The Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur visa gives maximum freedom to university graduates or undergraduate students to start a business in the UK so that they can profit from their innovative business ideas which enrich and add to the British economy. Applicants may apply for a Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur visa by switching into this category within the UK or alternatively, Applicants can apply for entry clearance from outside the UK.
Who should apply for the Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur Visa
The Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur visa category allows university graduates to stay in the UK after their graduation so that they can establish at least one business in the UK, provided they can meet the Immigration Rules.
Applicants are required to demonstrate an innovative idea and entrepreneurial skills to implement an idea with a specific endorsement. This is the best route for students who want to work on their own innovative ideas in the UK and wish to add to the British economy.
Requirements for the Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur Visa
The Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur visa category is a points-based system application under the Immigration Rules and Applicants must obtain 95 points for a successful application. The 95 points are further broken down into 3 separate categories. Applicants must obtain 75 points for attributes, 10 points for the English language requirement satisfied in all applications where an Applicant has a UK undergraduate or Masters degree) and 10 points for maintenance requirement (must show £945 personal savings).
In the Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur visa category the main requirement which Applicants often struggle to satisfy is the 75 points for attributes. To secure 75 points for the attributes Applicants must meet the following conditions:
- An endorsement by a UK Higher Education Institution (HEI) or the UK Trade and Investment (DIT) (25 points);
- The endorsement must confirm all of the following: (25 points)
- the business sector or business intended;
- the applicant has a genuine, credible and innovative business idea;
- the applicant will spend the majority of their time working on developing the said business; and
- on the extension of the Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur visa, it must also show that the applicant has made satisfactory progress in developing the said business since the last leave was granted; and
- A degree qualification which is at the level of a Bachelor’s degree in the UK or above that level (25 points); and
In summary, the Applicant must be endorsed by HEI or DIT, must have innovative business ideas, and must intend on establishing and running a business in the UK after their graduation and make satisfactory progress if the applicant wishes to extend the visa.
Benefits for Applicants applying for the Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur visa
The main attraction of the Tier Graduate Entrepreneur visa category is that there is no investment, sponsorship or earning requirement for starting a business in the UK, provided the applicant can earn all 95 points mentioned above.
Under the Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur visa, Applicants can apply to bring their direct family members to the UK, apply to extend the Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur visa once, and then switch into another visa category thereafter.
The graduate applicant will be granted leave under the Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur visa for 12 months initially, and on extension be granted leave for another 12 months. After one extension under the same category, the graduate may apply to switch into the Tier 1 Entrepreneur visa and be granted 3 years’ leave. After the applicant lawfully stayed in the UK for 5 years, they can apply for settlement.
Using Legal Representations to Apply for the Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur
In order to adequately evidence the aforementioned criteria and to ensure that your application is processed without delay, you should ensure that you compile all supporting documents meticulously in accordance with the Immigration Rules.
Not being able to submit specified documents or failing to highlight them can result in your application being refused. Not only does this mean that you may have to make a fresh application and pay the Home Office fees again; it may also mean that you will have an ‘adverse immigration history’ in light of your refusal. This may significantly lengthen the time that the Home Office will take in processing any future applications that you make. Hence, it is often more beneficial to instruct experienced immigration lawyers to assist you in your Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur visa application.
Successful Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur Applications
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 immigration status and the merit of your Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur visa application before your matter even reaches the Home Office UK Visa & Immigration department. We can assist you with the preparation of your Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur visa application and ensure that you meet all the requirements of the relevant rules.
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.