The UK introduces this new Startup Visa category to ensure the country becomes the hub for worldwide talent and remains the leading destination for innovation and entrepreneurship.
With its strong infrastructure and well-made taxation system, the UK has become a most reassuring destination for startups.
This new visa category is a replacement for the Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur Visa. Its primary purpose is to attract new potential entrepreneurs who immigrate to the UK to start their businesses for the first time.
The advent of the startup visa category leads to more employment opportunities for skilled and determined entrepreneurs from both overseas and within the country.
This startup program is the primary reason for the growth in the economy and most of the UK industries resuscitate.
It is important to note that the startup visa does not provide a direct pathway to obtain permanent residency, i.e., Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) in the UK.
However, an applicant can switch to another visa, which can provide a direct pathway to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), such as an innovator visa, skilled worker visa, or spouse visa.
Is a Startup Visa Suitable for You?
The
Startup Visa is for young but tremendous potential entrepreneurs who are seeking to immigrate to the UK to start their business for the first time.
It is not necessary for applicants to be the sole founder of the business. They can also approach their business ideas as a member of a team and can share a business. However, it is essential for each individual to obtain endorsement from an authorized endorsing organization.
If you think this startup visa category is suitable for you and you have innovative ideas to start a business, you can immigrate to the UK with the help of our professional immigration consultants.
Eligibility Requirements for UK Startup Visa:
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Before applying for the startup visa, an applicant must have a business or business idea assessed by an authorized organization in the UK.
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An applicant must have an endorsement letter stating whether the proposed business idea is applicable or not and if the business meets certain criteria, such as innovation, viability, and scalability.
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An applicant should be of a minimum age of 18 years.
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Applicants are required to qualify for the English language by approving an English test with a minimum of CEFR level B2 reading, writing, speaking, and listening.
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Before applying for the visa, applicants must have a minimum of £945 to support themselves financially and live in the UK.
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Applicants should be endorsed by an authorized body, which can be a UK higher education institution or a business organization.
Required Documents for UK Startup Visa:
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An endorsement letter from an authorized organization
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Passport or other valid travel documents for identification
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A bank statement that proves an applicant had a minimum of £945 in a bank account before applying for the visa
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Medical test results like tuberculosis test
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Proof of proficiency in the English language
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If the documents are not in English or Welsh, applicants are required to submit a certified translation
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Startup visas didn’t require any funds to invest in their business. However, the only requirement is to have feasible and modular business ideas.
In practice, an applicant must only have enough funds available to invest.
The requirements may vary depending on your circumstances, so it is essential to consult with an expert immigration consultant.
It is also important to stay in contact with the endorsing body and maintain the checkpoints every 6 to 12 months.
The endorsing body must be confident enough to ensure that an applicant will continue to work on the business proposal and illustrate high progress in their business idea.
By Immigrating to the UK under this Visa Category, You Can:
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Bring your partner and children under the age of 18 to the UK.
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An applicant can work in another job while working for their startup business.
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Switch to a startup visa from other visa categories.
However, you cannot work as a professional trainer, receive public funds, or work as a dentist or doctor in training.
Processing Time of Startup Visa:
You can apply for a visa three months prior to travel. To get a decision on your visa, it will take about three weeks if you are applying from outside the UK.
However, applying for a visa within the UK will take around eight months, although the time period may vary depending on the circumstances.
How to Apply for the UK Startup Visa?:
After the accomplishment of the eligibility criteria for a UK Startup visa, an applicant must follow the given steps:
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Apply for the endorsement from an authorized endorsement body that will check whether the business meets innovative, viable, and scalable criteria.
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The applicants must fill out the online application form on the Home Office Website. They must provide all the information in English and correctly.
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Submit the required documents accurately during the online application process.
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An application must schedule an appointment and attend it.
Stark Visas is
the best immigration consultant. We help assist entrepreneurs in preparing a successful startup visa application and helping applicants acquire startup visa endorsements.
With the proper guidance from our professional immigration consultants, you will be able to achieve your business goals.
We believe in transparency with our clients, and a prime focus is on the client’s success with a successful track record of 100%.
To know more about the UK Startup Visa, feel free to contact us today!
