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The UK aims to become a tech superpower in the global scene by 2030, hence the creation of the Permitted paid engagement visa , which allows highly-skilled global experts in data and tech to enter the UK and work.
As a subcategory of the UK standard visitor visa, the permitted paid engagement visa allows foreign professionals to come into the UK on a formal invitation or paid engagement and contribute their skills to the UK.
From the above definition, it is clear that the visa only allows certain talented professionals to come into the UK and participate in particular events, so how is it then a pathway for global experts in data and tech?
This article will explain properly what a permitted paid engagement visa is, who qualifies as a global expert, how the visa acts as a gateway for global tech and data professionals, how to apply, and other necessary information.
When a UK-based client invites a professional to participate in a specific, paid engagement related to the applicant’s expertise and skills, the professional would have to come through the permitted paid engagement visa.
This visa only allows the professional to come into the UK without the need for a standard work visa and stay up to a month.
The PPE visa offers mutual benefits for both UK businesses and global experts. The UK businesses can invite foreign professionals to facilitate specific projects or events without having to sponsor them.
The occupation of the foreign professionals does not need to meet the points-based system, and the UK-based clients do not need to commit to these professionals long-term. This PPE visa route is more cost-effective than applying for a work visa.
The PPE visa is ideal for events such as conferences, seminars, workshops, sports events, and music festivals. It allows clients to sponsor the transfer of vital information and a unique perspective within a short time.
The global experts are usually key personnel who probably have a busy schedule. The streamlined process of this visa allows them to quickly enter the UK, carry out the activities they were paid for, and move on to other engagements.
It gives foreign professionals the opportunity to work with foreign brands, which boosts their profile and reputation. It also gives them an opportunity to explore the UK market and opportunities.
It offers a platform to expand their network and meet potential clients for future collaborations and professional developments. The PPE visa route reduces the administrative burden on both the global expert and the UK-based client if they had explored another visa route.
To be considered a global expert in data and tech, you must have strong technical skills, a deep understanding of international data landscapes and regulations, and extensive experience.
Global experts usually have a solid foundation and are proficient in machine learning, data science, data collection, data analysis, cleaning, analysis, and other related technologies.
They must have also worked with multicultural teams on international projects and cross-border collaborations. They should be able to lead and influence specialists in particular sectors on data-driven decision-making and strategy implementation.
They must always stay updated with the latest advancements in the tech industry and data science.
The above explanation gives a general understanding of who a global expert is in data and tech. However, when applying for the permitted paid engagement visa, who will qualify as a global expert according to immigration authorities?
In the context of immigration, a global expert is one who possesses the qualifications explained above and has been contracted to speak as any of the activities allowed under the PPE visa.
The global expert may have been invited as a keynote speaker, or as a member of panel discussions to speak at conferences or offer presentations at events.
They can also be there to provide training or transfer specialized data, knowledge, and tech skills during a workshop or training.
They can offer their expert insights during seminars, meetings, or one-off lectures at universities or colleges.
They can be invited as an examiner or assessor for individuals who wish to acquire specific tech certifications or evaluations.
They can also act as key witnesses in legal cases that require the insights of a data or tech expert
While the data and tech industry is usually viewed as a professional field, global experts can also be invited to participate in entertainment activities such as arts, sports, or music festivals.
Examples of roles that fall under ‘global experts’ - data scientists, cybersecurity experts, AI researchers, tech entrepreneurs, leading software architects, web developers/designers, etc.
After you have certified that you are entering the UK for any of the activities above, you can check for other eligibility requirements below:
You must be 18 years old or above.
Must have a written invitation from a UK-based organization or sole client.
Must prove that the engagement relates to your primary job, expertise, and qualifications.
Must prove that you are going to complete the engagement within 30 days of entering the UK.
Must prove that you have enough funds to support yourself during your stay.
You cannot participate in activities outside those permitted by the UK immigration law.
You must prove that you will return to your home country after your engagement has ended.
You must not have a history of immigration breach or overstaying your visa in the UK.
The organization inviting you owes you a formal letter detailing your engagement, verification of your expertise, and proof that they understand the permitted activities under the PPE visa category.
After checking to see if you are eligible, you gather the documents you need to apply.
Go to the UK government’s official website .
Choose the ‘Visit the UK as a Standard visitor’ category.
Then select the permitted paid engagement option.
Upload the required documents.
Submit an official translation if your documents are not in English or Welsh.
Pay the application fee.
Book an appointment or in-person interview at a local visa application center (if applicable).
Submit your application.
NOTE: You can hire qualified immigration experts or lawyers who will guide you on the application process.
