Tech Nation Visa
A UK visa for the best digital technology applicants
The UK Tech Nation Visa route is designed for individuals who are leaders or potential leaders in digital technology field.
It allows techpreneurs, coders, UI/UX designers, etc to live and work in the UK without the need for sponsorship.
Eligibility
To be eligible for a UK Tech Nation Visa, you must meet the following requirements:
- You must be a leader or emerging leader in digital technology, with a proven track record in areas such as product development, cybersecurity, AI, or software engineering.
- An endorsement from Tech Nation, the designated UK endorsing body for digital technology, is required to support your application.
In addition, you must be at least 18 years of age and meet all relevant suitability and validity immigration checks.
A job offer, minimum salary or language test not required for the Tech Nation Visa route.
Meeting these criteria and providing robust evidence of your accomplishments is key to qualifying for the Tech Nation Visa.
Endorsement process
The endorsement process is a crucial step in applying for a UK Tech Nation Visa. Applicants must secure an endorsement from Tech Nation, the designated endorsing body for digital technology.
This requires demonstrating your skills, achievements, and leadership potential in the tech sector
Costs
The UK Tech Nation Visa costs £716. This is split into two stages:
- £524 when applying for the endorsement; and
- £192 when applying for the visa
Additionally, applicants must pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS). The IHS fees are currently £1,035 per year for adults and £776 per year for children under the age of 18.
Processing time
Once you’ve applied online the processing times are as follows:
- For endorsement the processing time is typically 8 weeks; AND
- For the visa itself the processing time typically takes three weeks if applying from outside the UK and up to eight weeks for in-country applications
Length of stay
A Tech Nation Visa permits the holder to live and work in the UK for a period of up to 5 years. It is possible to extend the visa or apply for settlement if eligibility criteria are met.
There is no limit on how long you can stay in the UK and you can extend each time for between 1 to 5 years – you can choose the grant of length in whole years.
You may also be eligible to apply for indefinite leave to remain after 3 or 5 years, depending on your field of work and under which category you were endorsed.
Conditions of stay
The UK Tech Nation Visa offers numerous advantages, making it an attractive option for highly skilled professionals across various fields. This visa provides flexibility, independence, and opportunities for career growth in the UK.
- You can apply for indefinite leave to remain (ILR) after three years*
- You can work for any employer, switch jobs, or even start your own business
- Unlike other work visas, it does not require employer sponsorship, giving you freedom to choose where and how to work
- You can include dependents such as your spouse and children and enjoy similar rights in the UK.
The Tech Nation Visa is an excellent pathway for professionals looking to advance their careers while enjoying long-term residency options in the UK.
How we can help
Visa Positive offers complete, ready-to-ship endorsement applications for the Tech Nation Visa set-up for approval. As immigration experts we can assess your eligibility for this route and support you with all aspect of the application process. Simply get started with our always available questionnaire.
FAQ’s
No, unlike other visa routes, the Tech Nation Visa doesn’t require a pre-existing job offer. You’ll need an endorsement Tech Nation instead.
Yes, you can bring your dependents (partner and children) by applying for dependant visas.
If approved, you’ll receive a visa allowing you to live, work, and study in the UK, with a path to settlement.
An immigration lawyer can advise you on your appeal options and represent you throughout the process, increasing your chances of a successful outcome.
To extend, apply before your visa expires, provide updated documents, and show continued eligibility, including endorsement or significant contributions in your field.