Member Article

Tech Nation is a government-backed organisation which has supported digital-tech start-ups and scale-ups as well as offering global talent visa endorsement for over a decade. At the end of January, it announced its closure, effective from 31 March 2023.

Tech Nation received its core grant funding from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), but this funding will now be awarded to Barclays Bank. When the contract with DCMS comes to an end, Tech Nation’s remaining activities are no longer viable and it has no other option but to close.

Currently, Tech Nation is the only authorised body responsible for endorsing applications for global talent visas in the digital tech sector, which is a useful route for skilled migrants to enter the UK. Under this visa, migrants are able to set up their own business since they do not need sponsorship by an employer.

The visa endorsement process will continue up until 31 March 2023, but the government has not yet announced plans following this deadline so there is some concern over what will happen next.

It should be noted that global talent visa endorsements which fall outside of the digital technology sector are not subject to the same deadlines and it impacts only those within this sector.

If you are considering a digital tech endorsement visa, it is recommended that you obtain professional immigration and employment advice as soon as possible, and aim to submit an application prior to 31 March 2023.