Embracing the best life-work opportunities in the UK
Aleksandr Balin, an experienced EdTech professional, paved his way to the UK, pursuing the best life for his family and himself.?
Here’s a sneak pic of his journey ?
Immigram: Tell us a little about your professional background
Aleksandr Balin: I specialize in helping companies and startups boost revenue. With 10 years of experience, I spent 3 years at Skyeng, a leading edtech company in Russia. I co-founded the lead generation service "Marquiz" and grew it 70 times in two years. Additionally, I mentor startups, helping them secure their first 100 customers.
Immigram: Why did you choose the UK for your future career and life?
Aleksandr Balin: For me, it was critical to relocate to an English-speaking country that had many international business hubs. I?wanted to work for a large multinational corporation as an employee or as an entrepreneur. I?have always wanted to work in a large market. The UK is an ideal location for this because it is an?Anglophone country with a?thriving technological landscape.?In addition, I enjoy Europe, and having the opportunity to visit my favorite cities and countries without having to travel halfway around the world is something I wanted.
I also enjoy golf. The UK is an?excellent place for those who are passionate about this sport!?
Last but not least, my son is growing up, and I want him to get a good education. The UK is well-known for its excellent education system, and for good reason.?So that's how the puzzle came together for me.
Immigram: Why did you pick Immigram to help you with your Global Talent Visa application?
Aleksandr Balin: In 2021, I decided to move to Europe. However, in 2022, I relocated to Turkey with my pregnant wife and started the process to move to the UK. Wanting a reliable and professional service for our GTV visa, we chose not to rely on just anyone but sought out experts. After researching, I quickly decided on Immigram. I was immediately impressed by their team and their business approach, so it was an easy decision.
Immigram: Tell us more about the Global Talent Visa application process. What difficulties did you face, and how did you overcome them?
Aleksandr Balin: I had a very good public profile, which is critical for success in obtaining the?UK Talent Visa. I didn't have to spend time writing media articles or looking for technology events where I could give speeches to demonstrate my status.
However, the?visa application process took a while. It?was 2022, and Immigram had to deal with a flood of applications from Russian tech professionals looking to relocate to the UK.
In addition, there were some delays on my end in signing recommendation letters. However, we pulled it off and submitted the application.?
I was initially denied the visa, but the?Immigram team quickly filed an?appeal. Once we reapplied, everything worked out well. I can say that the initial rejection was more my fault: I failed to check the submission criteria at the outset.
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Immigram: What are your plans now that you have the visa?
Aleksandr Balin: We will relocate once we receive our residence permits. I want to immerse myself in British culture and begin in-depth English learning, with a focus on regional dialects. Ever since high school, I've wanted to live abroad. It's time to make my dreams come true!?
I have no plans to move to London right away. We've settled on Leeds for the time being, but if my employer requires me to work from the office, we may relocate to London.
Immigram: What advice do you have for other UK Global Talent Visa applicants??
Aleksandr Balin: If you've ever wanted to move abroad, don't hesitate; just do it! I would also advise you to work on improving your English. It feels like quantum physics here: if you think you speak English well, it's only because you believe you do.
I also recommend that you pass a simple test to determine your eligibility for the Talent Visa. You'll know right away whether it's worth the effort.
Would you like to seize the best life, work and education opportunities in the UK?
Check the link and start your dream journey!