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UK Work Permit
Advice & Assistance

Free Assessment[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”stretch_row” content_placement=”middle” css_animation=”fadeIn” css=”.vc_custom_1544181326484{background-image: url(https://immigrationexperts.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/Banner.jpg?id=1633) !important;background-position: center !important;background-repeat: no-repeat !important;background-size: cover !important;}” el_class=”video_overlay”][vc_column css=”.vc_custom_1544180342932{padding-top: 100px !important;padding-bottom: 100px !important;}”][vc_custom_heading source=”post_title” font_container=”tag:h1|text_align:center|color:{550504ab9c0cb0f84db7c39152d65be21b6403ad977c49457b63283386586382}23ffffff” use_theme_fonts=”yes” css=”.vc_custom_1544183165369{margin-bottom: 30px !important;}”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1452837797829{margin-bottom: 51px !important;}”][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Section 1: Graduate Entrepreneur Visa (Tier 1)

If you have entrepreneurial skills, along with a credible business idea that you would like to take to the UK, a Graduate Entrepreneur Visa (Tier 1) is the way to go. With the help of this UK visa category, students from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland, who have completed graduation and have a genuine business idea can come to the UK to set up their own business.

To get the visa, you will first need to get endorsed either by the UK Department for International Trade (DIT) under the Sirius Programme or a UK Higher Education Institution (HEI), which is authorised as an endorsing body.

Once you are endorsed, you can apply for the UK Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur Visa online, except if you are from North Korea, since online applications from this country are not accepted for any UK visa. North Koreans need to apply offline by visiting the British Embassy in Pyongyang.

Once you obtain the visa, you can travel to the UK and stay there for a maximum of one year. You can also get your visa extended for another year while you are still in the UK. However, unlike many other UK visa categories, a Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur Visa cannot help you settle in the UK.

Section 2: General Queries About Graduate Entrepreneur Visa (Tier 1)

1. What are the Eligibility Criteria for a Graduate Entrepreneur Visa (Tier 1)?

The eligibility criteria for Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur Visa UK differ on the basis of whether you are taking your endorsement from DIT or HEI. Here are the differences-

DIT HEI
1. A qualification degree that is recognised as being equal to any bachelor’s degree from the UK 1. A bachelor’s, master’s, or Ph.D. received from a UK-recognised institution
2. Endorsement from DIT in the last 3 months 2. Endorsement from an authorised UK Higher Education Institution in the past 3 months
3. £1,890 in savings, if you are applying from any country outside the UK and £945 if you are applying from within the UK. You need to have this amount in your bank account at least 90 days before you apply for the visa 3. £1,890 in savings, if you are applying from any country outside the UK and £945 if you are applying from within the UK. You need to have this amount in your bank account at least 90 days before you apply for the visa
4. English language requirement 4. English language requirement
5. Additional criteria of DIT Sirius Programme 5. In case a government agency or international scholarship agency is your financial sponsor and has paid for your living costs and course fees in the last 12 months, you will need their permission to further stay in the UK

2. What Documents Will I Need for Applying for a Graduate Entrepreneur Visa (Tier 1)?

The Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur Visa documents include:

  • Valid passport or any other valid travel documents
  • Academic qualification certificate
  • Letter of endorsement from either HEI or DIT
  • English language knowledge proof
  • Bank statements to show that you have the required maintenance funds in your bank account
  • Tuberculosis test results for applicants who are from countries where the TB test is mandatory

The Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur Visa document requirements are similar, irrespective of whether you are endorsed by an HEI or DIT. However, there are some additional requirements for DIT endorsed candidates, such as:

  • Previous passports
  • A valid visa, resident permit, or green card in case if you do not have residency of the country from where you are applying for the visa
  • NARIC approval for using your qualification to apply for this visa

3. How Can I Apply for a Graduate Entrepreneur Visa (Tier 1)?

Once you have received an endorsement from the HEI or DIT, you can then fill and submit the Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur Visa application form online. You will also be required to visit the nearest UK visa application centre to get your photograph and fingerprints taken. This is for your biometric residence permit, which you need to collect at least 10 days before you travel to the UK.

However, applicants from North Korea cannot apply for the visa online. They need to visit the British Embassy in Pyongyang in person.

The easiest way to apply is to hire the services of an experienced and skilled visa services provider, like Rapid Visas, who boast a 97{550504ab9c0cb0f84db7c39152d65be21b6403ad977c49457b63283386586382} success rate with visa applications.

