The Tier 1 Startup Visa has replaced the Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur visa program. 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
- 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 fulfil English language requirements
- Applicants must have enough funds to support their stay in the UK
Staying in the UK
- You can stay for up to two years on this visa and can bring your spouse or partner and unmarried children under the age of 18 to stay with you
- You can do work outside your business for funding your stay
- You cannot extend your visa after two years, but you can apply for the innovator visa to extend your stay and develop your business.