Stage 1 waiting times?

Stage 1
3138

I’ve pretty much decided not to apply again after three attempts.

Across my applications, different criteria were accepted each time — one accepted OC2 + OC3, another MC alone, and another MC + OC2 — but I was still rejected overall.

In the latest one, Tech Nation said my investor LOI was old, but it only became old because the Home Office referred my case to Tech Nation weeks after I submitted it. That was completely outside my control.

They also referred to evidence incorrectly, including using the wrong currency symbol for figures in the evidence I submitted.

At this point, it honestly feels like their current goal is just leeching £560 from applicants. I’ve even seen a YC-backed founder get rejected, so now I genuinely question whether the assessors are qualified to do the job properly.

2 Likes
3139

Hello beautiful aspirants,

What are the current timelines for Stage 1 applications inside the UK?
Are most people receiving decisions after 8 weeks, or are some getting responses earlier as well?

3140

Submitted my documents to the Home Office on the 21st of April (Promise) within the UK
Referred to TechNation on the 13th of May.
Still waiting for the outcome.

2 Likes
3141

Honestly, and I submitted on the 21st of May and I’m here worrying about how long it’s taken. I’ve seen no new updates on recent feedback and timelines, hope everyone is okay and if you’ve received feedback please share

2 Likes
3142

Hi Everyone,

My timelines are as follows:

Exceptional Talent - applying from outside the UK.

  • Documents submitted - 15th May
  • Forwarded to Tech Nation - 3rd June

No feedback received yet.

3 Likes
3143

Hey Guys,

Here is my timeline for Exceptional Talent- outside UK
Documents Submitted on - 12th May
Forwarded to Tech Nation on 1st June

Still waiting to hear back.

2 Likes
3144

Got my decision today, it was a refusal.

Here’s my complete timeline:
Submitted my docs on May 3 (Talent)
Referred to TN on May 17
Decision Received on June 18

I’ll share my Proforma here later on when I’ve had the time to censor the PII.
I noticed something strange in the rejection document though:

Tech Nation Decision Date: 2026-05-31

Makes me wonder why it took an additional 18 days to get back to me.

3145

I’m really sorry to hear. If you feel like to, you could appeal. I understand how draining it is, but maybe worth trying.

2 Likes
3146

Got my rejection just now (Sunday am). All evidence rejected, here is some feedback that shows how relevant is for them to have public recognition:
“None of the letters of recommendation are from digital technology experts. No examples of digital technology recognition, such as keynotes at high-profile technology events, industry awards, interviews, or independent media coverage naming the applicant, have been provided”.

Won’t present a Endorsement Review request as my employer will sponsor me, but it’s still disappointing as I don’t believe the feedback is fair. Hope sharing this helps other people enhancing their applications.

3148

Hi, sorry about your rejection.

Can you share an overview of your evidence?

3149

The inconsistency from technation is too much. I was assessed as talent when I clearly have less than 5 years of experience. My company formation doc, LinkedIn and CV all show my entire career and journey is less than 5 years.

3150

I was assessed as promise; they disregarded major media as general-interest media and regarded AI in Education as Education technology not part of digital technology itself.
Whereas a quick google search shows Edtech is a key part of digital technology.

Seems like they’re using AI for reviews but their guidelines says no AI during application.