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What is the Start-up visa in the UK? (202209QA)
Firstly, the most common type of entrepreneurial visa that was previously heard of is the Graduate Entrepreneur visa, also known as Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur (T1GE) visa. This visa allows you to start a business in the UK after graduating. To apply for this visa, you must have the endorsement of a UK higher education institution, typically a public university. The T1GE visa is cost-effective compared to investment immigration options, and the university provides comprehensive support.
Since its implementation in 2012, the T1GE visa has been a benefit for international students. It allows you to stay in the UK if you cannot find employment after graduation. By obtaining the T1GE visa with an investment of £50,000, you can later switch to the T1 Entrepreneur visa and apply for permanent residency within a period of 5 years. This visa is specifically designed for students graduating from UK universities, which means there is relatively less competition. Moreover, with the endorsement from a UK university, the chances of success are relatively higher, making it quite appealing.
However, starting from July 5, 2019, the UK discontinued the T1GE visa, meaning it is no longer available. To retain talented individuals, the UK Home Office introduced a new entrepreneurial visa called the Start-up visa. This new visa does not have strict educational requirements and is open to graduates from all countries, not just those who graduated from universities in the UK. However, applicants must obtain an endorsement letter from a UK higher education institution or a recognized endorsing body approved by the UK Visa and Immigration (UKVI) department. This has significantly increased the competition and raised the difficulty level of the application process.
To be eligible to apply for the Start-up visa in the UK, you must meet the following criteria:
You intend to establish an innovative business in the UK that is different from anything available in the market.
You need an endorsement letter from a Start-up endorsing body, which must be an institution recognized by the UK government.
You must be at least 18 years old.
You meet the English language requirements, which include having a minimum CEFR B2 level of proficiency in reading, writing, speaking, and listening (equivalent to an IELTS score of 5.5 or above). Alternatively, you can have a degree taught in English, which needs to be confirmed by Ecctis (formerly UK NARIC) as equivalent to a UK bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree, or be from a country or region that meets the language requirements.
You can demonstrate that you have sufficient personal funds to support yourself in the UK (prior to your application, your bank account needs to show a minimum balance of £1,270 continuously for at least 28 days, or if you have been in the UK for less than a year when applying for this visa).
You have a valid passport or other documents proving your identity and nationality.
If your documents are not in English or Welsh, you need to provide certified translations.
If you come from a country that requires a tuberculosis test, you must undergo the test.
A business plan is required.
Which endorsing bodies are recognized in the UK?
Endorsing bodies, also known as Start-up endorsing bodies, are institutions that can provide an endorsement letter. An endorsement letter serves as a guarantee or assurance for your application. These Start-up endorsing bodies, which are recognized by the UK Home Office, are listed on their approved institutions' list. If an endorsing body is not on the approved list, it will not be recognized, and you will not be able to apply for the Start-up visa in the UK. It is advisable to familiarize yourself with the requirements of these endorsing bodies before contacting them. Visit their websites to learn about the necessary preparations before reaching out. This approach can help save time and effort for both parties involved.
The endorsing bodies play a crucial role. Without their endorsement letter as a guarantee, you will not have the opportunity to apply for this start-up visa. Additionally, they will analyze your business project, which includes your business plan, to assess factors such as sustainability, feasibility, and innovation. They will consider what you will do, why you will do it, how you will do it, where you will do it, who you will do it with, and for how long. They will provide assistance and support, particularly universities, which actively follow up on the progress of your project and help you create a timeline. Endorsing bodies may charge a service fee, but it is typically reasonable, especially when dealing with universities. Once you pass the endorsement review by the endorsing body, they can issue an endorsement letter to you.
It is important to note that obtaining an endorsement letter from an endorsing body does not guarantee automatic success. You still need to undergo the assessment and interview process by the UK Home Office. Furthermore,the endorsing bodies will continue to monitor your progress even after obtaining the endorsement letter. They may evaluate factors such as your business operations, progress, profitability, and more. They have the authority to revoke your endorsement letter if necessary.
