The UK Start Up Visa is a new visa category that will replace the Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur visa program. Because of the endorsement requirement this visa may be difficult to come under at the moment.
The Start-up Visa category is reserved for early-stage, high potential entrepreneurs starting a business in Britain for the first time.
The earliest that you can apply for a UK Start-up Visa is three months before you travel. It can take a minimum of three weeks to receive a decision on your visa application.
*Unlike the UK Innovator Visa, you do not need to invest funds initially. However, you must not have previously set up a business in the UK.
The UK Start-up Visa will replace the Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur Programme, which closes to new applicants on 6 July, 2019. New applications for the Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur Visa will be accepted up until 5 July, 2019.
UK immigration rules published on 7 March, 2019 describe the Start-up Visa as: “An expanded version of the Graduate Entrepreneur scheme.”
You’re eligible for this visa if:
You are not an European Economic Area EEA or Switzerland citizen.
You want to set up a business in the UK*. To set up a business in Britain you must be endorsed by an authorized body that is either a UK higher education institution or a business organization with a history of supporting UK entrepreneurs.
Start up visa Requirements
You must be at least 18 years old
Your business or business idea must undergo an assessment by an approved body
You must meet English language requirements
You must provide evidence of personal savings to support yourself during your time in the UK