Start-Up Visa 

The new start-up visa is for individuals who wish to establish companies in the UK for the first time. On 29th March 2019, this route replaced the Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur Visa route.

To apply under this category, applicants must be endorsed by a recognised organisation. Applicants must prove that their entrepreneurial idea has prospects of success and growth. For successful applicants, the initial period is 2 years. Settlement is a possibility under this route. Following the initial period, applicants may apply for the Innovator Visa (subject to requirements).

Key Points

• This visa can be held by individuals who have set up businesses in the UK for the first time.
• Applicants must show that their business idea is innovative, sustainable and likely to see growth.
• The applicant must meet English language requirements and maintain their linguistic abilities throughout the duration of their visa.
• An initial period of up to 2 years only is granted, however, following this, applicants may apply to switch to the Innovator visa.
• Applicants may apply as an entrepreneurial group.
• When applicants wish to switch from this visa to the Innovator visa, they must have £50,000 in financial resource available to invest in their business.
• Applicants must be over the age of 18 years old.
• Applicants may bring their family with them to the UK.

Who can switch to the Start-up Visa route?

The applicants with the following types of visa can switch to the Start-up visa route within the UK:
• Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur
• Tier 2 General
• Tier 4 General (restrictions applied, please contact us for further information)
• Standard Visitor (A visitor who has partaken in authorised activities as a potential entrepreneur (See Prospective Entrepreneur Visa))

What are the endorsement criteria?

Applicants are required to generate a commercial strategy when applying for an endorsement. Applicants must also provide supporting documentation that demonstrates that the following start-up requirements have been met:
• The business plan must be innovative, genuine and unique, to exploit gaps in the market. The plan must deliver a unique selling point or provide a competitive advantage.
• The plan must be feasible and the applicant must actively develop their essential skills, understanding, practical experience and market awareness to run the company effectively.
• Applicants must show their company’s ability to grow. To demonstrate this, applicants should provide detailed planning and evidence of potential job creation and growth into national markets.

To give your case the best chance of success, get in touch

To give your visa the best chance of success, and to reduce your stress, please contact our immigration experts.

Disclaimer: The above information is for general reference only. Specialist legal advice should be sought.

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