What is the step-by-step UK Startup visa Process?
UK Startup: If you are looking for UK immigration by investment, look no further than the UK start-up visa. A start-up visa is an ideal option for people seeking to establish a business in the United Kingdom for the first time. Applicants must demonstrate an innovative, viable, and scalable business idea supported by an endorsing body in the UK. The category offers two years of work permit and does not lead directly to settlement in the UK, but applicants may transition into the Innovator visa category.
As an economic powerhouse, United Kingdom offers tons of incredible opportunities for entrepreneurs and investors looking for ways to become a part of the British workforce. The country is well-known for its excellent quality of life, high investment returns, secure and stable business environment, highly skilled labor force, a competitive tax system, and ease of doing business.
If you are interested in applying for the UK Start-up visa, you should know the key steps involved when planning to immigrate to the UK via this route.
Step 1- Business Proposal
To apply for a start-up visa, the applicant must propose a business idea that meets the following parameters:
Innovation – The applicant must have a genuine, original business plan that aligns with new or existing market needs and has a competitive advantage.
Viability – The applicant is actively developing or already has the required skills, knowledge, experience, and market awareness to run their business successfully.
Scalability –There needs to be evidence of structured planning, job creation prospects, and the potential to grow into national markets.
Step 2- Endorsement
In this step, an applicant must obtain an endorsement letter from a government-approved designated body to submit their application.
These endorsing bodies assess a business idea and endorse legitimate entrepreneurs who qualify for the start-up visa in the UK.
Endorsing bodies must evaluate an applicants’ business idea against the criteria set out by the UK Home Office. They must be one of the following:
• the Higher Education Funding Council for England
• the Scottish Funding Council
• the Higher Education Funding Council for Wales
• the Department of Employment and Learning in Northern Ireland; or
• An organization with a history of supporting start-ups or entrepreneurs in the UK
• Or a new organization set up by another designated body with a track record of this nature.
Step 3- Credibility
The applicant must be able to prove that they:
• are genuinely interested in setting up a new business in the UK and are capable of undertaking the work/business activity mentioned in their application
• do not intend to work in breach of immigration law
• The claimed funds are available to them, and they intend to use them for the purpose described in the application.
The applicant may be invited to attend a credibility interview.
The applicant must have held at least £945 for a consecutive period of at least 90 days as specified by the rules.
UK Start-up visa application: How we can help
We have over 28 years of credible experience helping global innovators, entrepreneurs, and start-up founders wishing to move to the UK for business. Our team of immigration consultants will assist you with all aspects of the UK Entrepreneur visa process.
Do you wish to know more about the UK Startup Visa and endorsing bodies? Then, enroll in our free immigration counseling guidance. Call @ 8595338595 or write us at [email protected].