The United Kingdom has extended its Global Talent visa route to Kenyan professionals working in digital technology, removing the need for a job offer or employer sponsorship.

Applicants must demonstrate recognised leadership or potential leadership in areas such as fintech, cybersecurity, gaming or artificial intelligence, according to the UK Home Office.

The endorsement stage is handled by Tech Nation, the UK’s designated body for digital technology, and typically returns a decision within five to eight weeks after submission through a single GOV.UK form introduced in August 2025.

To secure endorsement, candidates must provide a three‑page CV, three expert recommendation letters and up to ten supporting documents, all in English or with certified translations.

Once endorsed, a separate visa application is filed with the Home Office, with most decisions issued within three weeks.

The visa is nationality‑blind and has no country quotas, meaning Kenyan applicants compete on equal terms with candidates worldwide.

Fees total £766 per applicant (£561 at endorsement, £205 at visa stage) plus an Immigration Health Surcharge of £1,035 per person per year, amounting to £3,105 for a three‑year stay or £5,175 for five years.

Applicants whose endorsement is refused can request a review within 28 days at no extra cost, though the review does not consider new evidence and is handled by the same endorsing body.