Reminder: Official links to the specific Start-up endorsing bodies:
【https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/endorsing-bodies-start-up/start-up】
Reminder: Most of the mentioned universities primarily endorse their own students. Each university also has its own requirements and conditions for endorsing students. For specific requirements and information, please directly search the official website of the respective university or contact them directly. If you are a current student, you can inquire at the International Office or Student Center, and they will guide you to the department responsible for the specific start-up visa at your university. It's worth noting that some universities may require students to apply for endorsement within 2 to 3 years after graduation. Therefore, if you plan to apply, please inquire about the specific time restrictions in advance.
How long does it take to apply for the UK Start-up visa?
You need to submit your application three months prior to your planned start date. For example, if you plan to go to the UK on June 15th, you can start the application process from March 16th. The entire application process usually takes up to 8 weeks, starting from the time you have provided all the required documents. In general, it should not exceed 8 weeks. However, if you are well-prepared and not during peak periods, you may be fortunate enough to receive a successful application decision within 3 weeks. We have heard of a case where a student from LSE successfully applied within 3 weeks. Officially, the processing time is stated as approximately 3 weeks if applying from outside the UK and approximately 8 weeks if applying from within the UK.
Where can I apply for the Start-up visa?
You can apply for the Start-up visa in the UK or in other countries. However, please note that the application fees may vary. Please refer to the next item for the pricing table.
Start-up visa fees
The amount you need to pay for the Start-up visa depends on your circumstances and where you are applying from. Please refer to the table below for the list of fees.：
Healthcare Surcharge (NHS)
When applying for the Start-up visa, you are also required to pay the Healthcare Surcharge as part of your application. Before applying, you can calculate the amount you need to pay for the Healthcare Surcharge. The official link provided by the UK Home Office to calculate the Healthcare Surcharge is:
https://www.immigration-health-surcharge.service.gov.uk/checker/type
Duration of the Start-up Visa
The UK Start-up visa operates on a 2+3-year model, which means it allows you to obtain permanent residency (indefinite leave to remain) after 5 years. The Start-up visa itself has a validity of 2 years, while the Innovator visa, which is another category, has a validity of 3 years.
If your Start-up visa application is successful, you can stay in the UK for two years with this visa. However, you cannot apply for an extension of the Start-up visa itself since its validity is fixed at 2 years. Nevertheless, you have the option to switch to another type of UK visa before your Start-up visa expires. For example, you can apply to switch to an Innovator visa, a work visa, or a student visa.
If your Start-up visa expires and you find employment in the UK, you can apply for a work visa. Similarly, if you wish to continue your studies, such as pursuing a master's or a Ph.D. degree after completing your undergraduate studies, you can switch to a student visa. If you believe your entrepreneurial venture is progressing well and you want to continue operating your business, you have the option to switch to an Innovator visa, which has a validity of 3 years and can be extended. It's important to note that when switching to an Innovator visa, you will need endorsement from another recognized endorsing body in the UK, rather than your university. For a specific list of recognized business endorsing bodies, please refer to the following link:
：https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/endorsing-bodies-innovator/innovator-endorsing-bodies
However, please note that there are certain circumstances in which you may not be able to switch your Start-up visa to another visa category:
If your endorsement is withdrawn.
If your visa is curtailed, meaning its validity is shortened.
If you wish to stay in the UK for a longer period, you must successfully apply for a new visa endorsement before your current Start-up visa expires. Once the validity of your current visa has expired, you will not be able to switch to another visa category unless you have applied for a new visa endorsement within the valid period.
Other considerations after a successful Start-up visa application:
What you can do:
You can bring your family to the UK.
You can switch from other visa categories to the Start-up visa.
You can work for another organization or employer.
What you cannot do:
You cannot access public funds.
You cannot work as a professional athlete or sports coach.
You cannot settle in the UK permanently with this 2-year Start-up visa.
If your application is successful, you will receive a comprehensive list specifying what you can and cannot do under the Innovator visa category.
Note: Previously, training as a doctor or dentist was not permitted under the Start-up visa. However, due to the pandemic, this restriction has been lifted. However, there may still be uncertainties regarding dentistry. If you are pursuing a medical profession, it is advisable to inquire about the specific requirements during the visa application process, as there are different categories within the medical profession.
