Business Immigration – Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur visa remains open until 5 July 2019

The Home Office introduced the Tier 1 Start-Up visa and Tier 1 Innovator visa last month. The Tier 1 Innovator visa has replaced the former Tier 1 Entrepreneur visa and the Tier 1 Start-Up visa is set to formally replace the Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur on 5 July 2019. However, no more endorsements for the Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur will be issued so only Applicants with an endorsement may apply before 5 July 2019. All new Applicants without an endorsement must apply under the Tier 1 Start-Up visa as this route is open. The Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur visa is for graduates in the UK who are identified as credible business ideas and entrepreneurial skills to establish one or more businesses in the UK.  

What is the Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur visa?

The Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur visa is for graduates (non-EEA nationals) in the UK who are identified by Higher Education Institutions as business persons who have developed genuine and credible business ideas and entrepreneurial skills to establish one or more business in the UK. Applicants who have been identified by the Department for International Trade as elite business persons can also apply under this route. The Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur visa is perfect for students who have or are just finishing university and would like to set up a business in the UK. Applicants also apply for support in funding from the endorsement bodies.

What are the requirements for a Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur visa?

A Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur visa application is made under the UK Immigration Rules and it is a Point Based System (PBS) application. Applicants must score 95 points (75 points for attributes, 10 points for maintenance and 10 points for the English language requirement). To score 75 points for attributes Applicants must meet the following criteria:

  • Applicants must secure an endorsement from a UK Higher Education Institution or Department for International Trade:
  • Applicants must submit an endorsement letter which has the following details:
    1. the business sector or business intended;
    2. the applicant has a genuine, credible and innovative business idea;
    3. the applicant will spend the majority of their time working on developing the said business; and
    4. 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
  • Applicants must have been awarded a degree qualification at Bachelor’s or above.

To score 10 points for maintenance Applicants must be able to show that they have enough money (£1890 or £945) to support themselves in the United Kingdom. The money must be held for 90 consecutive days with the last statement dated 31 days before the date of the application. To score 10 points for English language Applicants must have English language skills to the required levels.

The benefits of securing a Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur visa

Applicants who obtain a Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur visa will be granted a visa for one year but they can apply for an extension for a further year or switch into another category. Applicants can apply to bring their family members over if they can meet the additional requirements. Applicants are able to participate in employment outside their business but it should be noted that they must be able to show progression in their business if they wish to apply for an extension. However, Applicants cannot access public funds and or settle under this visa. Applications can be submitted from within the UK or outside.

Using Legal Representation to Submit a Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur visa Application

Legal representatives, such as our specialist immigration and visa law firm, are qualified to advise you on immigration law and your Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur visa application. It is possible to instruct an immigration and visa legal representative to submit a Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur visa application.

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 Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur visa application succeeds, all necessary documents must be provided.

This can be a significant administrative task and you will need to submit the correct documentary evidence. The UK Immigration Rules are complex and a legal representative can help ensure that your Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur visa application meets the Immigration Rules.

Successful Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur visa Application

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 Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur visa application 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 and submission of your UK Visas and Immigration 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. LEXVISA is just minutes away from the Immigration and Asylum Tribunal, the Royal Courts of Justice and other central London courts.

Preparation is the key to a successful Entrepreneur visa application. 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 for you to discuss a successful Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur visa application.

Contact our London immigration solicitors on 02030110276 or complete our contact form.

Call Now Button search previous next tag category expand menu location phone mail time cart zoom edit close