For certain business immigration applications, Applicants first need to secure an endorsement from an endorsing body appointed by the Home Office, in order to assess the genuineness and credibility of the business plan or experience of the Applicant themselves to establish whether they meet the relevant criteria of the visa application. The current global situation has provided a great deal of uncertainty in relation to UK visa applications and those who need an endorsement from an endorsing body. Our business immigration solicitors in London who specialise in applications made in accordance with Appendix W: Immigration Rules for Workers are keeping up to date with latest Home Office and government guidance in relation to COVID-19. We can assist Applicants in securing business immigration endorsement applications from an official endorsement body. Please contact our team in order to arrange a consultation with us so we can assess your circumstances and explore all available options.
Which business immigration applications require an endorsement?
There are currently three UK business immigration visa categories which require an endorsement from an endorsing body; the Start-up visa, the Innovator visa and the new Global Talent visa which replaced the Tier 1 Exceptional Talent/Promise visa on 20 February 2020 (which also required an endorsement). All of these routes are made in accordance with the Immigration Rules Appendix W: Immigration Rules for Workers.
What is an endorsing body for business immigration applications?
Endorsing bodies for business immigration applications are independent industry experts who have been appointed by the Home Office to consider whether a visa Applicant’s business idea or expertise would be successful in setting up or establishing their business in the UK (Start-up and Innovator visas) or to excel in their chosen field (Global Talent visa).
Start-up and Innovator visas – Previously, for the former Start-up and Innovator Visa categories (the Tier 1 Entrepreneur route), the Home Office would consider the Applicant’s business plan themselves. However, this led to many genuine and credible business ideas being rejected as Home Office caseworkers did not necessarily always understand the business idea due to lack of specialist expertise in that field. Since the creation of Appendix W however, the Home Office has now delegated this to industry experts who are more qualified to assess the business idea and whether it is ‘innovative, viable and scalable’.
Global Talent visa – On the other hand, the Global Talent visa and its predecessor (the Tier 1 Exceptional Talent visa) have always required an endorsement from a designated competent body. However, the Global Talent visa has expanded on the former route to include architects and UK research and innovation applicants to name a few.
The list of Home Office approved endorsing bodies for the Start-up visa, Innovator visa and Global Talent visa can all be found on the Home Office website. All business immigration applicants applying under these categories must first secure an endorsement before proceeding to make the visa application to the Home Office.
Can I get an endorsement for my business immigration visa during the Coronavirus outbreak?
Endorsing bodies can still issue endorsements amidst the Coronavirus outbreak, however, the Home Office has issued further guidance on how to consider endorsement applications. Endorsing bodies have been advised to have ‘frank discussions’ with Applicants regarding travel arrangements if they are outside the UK. Endorsing bodies have also been asked to consider in respect to all Applicants whether they are likely to be able to start developing their business in the UK under the current situation. If not, endorsing bodies may be advised to consider delaying the business immigration endorsement applications until a later date.
Endorsement letters are usually valid for 3 months; during this time the Applicant then has to make the visa application to the Home Office. If an Applicant is unable to make a visa application within this time-frame, the endorsement body will need to issue them with a new endorsement using a new secure reference number before they can apply for the visa. Applicants who already have an endorsement from an endorsing body but it has expired because they have not been able to travel to the UK due to Coronavirus may still be eligible for a business immigration visa. Applicants should make their visa application as planned and the Home Office has stated that it will consider all applications on a case by case basis.
Can I still see an Immigration Lawyer given the Coronavirus COVID-19 Pandemic?
Yes. We are a technologically advanced government department for immigration and passports and are well equipped for the current situation and have the resources and infrastructure to support you with any UK immigration issue.
We are actively monitoring and responding to the COVID-19 situation and will continue to follow advice and guidance issued by the UK Government, Public Health England and the NHS.
The well-being of our team and our clients is our priority. We are following the advice to maintain social distancing, therefore we will hold all meetings with clients via video conferencing or via our telephone conferencing facilities for the foreseeable future.
Please contact our Immigration Team to arrange a consultation with us so we can assess your case in more detail and give you advice specific to your individual circumstances.
Using our Immigration Solicitors in London to get an endorsement for a business immigration visa
Legal representatives, such as our specialist immigration and visa lawyers, are qualified to advise you on immigration law and your immigration matter. You can instruct one of our immigration and visa legal representatives to successfully assist you with an application to apply for an endorsement for a business immigration visa. Our solicitors and Barristers will help you comply with the Home Office’s requirements and meet the Immigration Rules.
Caseworkers at the Home Office are trained to reject applications, which are improperly prepared, for example by failing to provide the correct supporting evidence. In order to ensure your UK Innovator application succeeds, our solicitors and barristers will ensure all specified documents must be provided.
The UK Immigration Rules are complex and a legal representative can help ensure that your application meets the Immigration Rules.
Successfully acquire an endorsement for a business immigration visa with our Immigration Solicitors in London
Our team of solicitors and barristers are specialist immigration lawyers who act in your best interest. We offer a client-tailored approach from the outset. From the very first meeting, we will be able to advise you in respect of your prospects of submitting a UK Innovator Visa application before your application even reaches the Home Office UK Visa & Immigration department. We can assist you with the preparation and submission of a business immigration visa application and ensure that you meet all the necessary requirements.
We are based in the legal epicentre of London, just across the road from the Royal Courts of Justice in order to ensure we get the best results for our clients. We are minutes away from the Immigration and Asylum Tribunal, the Royal Courts of Justice and other central London courts.
Preparation is the key to successful immigration applications. Our UK immigration and visa solicitors are here to guide you through the complex immigration rules and requirements. If you wish to meet one of our lawyers, please call our Immigration Team so we can assess your case and arrange your legal consultation to discuss a business immigration visa application.
Contact our London immigration solicitors on 02032860857 or complete our contact form.