others gave him the push he needed. He applied for an extension just hours before his student visa expired and submitted his Global Talent application two weeks later—cutting it close, but ultimately successful.
Demystifying the Global Talent Visa
A common misconception is that the Global Talent visa is exclusively for tech professionals. Raymond clarified that it's far broader, open to leaders or potential leaders in fields like:
- Academia and research
- Arts and culture (including fashion design, digital art, and even dance)
- Digital technology
He knows fashion designers, digital artists, and dancers who have successfully secured it.
The visa comes in two categories:
- Exceptional Talent — For established leaders (often with more experience, typically 5+ years in the field), granting up to 3 years initially.
- Exceptional Promise — For emerging talents showing strong potential (often early-career, under 5 years in the specific field), granting up to 5 years initially.
Both lead to settlement options, with pathways to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) varying by category (shorter for Exceptional Talent in some cases).
To qualify (unless you've won a prestigious eligible prize), you need endorsement from an approved body (e.g., Tech Nation for digital tech, Arts Council England for arts, or bodies like the Royal Society for sciences). Evidence is crucial—typically 8–10 strong pieces demonstrating impact.
What Evidence Counts for the Global Talent Visa?
Raymond stressed that proof must show real achievement and recognition. Examples include:
- Sales and revenue (e.g., bank statements or income proof for a fashion designer)
- Awards or funding from government/private organizations
- Participation in major events (e.g., Lagos Fashion Week)
- Features in magazines or media
- Speaking at conferences
- Product success or media coverage
For tech/cybersecurity applicants like Raymond, this might include business growth, client impact, or accelerator involvement.
How It Compares to the Innovator Founder Visa
Raymond contrasted the two visas clearly. The Innovator Founder visa (a 3-year route) is business-focused and suits entrepreneurs with a fresh idea. It requires endorsement confirming the business is:
- Innovative — Offering something new or improved (e.g., a mobile barbing salon with digital training elements)
- Viable — Realistic and achievable
- Scalable — Potential for growth, job creation, and international expansion beyond the UK
Applicants submit a detailed business plan to an endorsing body. There are several approved endorsing bodies (e.g., Envestors Limited, UK Endorsing Services, Innovator International), each with different focuses—some on international success, others on hands-on support for refining ideas.
Unlike the Global Talent visa's extensive evidence list, the Innovator Founder path emphasizes a strong, forward-looking business concept.
The Power of Accelerators in Fast-Tracking Applications
Programs like the Northwest Accelerator (where Raymond participates) provide invaluable support. For the Global Talent visa, accelerator involvement provides strong evidence of business growth and credibility, helping to fast-track endorsement. For Innovator Founder, endorsing bodies often provide mentorship, plan refinement, and ongoing check-ins (e.g., at 12 and 24 months).
Don't Be Intimidated
Raymond said you shouldn’t let online jargon deter you. Define your strengths, research thoroughly, and choose the right route:
- Pursue Global Talent if you have solid evidence of achievements and recognition in your field.
- Go for Innovator Founder if you have a standout, innovative business idea ready to scale.
Study the official GOV.UK guidance, stay updated via the right channels, and connect with communities. Opportunities in the UK abound for those who prepare well.
Raymond’s journey from rejections in Nigeria to founding a thriving UK business proves that persistence and strategic pivots pay off
If you're exploring UK opportunities in tech, cybersecurity, entrepreneurship, or creative fields, these pathways could be your horizon.
