Here are the 2 steps
- you have to apply and pay for your application by using this HOME OFFICE FORM’s [Global Talent Endorsement application] (https://visas-immigration.service.gov.uk/product/global-talent-endorsement). After you pay the 456GBP fee, you will receive Unique Application Number (UAN) and payment reference number. You will need to use these the applied for the Tech Nation Endorsement in step 2.
- Go to [Tech Nation Visa Application - Tech Nation Visa Application ] (https://tech-nation-visa.smapply.io/prog/tech_nation_visa_application/) to submit your evidence, within 15 days after you paid to Home Office in step1.
In the past, step 2 did not exist, you will only need to apply for HOME OFFICE (step1 above) and send the evidence in the email manually to an email address, but it was not structured, easy to generate mistakes, spam email issue, incorrect subject line, word counting, large email attachment limit, missing in the information provided in email manually, and so on. So the Tech Nation form was introduced to structure the evidence to be submitted easily, and replace manual email attachment activities.
Hope it clarifies.