You’ll want to pay close attention to the latest updates from Tech Nation. The endorsement criteria have evolved, and if you're not aligned, your application could fall short. In this blog, we break down the key changes to the Optional Criteria (OC), explain what now qualifies (and what doesn't), and show how Themis Technologies can help you succeed.
Why These Updates Matter More Than Ever?
Tech Nation’s updated guidelines for 2025 are not just routine changes; they mark a shift in how innovation and impact are measured. If you're applying under the Digital Technology route, these updates directly influence the documents you submit and the narrative you build.
Bottom line: To get endorsed, you must now show credible, verifiable impact beyond your job title.
The 2025 Optional Criteria (OC) - A Refresher
As part of the endorsement process, applicants must meet at least 2 of the 3 Optional Criteria, each backed by two distinct pieces of evidence.
Here’s what each OC focuses on:
- OC1: Innovation in Digital Technology: Proving original contributions in product-led tech
- OC2: Voluntary Contributions Beyond Your Job: Showing commitment to the tech ecosystem outside paid employment
- OC3: Commercial, Entrepreneurial, or Technical Impact: Demonstrating measurable outcomes from your leadership or expertise
OC1 – Innovation Isn’t Just an Idea Anymore
The 2025 update to OC1 raises the bar significantly:
- Your innovation must relate to product-led tech (no agency, consulting, or outsourced projects).
- Evidence needs to reflect long-term product or industry impact.
- Pitch decks, business plans, or future projections alone don’t qualify as innovation evidence.
What Now Counts for OC1:
- Granted patents (not pending), with official ID links (like Google Patents)
- Live, successful tech deployments with metrics or adoption data
- Public recognition of innovation, such as awards or case studies
OC2 – Only Genuine Voluntary Work Counts
OC2 is now laser-focused on unpaid, community-based contributions:
- In-person mentoring is in, while online-only platforms like ADPList are out.
- Speaking on main stages (not company-sponsored panels) qualifies.
- Volunteering or organising meetups counts—corporate-led initiatives do not.
What Works for OC2 in 2025:
- Teaching unpaid sessions at universities or bootcamps
- Hosting tech meetups or public hackathons
- Leading policy discussions or open-source communities
- Mentoring through nonprofits, not company branding
OC3 – Prove Your Impact, Not Just the Company’s
OC3 has been refined to distinguish personal contributions from broader team or company outcomes.
Your evidence must clearly show:
- Metrics or KPIs directly linked to your actions
- Results beyond your job description
- How your work led to product success, market adoption, or funding
Winning OC3 Evidence:
- A/B testing results led by you that boosted revenue
- Product improvements with measurable outcomes
- Leadership that directly influenced acquisition or funding milestones
How Themis Technologies Can Support You?
The updated criteria may feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to figure it out alone.
At Themis Technologies, we’re trusted by Global Talent Visa endorsement applicants across tech, research, and academia. Whether you’re a software engineer, product leader, startup founder, or AI researcher, our team helps you:
- Understand the 2025 criteria changes
- Identify and curate your strongest evidence
- Write a personal statement aligned with UK tech leadership
- Draft compelling letters of recommendation
What Themis Technologies Can Do for You?
- Craft compelling Personal Statements, Recommendations & Reference Letters
- Tailor your CV and LinkedIn to match Tech Nation standards
- Help arrange and write strong evidence for Mandatory & Optional Criteria
- Offer unlimited revisions until your documents are pitch-perfect
- Have your documents reviewed by multiple endorsement experts
- Compile your application professionally to stand out
- Take full responsibility for filing an error-free application on your behalf
Final Thoughts
The Global Talent Visa is one of the fastest and most prestigious routes to live and work in the UK—but only if your application meets the new standards. With Tech Nation’s 2025 criteria focused on proof, not potential, every document matters.
Let Themis Technologies help you turn your impact into a successful visa endorsement.
Not sure where to start? Share your CV to gtv@themistl.co.uk for a free assessment, or book your first consultation with us completely free. We’ll help you stand out because the UK needs talent like yours.
