The Start Up Visa offers an excellent opportunity for entrepreneurs to start their career by pursuing a business idea in Britain that will bring wider benefit to the UK economy.
The visa is available for a maximum of two years, after which point the visa holder will either have to apply to switch to another visa category, such as the Innovator visa, where they can continue to develop their business.
Criteria for the Start Up visa
In order to make an application to the Home Office under the innovator route, you will have to show you:
- Are over 18 years of age.
- Are endorsed by an approved organisation.
- Are in regular contact with the endorsing body, at 6, 12 and 24 month intervals.
- Satisfy the English Language Requirement, Level B2.
- Already have valid UK leave under either Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur, Tier 2, Tier 4 (General) or as a visitor undertaking permitted activities as a prospective entrepreneur.
- Can show minimum maintenance funds of £945.
Your application will be assessed for its ‘credibility’. Specifically, you will need to show:
- Any investment funds are genuinely available and intended for use as described in your application.
- Your genuine intention and capability in undertaking the proposed business activity.
- Your intention to work lawfully in the UK and not in breach of the regulations eg ‘no employment as a doctor or dentist in training, or as a professional sportsperson’.
What is the Start Up visa application process?
The application process is in two stages.
Applicants will first need to secure endorsement from a university or approved business sponsor. This process will require a business plan to be developed, detailing your business idea, strategies and projections.
If approved, you can then make your visa application to the Home Office.
