Start-up Visa
People who apply for a UK Start-up visa want to set up a business in the UK and come from outside the European Economic Area and Switzerland. Also, they must meet all the other UK visa eligibility requirements.
To apply for a UK Start-up visa you must be endorsed by an authorized UK higher education institution or a business organization with a history of supporting UK entrepreneurs. It is also important to prove that your business idea is new and fresh and there is no reason for you to join or invest in a business that is already trading; your business idea is innovative and original, different from anything else on the market; your business idea is viable, with a great potential for growth. The list of endorsing bodies introduces applicants to UK institutions that are suitable for their individual business ideas.
You can apply for a UK Start-up visa three months before you travel. For example, you can apply from 17 April if you plan to travel to the UK on 16 July. Your visa decision will be ready within three weeks when you apply from outside the UK.
The fees you have to pay for a UK Start up visa vary. They depend on your individual situation and where you apply from. Citizens of Turkey and Macedonia pay £308 when they apply outside the UK and £438 when they switch to this visa in the UK. All the other nationals and their dependants pay £363 applying from outside the UK and over £400 when switching to a Start-up visa in the UK. Healthcare surcharge is another obligatory payment in the process of the UK visa application.
A UK Start-up visa allows your stay in the UK for up to two years, but no extension is available for this visa type. Though, you are allowed to switch to an Entrepreneur visa (Tier 1) if you have completed your second year on a Graduate Entrepreneur visa (Tier 1) or you have changed from a Graduate Entrepreneur visa (Tier 1) to a Start-up visa for your second year. If for any reason, your endorsement is withdrawn – your UK Start-up visa may be cut short. If you wish to stay longer, you have to re-apply with a new endorsement before your current visa expires. You are allowed to stay for a total of two years even if you are granted a new visa with a new endorsement.
A UK Start-up visa allows you to take your family members with you to the UK; switch to it from some other UK visa categories; work in another job, while working for your business.
A UK Start-up visa does not allow you to receive public funds; you cannot work as a doctor or dentist in training or as a professional sportsperson, and you are forbidden to settle in the UK on this visa.
There is one important step to make before you apply for a UK Start-up visa. You must have your business or business idea assessed by an approved UK body – this institution will provide you with an endorsement letter if it considers your business viable. To be eligible for a UK Start-up visa it is also important to be at least 18 years old; have proof of the English language knowledge, and have enough personal savings to support yourself during your stay in the UK. At least £945 must be in your bank account for 90 consecutive days before you apply for a UK Start-up visa.
Documents you must provide when applying for a UK Start-up visa include: an endorsement letter from the UK authorized body; a valid passport or other travel identification; bank statements showing your balance; your tuberculosis test results (if needed); proof that you have knowledge of the English language. A blank page in your passport is a must for the visa. Also, you must provide a certified translation of any documents that are not written in English or Welsh. Some additional documents might be needed depending on your individual circumstances.
Your application for a Start-up visa must begin online. Then, you will need to have your fingerprints and photograph taken at a visa application center – it is an important part of your application. It is necessary to collect your biometric residence permit within 10 days of when you said you would arrive in the UK.
Depending on what country you are in, additional priority services, like faster visa decisions, may be available for you in your visa application centers.
You are allowed to switch to a UK Start-up visa before your current UK Graduate Entrepreneur (Tier 1), General Student (Tier 4) or Standard Visitor visa expires. A UK Start-up visa permits you to stay in the country for two years. Any time you have already spent in the UK on a Graduate Entrepreneur visa (Tier 1) counts.
When applying for a visa switch, you must make an appointment at a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services service point to provide your biometric information and submit all supporting documents.
Until you get your decision on a visa switch, you must not travel outside of the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man. If you break this rule – your application will be withdrawn. Applicants who do not feel confident using a computer, mobile device or do not have internet access can get support from their UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services service point. Any additional immigration advice through this service is forbidden.
A decision on your switch to a UK Start-up visa will be made within eight weeks after application. Sometimes, you will be asked to verify your supporting documents or attend an interview. You are allowed to stay in the UK until you have been given a decision.
A UK Start-up visa permits your family members (husband, wife, partner, children under 18, children over 18 if they are currently in the UK as your dependants) to come with you to the UK. You are obliged to have £630 for each of your dependants in addition to the £945 you need to have on your bank account to support yourself.
Regards,
SmartImmigrant
