Global Talent: Tech Nation Endorsement
Tech Nation endorses digital technology professionals for the Global Talent visa. This guide covers the criteria, evidence needed, and how to apply for the tech pathway.
- Section
- Global Talent
- Reading time
- 10 min
- Last checked
- 2 September 2026
- Source
- The published Immigration Rules and GOV.UK guidance, linked throughout this guide.
- Rowan does not
- Look at your own case, tell you which route to choose, or say what the Home Office will decide. This guide shows the published rules and where to read them.
In short
- Covers all digital technology roles and sectors.
- Evidence should show innovation, impact, and technical expertise.
- No requirement to work for a specific company or sector.
- A decision usually takes 5 to 8 weeks.
Tech Nation endorses Global Talent applications for digital technology professionals. You need to demonstrate exceptional talent or promise through evidence of innovation, technical contribution, and impact in the tech sector.
About Tech Nation
Tech Nation is the endorsing body for the digital technology pathway of the Global Talent visa. It supports the UK's goal of attracting the world's best tech talent. For other pathways, see Arts Council England and the Royal Society.
Who Can Apply
Tech Nation endorses professionals working in digital technology, including:
- Software engineers and developers
- Product managers and designers
- Data scientists and AI/ML engineers
- Cybersecurity professionals
- CTOs, VPs of Engineering, and tech leaders
- Tech founders and entrepreneurs
- DevOps and infrastructure engineers
- Digital technology researchers
Mandatory and Optional Criteria
GOV.UK sets out one mandatory criterion and four others, of which you must show any two.
Mandatory Criterion
You must show that others have recognised you, in the last 5 years, as a leading talent in digital technology (for exceptional talent) or a potential talent in digital technology (for exceptional promise).
The Other Criteria (show any 2)
- A record of innovation as a founder or senior executive of a product-led digital technology company. For exceptional promise, innovation as a founder.
- A record of innovation where you have worked as an employee in a new digital technology field or concept.
- Contribution to the digital technology sector outside your work, for example mentoring or collaborative projects.
- Having set up or worked in a product-led digital technology company and made technical, commercial, or entrepreneurial contributions.
GOV.UK says you can send a maximum of 10 documents: at least 2 for the mandatory criterion, and 2 for each of the other criteria you claim.
Evidence to Provide
- Personal statement explaining your career and achievements
- CV with detailed work history
- 3 letters of recommendation. GOV.UK says each writer must be an established expert in digital technology who has known your work for at least 12 months
- Evidence of products you have built or contributed to
- GitHub contributions, open-source projects, or technical blog posts
- Conference talks, publications, or patents
- Press coverage or recognition
- Revenue or user growth metrics for companies you have built or contributed to
For full criteria, see GOV.UK.
Application Process
- Prepare your evidence package
- Apply for endorsement through GOV.UK (£561)
- Wait 5 to 8 weeks
- If endorsed, apply for the visa within 3 months. The visa costs a further £205, so £766 in total
See the cost guide for all fees.
Tips for Tech Applicants
- Show impact. Numbers matter — user counts, revenue growth, team sizes.
- Open source. Strong GitHub profiles with meaningful contributions are valued.
- Speaking. Conference talks at recognised events demonstrate thought leadership.
- Choose referees carefully. CTOs, founders, or VPs from well-known companies carry weight.
- UK plans. Explain what you will do in the UK and how it benefits the UK tech sector.
After Endorsement
With the Global Talent visa, you can work for any employer, switch jobs without permission, be self-employed, bring dependants, and apply for ILR. Compare with the Skilled Worker visa.
Next Steps
Review Tech Nation's criteria, gather your evidence, and apply through GOV.UK.
Related guides:
Questions and answers
What is Tech Nation endorsement?
Tech Nation is the endorsing body for the digital technology pathway of the Global Talent visa. It assesses whether applicants are exceptional talent or show exceptional promise in digital technology.
What roles qualify for Tech Nation endorsement?
Tech Nation endorses a wide range of digital technology professionals including software engineers, product managers, data scientists, artificial intelligence researchers, cybersecurity experts, chief technology officers, founders, and other technology leaders.
Do I need to work for a tech company?
No. You can work in digital technology in any sector — fintech, healthtech, edtech, or any industry that uses digital technology. What matters is your contribution to the field.
This guide is general information about published immigration rules. It is not advice about an individual application under s.82 Immigration and Asylum Act 1999, and Rowan is not regulated by the Immigration Advice Authority. Immigration rules change several times a year. For advice on a particular situation, contact an adviser authorised by the Immigration Advice Authority or an immigration solicitor. Always check GOV.UK for the authoritative current rules.