All Tier 1 Start-up visa applications require a valid business endorsement before the UK Visas and Immigration application is submitted to the Home Office. A Tier 1 Start-up visa without an endorsement will be identified as invalid. The business endorsement must be from a Home Office approved endorsing body. There are a number of endorsing bodies for each area of business. These include leading business organisations and higher education providers. Obtaining an endorsement can be a cumbersome process and our specialist Immigration Team; work with a number of affiliated partners who can provide a Tier 1 Start-up business endorsement pursuant to the Home Office guidelines under Appendix W to the Immigration Rules.   Â
What is the Tier 1 Start-up visa?
The Tier 1 Start-up visa is for non-EEA entrepreneurs wishing to set up a business in the UK. In order to qualify for this visa, you must have obtained an endorsement from an approved endorsing body. The Tier 1 Start-up category is for early-stage, but high potential, entrepreneurs who are starting a business in the UK for the first time. They may have already begun setting up their business, but it should not yet have commenced trading. Applicants do not need any funds to invest in their businesses at this stage.
What is a Tier 1 Start-up business endorsement?
The Home Office has approved a number of leading business organisations and higher education institutes with the power to provide business founders endorsements for their Tier 1 Start-up visa applications. The business endorsement requirement is a mandatory requirement and every application must receive prior to approval. Endorsing bodies will look at three key aspects:
| Innovation | Viability | Scalability |
|---|---|---|
| The applicant has a genuine, original business plan that meets new or existing market needs and/or creates a competitive advantage. | The applicant has the necessary skills, knowledge, experience and market awareness to successfully run the business. | There is evidence of structured planning and of potential for job creation and growth into national and international markets. |
Our Immigration Team is able to provide a preliminary assessment on business ideas and whether they meet the requirements for an endorsement.
What is the role of the Tier 1 Start-up endorsing bodies?
The Tier 1 Start-up endorsing bodies will not make any immigration decisions on behalf of the Home Office. The endorsing bodies will only provide an endorsement letter confirming a grant of endorsement once they have reviewed an applicant’s business idea. Once the Tier 1 Start-up visa is approved by the Home Office the endorsing bodies will stay in contact with the business founders to monitor the progress after 6 and 12 months.
Who are the Tier 1 Start-up endorsing bodies?
Business founders must choose an appropriate endorsing body once they are ready to apply for an endorsement. The Home Office provides a list of endorsing bodies and it is regularly updated. We have listed a few popular endorsing bodies below:
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The Bakery–The Bakery endorses bonafide entrepreneurs who qualify for their corporate innovation programmes.
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Emsworth Corporate Planning (ECP) -ECP based on the South Coast provides business implementation and mentoring services for dynamic and disruptive companies looking to establish themselves in the UK. Using a systematic approach, they are prepared to review a sector-agnostic range of business opportunities, from global talented entrepreneurs.
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Envestors Limited -Envestors is an award-winning corporate finance advisor specialising in identifying innovators and high-growth businesses. Founded in 2004, Envestors has raised over £120 million for 200 portfolio companies, supporting their entire growth cycle within its FCA-regulated platform technology, from connecting founders to the early-stage investment community, to a dedicated shareholder reporting tool.
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Fashion Angel – A fashion industry accelerator that supports start-ups and entrepreneurs who want to create innovative, viable and scalable businesses within the fashion sector. They only consider visa endorsement applications from individuals that have joined their business support or mentoring programmes.
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Kollider – Kollider is a high growth business incubator. They endorse members with innovative ideas in the creative, digital and tech sectors expected to scale in their markets within 24 months. Kollider provides businesses with a range of support including mentoring, workshops, industry specific events and guidance on funding – based within a community of likeminded entrepreneurs.
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Seedcamp – Seedcamp invest early in world-class founders attacking large, global markets and solving real problems using technology.
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Startup Giants plc – Startup Giants is a high growth business accelerator, providing endorsement for founders that have highly scalable business ideas. They collaborate with innovators on their programmes to realise the full potential of their value proposition and market potential, and provide additional expertise in areas of technology, strategy, marketing, and investment.
Applicants can also apply for endorsements from a number of higher institutions in England and Wales.
To see the full list of endorsing bodies please click here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/endorsing-bodies-start-up/start-up.
How our solicitors can help with a Tier 1 Start-up business endorsement?
Our immigration solicitors in London specialise in Tier 1 Start-up visa applications and prepare applications to the highest standard. We work with a number of Home Office approved endorsement bodies and from the onset, we can work directly with the endorsement bodies on your behalf minimising stress and inconvenience for applicants. We will also review the endorsement letter in detail and ensure it is compliant with W6.1 of Appendix W to the Immigration Rules.
We have an impeccable track history of submitting successful business visa applications for a range of different small and medium-sized enterprises (SME). We offer a bespoke service tailored to every case and we understand the importance of providing a stress-free first-class experience. The key to submitting a successful Tier 1 Start-up business endorsement application is being aware of the relevant Immigration Rules and requirements under Appendix W to the Immigration Rules. Our Immigration Team will prepare the bundle of documents for the endorsement body to review. Once an applicant has obtained a business endorsement our immigration solicitors will guide Applicants through the requirements and prepare detailed legal submissions in support of the UK Visas and immigration application to the Home Office. 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 our Solicitors to submit Tier 1 Start-up business endorsement 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 an application to apply for a Tier 1 Start-up business endorsement application. 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 (evidence of endorsement). In order to ensure your UK Start-up visa 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.
Successful Tier 1 Start-up Visa applications 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 Start-up 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 Tier 1 Start-up business endorsement and ensure that you meet all the necessary 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 to discuss a Tier 1 Start-up visa application.
Contact our London immigration solicitors on 02030110276 or complete our contact form.