The global tech industry is experiencing significant shifts in talent acquisition and regional growth. In the UK, a declining number of overseas worker visa applications is raising concerns about the availability of specialist skills, while North American cities are emerging as attractive destinations for tech professionals.
These changes highlight the importance of understanding the factors driving tech talent migration and the strategies companies can employ to attract and retain skilled workers in an increasingly competitive market.
UK’s tech talent pipeline faces challenges
The UK is witnessing a third consecutive annual decline in overseas worker visa applications for the tech sector. According to data obtained by RSM UK, the number of applications fell by 7% from 2026 to 2026, dropping from 37,376 to 34,936. This trend is particularly concerning given the industry’s ongoing struggle to recruit professionals with specialized skills.
The decline in visa applications is most notable among programmers and software developers who accounted for the largest group of overseas tech recruits in 2026 with 15,689 certificates. Other key occupations included IT business analysts, architects, and systems designers (11,821), IT quality and testing professionals (3,091), cybersecurity professionals (858), and IT network professionals (310).
Ben Bilsland, partner and head of technology industry at RSM UK, emphasized the critical nature of this trend: “Talent shortage remains one of the biggest challenges in the tech industry, and risks holding back growth, both short-term and in the long run, without some form of intervention.” He also noted that higher employment costs have made businesses cautious about hiring and that AI is not a panacea for the skills gap, as companies still need skilled staff to deploy technology effectively.
RSM UK is advocating for visa reform to make the application process more accessible to tech companies of all sizes, aligning with comments from UK AI minister Kanishka Narayan about attracting top engineers to Britain.
North American cities emerge as tech talent hotspots
While the UK faces challenges in attracting tech talent, several North American cities are thriving as hubs for skilled professionals. Vancouver, for instance, ranked ninth among North America’s top tech talent markets in CBRE’s 2026 Scoring Tech Talent report, up one spot from the previous year. The city is home to approximately 127,700 tech talent workers, accounting for about 8.9% of total employment.
Vancouver’s tech industry offers competitive wages, with an average annual salary of $US86,922 in 2026, the highest among Canadian markets. However, the city also faces challenges, including high housing costs and office space rents. Despite these factors, Vancouver remains an attractive destination for younger tech workers, with a significant increase in the population of professionals in their 20s and 30s.
Calgary, on the other hand, has led North America in tech talent growth for the third consecutive year. According to the CBRE report, Calgary’s tech employment grew by 56% between 2026 and 2026, the highest among all 50 cities studied. The city’s tech talent now represents 9.4% of total employment, nearly double the market average.
Calgary’s success can be attributed to its affordability and a growing pipeline of young talent. The city had the highest increase in population in their 20s and the fourth-highest increase in people in their 30s, indicating a strong future talent base. Additionally, Calgary’s cost to run a 500-person tech company is among the lowest in North America, making it an attractive option for businesses.
Comparative advantages of North American tech hubs
Both Vancouver and Calgary offer unique advantages that contribute to their appeal as tech talent hotspots. Vancouver’s high concentration of software engineers and competitive wages make it an attractive destination for skilled professionals. Meanwhile, Calgary’s affordability and rapid tech employment growth provide a compelling alternative for companies and workers alike.
As the global tech industry continues to evolve, understanding these regional dynamics will be crucial for companies seeking to attract and retain top talent. The trends in the UK and North America highlight the importance of addressing talent shortages through strategic interventions, such as visa reforms and investments in local talent pipelines.