Note:
Your family members ("dependants") can accompany you to the UK on this visa. "Dependants" refer to one of the following individuals: your spouse, husband, wife, or partner; your children under the age of 18. Please refer to the link below for more information on dependants:：https://www.gov.uk/start-up-visa/your-partner-and-children
Regarding proof of funds for dependants, in addition to covering your own living expenses, you must also demonstrate that you have sufficient funds in GBP for each family member. This is to show that they will have enough financial support during their stay in the UK. You need to provide evidence that the required amount of money has been continuously held in your or your dependants' bank account for at least 28 days prior to your or their application.
"Public funds" refer to a range of benefits and housing support provided to individuals with low income. This includes the following: Jobseeker's Allowance (income-based), Income Support, Child Tax Credit, Universal Credit, Working Tax Credit, Social Fund Payments, Child Benefits, Housing Benefits, Council Tax Reduction, Council Tax Support, Reductions in Domestic Rates (Northern Ireland), State Pension Credit, Carer's Allowance, Severe Disablement Allowance, Personal Independence Payment, Attendance Allowance, Disability Living Allowance, Allocation of Local Authority Housing, and Homelessness Assistance provided by local authorities, and other similar welfare benefits related to public resources in the UK. For specific details, please refer to the official website.：https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/public-funds--2/public-funds）
So, where do you apply?
Once you have prepared all the required documents and materials mentioned above, you can proceed with the application. But where do you apply for the Start-up visa?
The Start-up visa must be applied for online. This means you need to start by submitting your application on the official UK government website and then visit a visa application center. TenShengMiao reminds you that if you have a business partner who will be applying together with you, they also need to go to the visa application center for fingerprinting and photo capture. When logging in, make sure to check the website's suffix, which should be "gov.uk."
As part of the application process, you will need to provide your fingerprints and photos at the visa application center to obtain the Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) for biometric residence identification.
You must collect your BRP within 10 days of your stated arrival in the UK, even if you actually arrive later. For example, if you state that you will arrive on October 11th but actually arrive on October 15th, the 10-day period will be counted from October 11th.
Official online application link:：https://visas-immigration.service.gov.uk/visa-type
TenShengMiao Reminder:
With a successful application for the UK Start-up visa, you are allowed to work for other organizations, but only in your spare time. Your main focus must be on your entrepreneurial venture, and you must dedicate a significant amount of time to running your start-up. Failure to do so may result in visa revocation.
Your business project must be innovative and capable of sustaining long-term operations. It should not face the risk of closure within a year or two. This will be assessed through two stages of evaluation: a written evaluation and an interview. High-tech ideas that address specific problems have a higher chance of success.
Your entrepreneurial business idea must not be a venture that is already operational in another country. In other words, your start-up project must be your first entrepreneurial endeavor in the UK. For example, you cannot register and establish a company for the same project in China and then expand it to the UK.
You must start operating your business project only after a successful application for the UK Start-up visa. Operating the business prematurely is strictly prohibited.
Endorsement letters can be obtained from UK schools to support your application. Compared to commercial endorsement organizations, schools generally offer more affordable prices.
During the operation of your company, it is beneficial to demonstrate its gradual growth by employing local people in the UK.
The Business Plan (BP) is a crucial component of your start-up project. It should include your plans, profitability, risks, and more for the next two years. In the highly competitive application process for the Start-up visa, a solid and feasible BP with innovative ideas will set you apart. For instance, a friend of ours from the University of Cambridge successfully obtained the visa with a highly powerful technological project.
If you have a promising start-up project and prefer not to work alone, or if you would like to network and collaborate, you can join the International Students Startup Club. Search for their WeChat official account using the club's name and complete the application form to join. Both current students and graduates are welcome. In summary, the International Students Startup Club is an exclusive entrepreneurial social platform for international students, focusing on personal growth. If you don't have a project but want to find someone with a project to apply for this visa together, you can also join the club to meet friends. For example, if you're studying at the University of Coventry, you can get to know friends studying at the University of Cambridge or Oxford and plan weekend visits. Similarly, if you're studying in the UK and want to meet students studying in the US or Australia, or if you've already graduated and returned to your home country but want to connect with other returnees for entrepreneurial cooperation, the club is open to all these possibilities.