Egor Karitskiy has dedicated his career to building resilient and adaptive IT infrastructures specially data centers level. Over the course of his professional journey, he has developed innovative solutions for leading Russian technology companies, serving tens of millions of users. Aspiring to scale his career internationally, Egor set his sights on the United Kingdom—a country emerging as a global digital technology hub. He applied for the Global Talent Visa and successfully obtained it! Below, he shares insights into his professional achievements and his experience of securing the visa.
Immigram: Can you share detailed information about your professional journey and key achievements?
Egor Karitskiy: I have been working in IT infrastructure for over 20 years. For the past 10 years, I have been leading infrastructure departments in some of the largest tech companies in Russia, including Yandex, Sber, Wildberries, and YADRO. My primary area of expertise and passion is Data Centers and their ecosystems. I’ve successfully overseen the design, construction, and commissioning of advanced proprietary data centers for Yandex, Sber, and Wildberries.
Immigram: What attracts you to the UK, and why did you choose this specific visa to move to the country?
Egor Karitskiy: The United Kingdom is, among European countries, the most promising in terms of IT development and the presence of IT companies. I see far greater potential to apply my expertise in IT infrastructure specifically in the United Kingdom. Moreover, the economic situation in the United Kingdom is significantly more favorable compared to that of continental Europe, offering a stronger foundation for professional growth and innovation opportunities.
Immigram: How did you learn about Immigram, and how your collaboration with this company began?
Egor Karitskiy: I found out about Immigram from a friend who also went through the GTV application process. Working with the Immigram team has been both constructive and pleasant. It started with discussing organizational and financial details with manager Alexey. After signing the contract and paying the first installment, a chat with my case team was created, and we began working on articles, presentations, and recommendations. The team stays in touch, offers support, and nudges me if I procrastinate.
Immigram: After obtaining the visa, what are your plans in the UK?
Egor Karitskiy: At the end of December 2024, I received my visa. While I don’t have immediate plans to fully immigrate to the United Kingdom in the next couple of months, I intend to carefully explore the job market to gauge the demand for my expertise. Additionally, I plan to travel around the country to discover a city that feels more comfortable for living—perhaps one outside of London, depending on what I find most suitable.
Immigram: What advice would you give to young professionals considering applying for the Global Talent Visa?
Egor Karitskiy: Advice for future applicants:
1. Getting a GTV is entirely possible, so it’s better to act than do nothing. While not cheap, it’s a worthwhile investment.
2. If you’re unsure or lack confidence to handle it alone (as I was), you can rely on Immigram. They’ll help guide and structure your efforts, though you’ll still need to contribute significantly.
3. If you work in IT, note that while the Russian IT sector is thriving with higher income levels than Europe, this boom might not last. A UK residency permit with work rights is an excellent backup plan.
