Recent Update

After a decade of serving the UK tech sector, Tech Nation is set to shut down its operations on March 31st, 2023, after the UK government withdrew its funding. The non-profit organization, which was established by the coalition government in 2010, was dedicated to supporting tech start-ups and played a crucial role in the growth of some of the UK's biggest tech names, such as Monzo, Revolut, Skyscanner, and Deliveroo. Tech Nation was also responsible for endorsing the Global Talent visa applications of thousands of tech workers. 

Unfortunately, the UK government’s Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) has decided to withdraw its grant funding to Tech Nation, which was essential to the organization's operations. Instead, the government has awarded £12 millions of funding to Barclays bank, which will use the funds to support tech businesses through its tech incubator, Eagle Labs, as part of a two-year contract. Due to the loss of government funding, Tech Nation has confirmed that it will commence a ‘careful wind-down’ and close its doors on 31 March 2023. 

The Global Talent visa, which was launched in February 2020, is a bespoke immigration route designed to attract the ‘brightest and best talent from around the world’. The route reformed and replaced the Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent) route, with the aim of improving the UK’s appeal to highly skilled individuals with specialist skills that will enrich the UK’s knowledge, economy and society. Unlike many other work immigration routes, the Global Talent visa does not require the applicant to have a job offer in order to apply. It also leads to settlement in the UK after three or five years, depending on the applicant’s circumstances. The Global Talent visa is open to leaders or potential leaders in academia, arts and culture, and digital technology. Most applicants are required to obtain an endorsement to prove their expertise in their respective field before they can apply for the visa. Tech Nation was the only endorsing body responsible for endorsing the expertise of Global Talent visa applicants in the digital technology field. 

With Tech Nation ceasing operations, the Home Office has been informed and the visa program will continue as usual in the meantime. Although Barclays will receive the grant funding, the bank will not take over any visa administrative responsibilities. Currently, the Home Office has not named a new endorsing body for the digital technology field, and Global Talent visa applicants in this field are advised to apply as soon as possible. 

The UK Law Firm closely follows the updates and will provide details once new information becomes available.