Start Up Visa For International Students

The Start–up visa is for early-stage, but high-potential, entrepreneurs who are starting a business in the UK for the first time. You may be able to apply for a start-up visa while you’re studying as an international student in the UK. Before you apply you need to have your business or business idea assessed by an endorsing body.

They will provide you with an endorsement letter if your business is viable.

Starting a business in the UK after you graduate

To start your business you’ll need the correct visa. The Start-up visa applicant must have a business idea that they want to put into practice in the UK.

• Innovation: Is there a genuine business plan that meets new or existing market needs and/or creatives a competitive advantage?
• Viability: Does the applicant have the necessary skills, knowledge, experience, and market awareness to successfully run the business?
• Scalability: Is there evidence of structure planning and of potential for job creation and growth into national and international markets?

Applicant criteria

Applicants must:

1. Begin the process at least 3 months before their existing visa is due to expire
2. Have a valid UKVI Student Route which can be switched (following approval by the UKVI) to the Start-up Visa
3. If you are applying for a Start-Up visa from overseas, or if you have been in the UK less than 12 months you need to show you have had at least £1,270 in your bank account for 28 consecutive days before you apply, or that you have been awarded funds to at least the same amount. You do not need to show funds if you have been living in the UK for 12 months or more with permission on the date of application. Read the guidance on supporting yourself and financial evidence.
4. You must prove you can read, write, speak and understand English to a level B2 on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) scale. (certain exemptions apply)

Applying for your start up visa

Step 1

Contact us on 0208 638 5532 or by emailing enquiries@adivisenterprises.com for an appointment.

Step 2

Submit a draft business plan to show proof of:

• a valid Tier 4 visa (with at least 3 months remaining)
• a valid passport
• an academic reference
• your qualification certificate (if you’ve already received it)
• copies of bank statements to the evidence maintenance fund

Business plan templates can be found in our resources section.

Disclaimer:

The information in this blog is for general information purposes only and does not purport to be comprehensive or to provide legal advice. Whilst every effort is made to ensure the information and law is current as of the date of publication it should be stressed that, due to the passage of time, this does not necessarily reflect the present legal position. Adivis and authors accept no responsibility for loss that may arise from accessing or reliance on information contained in this blog. For formal advice on the current law please don’t hesitate to contact Adivis. Legal advice is only provided pursuant to a written agreement, identified as such, and signed by the client and by or on behalf of Adivis.

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