International students in the UK who have a viable business idea may apply for the Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur Visa. This visa allows the Visa holder to set up their own business in the UK. Thus, successful applicants are allowed to extend their stay in the UK to set up one or more than one business in the UK.
You can apply for the Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur Visa if:
- You are not a citizen of any country in the EEA (European Economic Area) or Switzerland
- You should have graduated from an educational institution in the UK and should be officially endorsed for having a viable business plan
- You meet all the other eligibility requirements
However, the UK will not accept any new applications for the Graduate Entrepreneur Visa from 6th July 2019.
The Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur Visa is being replaced by the Start-up Visa.
This visa category exclusively caters to entrepreneurs with high potential who are starting a business for the first time.
The application for this visa can be submitted three months before your intended date of travel to the UK. Other eligibility requirements include:
- Are not a citizen of the EEA and Switzerland
- Wish to set up a business in the UK
- The business idea must be endorsed by a higher education institute in the UK or a business organization that supports UK entrepreneurs
- No requirement for an initial investment
- Applicant must be at least 18 years old
- Applicant must fulfill English language requirements
- Applicants must have enough funds to support their stay in the UK