The Start-up Visa facilitates the entry of overseas entrepreneurs with entry-level business experience to establish innovative businesses in the UK. Targeted at those developing their business skills, including recent graduates, no upfront investment funds are required. Applicants must submit a detailed business plan showcasing their innovative business idea, endorsed by an approved UK endorsing body.
Introduced in anticipation of Brexit (the UK’s departure from the EU in 2020), this scheme aims to foster new entrepreneurial ideas and maintain the UK’s position as an innovation leader and global powerhouse.
It’s crucial to note that the Start-up Visa does not directly lead to permanent settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain – ILR) in the UK. However, while in the UK, it’s possible to switch to another visa type that allows for ILR.
Entrepreneurs with at least £50,000 in investment funds and substantial business experience should consider the Innovator Visa, providing a direct path to permanent settlement.
Start-up Visa holders can stay for up to two years, after which they can apply to switch to a different visa type (such as the Innovator Visa) while remaining in the UK.
Launched in March 2019, the Start-up Visa replaced the previous Tier 1 (Graduate Entrepreneur) Visa.
For further information or to discuss your situation, don’t hesitate to contact our immigration lawyers at +44 (0) 121 572 8126 or email immigrations@ausuk.co.uk.
To ensure a successful application for a UK Start-up Visa, applicants must demonstrate the following criteria in detail:
Age Eligibility:
Business Plan:
Business Skills:
Endorsement:
English Language Proficiency:
Financial Capacity:
Meeting these requirements is essential for a smooth and successful Start-up Visa application.
To secure endorsement for a Start-up Visa, a meticulously crafted business plan for your innovative venture is imperative. The Home Office outlines specific criteria for a business plan to meet endorsement qualifications, encompassing the following details:
Genuineness and Originality:
Alignment with Start-up Business:
Market Relevance and Competitive Edge:
Realism and Achievability:
Skills and Knowledge Development:
Structured Planning:
Additionally:
No Prior UK Business Establishment:
In order to ensure a successful Start-up Visa application, it is essential to demonstrate compliance with English language standards. This involves:
Comprehensive English Skills:
Or, alternatively:
Educational Qualification:
Or, in the case of individuals from exempt countries, which include:
Additionally, you must demonstrate the financial capacity to support yourself in the UK. To satisfy this requirement, you need to exhibit:
For dependants:
A pivotal step in ensuring a successful application for a Start-up Visa is obtaining endorsement for your innovative business idea in the UK from a sanctioned endorsing body. The endorsement body you approach will be contingent on the nature of the business you plan to establish in the UK.
For instance, Britbots evaluates applications in automation, robotics, and associated artificial intelligence, while Fashion Angel provides endorsements for businesses in the fashion and textiles sector.
Endorsement is a requirement for applying and ensures that only businesses with a high likelihood of success progress to the subsequent phase – the application.
Upon engaging with your endorsing body, they will elucidate their endorsement process and produce the necessary resources for your application.
Upon a successful endorsement application, you will receive a “Letter of Endorsement,” which can be utilised to process your Start-up Visa application.
It’s crucial to emphasize that your interaction with the endorsing body doesn’t conclude with the visa application; it remains an ongoing process throughout your tenure with a Start-up Visa. Endorsing bodies must uphold regular ‘checkpoints’ with those they have supported, which may involve face-to-face meetings, phone calls, or video conferences.
This sustained engagement ensures a continuous and supportive relationship between the endorsed entrepreneur and the endorsing body, fostering an environment where challenges can be addressed and strategic adjustments can be made for long-term success.
The application process for a Start-up Visa involves the following stages:
Prepare Your Start-up Business Plan: Develop a comprehensive business plan for your start-up.
Apply for Start-up Endorsement: Seek endorsement for your start-up from an appropriate approved endorsing body in the UK.
Complete the Online Application Form: Upon receiving endorsement, complete the online application form on the Home Office website. Your specific form depends on whether you are switching from a different visa within the UK or applying from outside.
Prove Your Identity: After submitting the application form, verify your identity. This can be accomplished by either:
Pay the Application Fee: The application fee is £363 if applying from outside the UK or £493 if applying from within. The same fees apply to dependent family members. Applicants from EU countries may benefit from a reduced cost of £55.
Immigration Healthcare Surcharge: Pay the immigration healthcare surcharge for the entire visa duration, currently at £624 per person per year.
Applications are typically processed in three weeks for those outside the UK and eight weeks for those switching visas within the UK. Delays may occur if additional evidence is required or an interview is requested.
While the Start-up Visa doesn’t directly lead to permanent settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain or ILR), several strategic options exist for attaining ILR in subsequent stages. Most Start-up Visa holders often use this route as a stepping stone, transitioning to another visa type offering a direct pathway to ILR. Here are detailed options for progressing:
Innovator Visa:
Skilled Worker Visa:
Spouse Visa:
For a comprehensive understanding of the various options and personalized advice on expediting ILR in the UK, as well as guidance on achieving citizenship within an additional year, consult our experienced team at AUS (UK) Immigration’s. We will offer detailed insights into your unique circumstances and aspirations, recommending the most suitable pathway for your goals. Contact us at +44 (0) 121 572 8126 or email immigrations@ausuk.co.uk.
Specializing in providing effective immigration advice and visa services for individuals and businesses worldwide. Our expert team is dedicated to making the immigration process straightforward and stress-free. Regulated by the OISC, we uphold the highest standards of care and practice. Contact us for your immigration needs.
Unit 2 50 James Road Birmingham West Midlands B11 2BA, United Kingdom
© 2024 All Rights Reserved.
WhatsApp us