4. How Much Funds Will I Need to Show for Getting a Graduate Entrepreneur Visa (Tier 1)?

The funds you need to have in your bank account before applying for the visa depend on the country from which you are applying. If you are applying from any country outside the EEA and Switzerland, you will need at least £1,890 in your bank account to prove that you can afford your stay in the UK.

If you are applying for the visa from within the UK, you need to have a minimum of £945. You should have the funds in your bank account for at least 90 days before you apply for the visa.

5. How Can I Extend the Graduate Entrepreneur Visa (Tier 1)?

The validity of this visa type is one year. You can extend your stay in the UK by applying for a Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur Visa extension before your current visa expires. To apply for an extension, you will need a new endorsement letter either from the DIT or HEI, confirming that you have actually made progress in setting up your business.

You will also need to have at least £945 in your bank account to prove that you can afford your stay in the UK. If your extension is approved, you can stay in the UK for another year.

6. Can My Family Members Accompany Me When I’m Approved for the Graduate Entrepreneur Visa (Tier 1)?

Yes, your family members or dependants can accompany you if you obtain a Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur Visa. They can be your spouse and children under the age of 18. However, they will need visas of their own if they are applying from a country outside the EEA or Switzerland.

You will also be required to show that you have adequate maintenance funds to afford their stay in the UK. You need to show a minimum of £1,260 for each family member in your bank account, apart from the maintenance fund you need to show for yourself.

7. Can I Switch to Graduate Entrepreneur Visa (Tier 1)? What are the Criteria?

Yes, you are allowed to switch to Graduate Entrepreneur Visa (Tier 1) if you are already in the UK if you have or are:

  • Tier 4 (General) visa
  • Tier 2 (General) visa
  • Student nurse
  • Nurse
  • Dentist or postgraduate doctor
  • Student wanting to re-appear for an examination
  • Student writing a thesis

You will also have to fulfill all the Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur Visa criteria to switch to this visa category. You can get in touch with Rapid Visas to get all the Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur Visa guidance you need.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=”Additional FAQs” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_tta_accordion][vc_tta_section title=”1. How Long Will It Take to Get the Graduate Entrepreneur Visa (Tier 1)?” tab_id=”1″][vc_column_text]The timing depends on who endorses you. If you are being endorsed by DIT, it can take around 3 weeks to receive the visa decision. If you have HEI endorsement, it could take around 8 weeks. You can apply for the visa 3 months prior to your date of travel.

For guidance and support, and to ensure that no unnecessary delays occur, seek the services of an experienced service provider, like Rapid Visas[/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”2. What are the Fees for the Graduate Entrepreneur Visa (Tier 1)?” tab_id=”2″][vc_column_text]For the main applicant, the Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur Visa fee is £363. This fee is the same for each of your dependents as well, if they are accompanying you. However, if you are a citizen of Macedonia or Turkey, the visa application fee is £308.

If you are switching or extending your visa while already in the UK, the fee is £493 for you as well as each of your dependents (if any). If you are from Macedonia or Turkey, this fee is £438.[/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”3. How Long Can I Stay in the UK with the Graduate Entrepreneur Visa (Tier 1)?” tab_id=”3″][vc_column_text]The validity of the Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur Visa UK is one year. If you wish to extend your stay, do so before the visa expires. The extension period is a maximum of one year.

After staying in the UK for 2 years on a Graduate Entrepreneur Visa (Tier 1), if you have a successful business, you can also apply for a Tier 1 Entrepreneur Visa, which comes with a maximum validity of 3 years and 4 months.[/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”4. Can I Work or Study in the UK with the Graduate Entrepreneur Visa (Tier 1)?” tab_id=”4″][vc_column_text]Yes, Graduate Entrepreneur Visa Tier 1 holders can work outside their business and even study in the UK. To study, you need to provide an Academic Training Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate to your educational institution.[/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”5. How Well Do I Need to Know English to Apply for the Graduate Entrepreneur Visa (Tier 1)?” tab_id=”5″][vc_column_text]The Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur Visa English requirement is similar to most other UK visa categories. You need to prove sufficient knowledge of the language to get endorsed by the DIT or HEI. This can be done by appearing for an approved English language test.

However, if you have an academic degree that was taught in English or have a degree equivalent to a bachelor’s degree or above in the UK, you might not be required to appear for any test. There is also no need to prove your English knowledge through a test if you are from a majority English speaking country.[/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][/vc_tta_accordion][/vc_column][/vc_row]