Applying for a Tier 1 Start-up visa as a team of 2 or more

The Tier 1 Start-up visa is an alternative business visa to the Tier 1 Innovator visa.  Applicants can apply individually or as a part of an entrepreneurial team of 2 or more. In order to apply for this business visa, Applicants must demonstrate that the business venture is innovative, viable and scalable in accordance with Appendix W of the Immigration Rules. Applicants must also obtain an endorsement from a Home Office approved Endorsement Body

What is a Tier 1 Start-up visa?

The Tier 1 Start-up visa route is for new entrepreneurs seeking to establish a business in the UK for the first time. Applicants will be granted a visa for a maximum period of two years. Applicants must show that they have a business venture that is innovative, viable and scalable. The business venture must be endorsed and supported by an approved endorsing body. Applicants must provide a letter of endorsement from a Home Office approved endorsing body.

Applying for a Tier 1 Start-up visa as an entrepreneurial team of 2 or more

It is possible for an Applicant to apply for a Tier 1 Start-up visa as an entrepreneurial team of 2 or more. There is no formal requirement for an Applicant to be the sole founder of the business as the Home Office accepts applications from 2 or more Applicants who share the same business idea. However, each member of the entrepreneurial team must obtain an endorsement in their own right and also meet all the other requirements under Appendix W of the Immigration Rules. It is important for each member of the team to provide information on what their role will consist of and their involvement in the business.  

What are the Tier 1 Start-up visa requirements?

The requirements for a Tier 1 Start-up visa are similar to the Tier 1 Innovator visa with the exception of the investment requirement. Applicants must meet the requirements listed under Paragraph of W3 of Appendix W to the Immigration Rules. In order to submit a successful application Applicants must meet the following requirements:

  • Applicants must be 18 years old and not fall under the General Grounds for Refusal;
  • Applicants must obtain an endorsement from a Home Office approved endorsing body confirming the business venture is innovative, viable and scalable in accordance with the rules set out in paragraph W5.2 of Appendix W;
  • Applicant must meet the maintenance requirement of £945 (see below);
  • Applicants must meet the English language requirement at a B2 level of English language ability, as defined in the Council of Europe’s common European framework for language and learning.

An endorsement letter will not be accepted if it is dated more than 3 months before the date of the application or if it has been withdrawn. The endorsement body must keep its status as an approved body at the date of the decision.   

What is the investment & maintenance requirement for a Tier 1 Start-up visa?

Unlike the Tier 1 Innovator visa, there is no mandatory investment requirement of £50,000 per applicant for the Tier 1 Start-up visa. However, Applicants must show that there some funds available to cover start-up costs. The amount required is subjective to every application as every business will be different. However, there is a maintenance condition that requires Applicants to show that they have at least £945 of available funds and £630 for each dependant. The funds must have been held for a consecutive 90 day period ending no more than 31 days before the date of the application.  

How our immigration solicitors can help with a Tier 1 Start-up Visa application?

Our immigration solicitors in London specialise in Tier 1 Start-up visa applications and prepare applications to the highest standard. We have an impeccable track history of submitting successful Tier 1 Start-up visa applications for a range of different clients. The key to submitting successful applications is being aware of the relevant Immigration Rules. Our immigration solicitors in London guide Applicants through the requirements and prepare detailed legal submissions in support of the application. In addition to the legal representations, our team of solicitors also provides multiple substantial reviews of the application bundle to ensure that the correct documentary evidence is submitted. We also prepare and assist with the submission of the application.

Using Legal Representation to submit a Tier 1 Start-up Visa application

Legal representatives, such as our specialist immigration and visa law firm, 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 a UK Visa application. Our solicitors and Barristers will help you comply with the Home Office’s requirements and meet the Immigration Rules for Tier 1 Start-up visa applications.

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 application succeeds and meets the requirements, all necessary documents must be provided.

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

Successful Tier 1 Start-up Visa 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 Tier 1 Start-up visa application and the merit of an application before your application even reaches the Home Office UK Visa & Immigration department. We can assist you with the preparation of your 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 visa 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 the new Tier 1 Start-up visa application.

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

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