The UK start-up visa is an attractive route for entrepreneurs launching their first UK business. The UK (and its investors) are looking for business ideas that do things in a new way -  a premise at the heart of an innovative start-up. The Start-up visa is available to both graduates and non-graduates and requires no proof of investment funding. Before applying for the visa, however, you’ll need to apply for and obtain an endorsement. First, let’s take a look at what one needs to be eligible for a Start-up visa in the UK.

Start-up visa eligibility

Much like the Innovator visa route, the Start-up visa requires applicants to present an idea for a business that is:

- NEW - you cannot join a business that is already trading

- INNOVATIVE - you must have an original business idea that is different from anything else on the market

- VIABLE - your idea must have clear potential for growth

You must also be endorsed by an authorised body, which will be either:

- a UK higher education institution

- a business organisation with a history of supporting UK entrepreneurs

In order to obtain such an endorsement, you will need to have a developed business plan that illustrates the innovation and viability of your idea. This plan will need to go into as much detail as possible and should include quantitative evidence that your idea meets the above criteria.

UK Startup Visa Duration - How long can I stay in the UK?

A Startup visa allows you to stay in the UK for 2 years if you’ve either:

- come to the UK on a Start-up visa

- or -

- switched to this visa from another visa route while in the UK

Also, be aware that you cannot apply to extend this visa.

You may, however, be able to switch to an Innovator visa if you meet the requirements of the Home Office.

Generally, you must set up a business while on a Start-up visa and:

- your endorsing body has assessed and agreed to the transition

- your UK start-up is active, trading, and sustainable

- you have day-to-day involvement in its management/operations

This makes sense, as the Start-up visa is relatively easier for new companies to qualify for than the Innovator visa. The Innovator visa allows for an initial three-year stay, unlimited extensions, and even provides a path to permanent residency — but requires a proven track record that younger entrepreneurs often have yet to establish.

Put another way, the Start-up visa is a stepping stone for ambitious entrepreneurs looking to launch a successful company in the UK.

What if my Start-up visa endorsement is withdrawn?

If your endorsement is withdrawn by the endorsing body, your visa duration can be cut short. If you want or need to stay longer, you’ll have to re-apply for a new visa (with a new endorsement) before your current visa expires.

You are still only permitted to stay for a total of 2 years — even if you’re granted a new visa with a new endorsement.

How to apply for a UK Start-up visa?

All UK visa applications are submitted online. Still, the process is somewhat different if you’re:

- outside the UK and immigrating to the UK

- or -

- already inside the UK and switching from a different visa

You can also apply for your partner and children to stay in the UK if they’re eligible.

How long it takes?

Given that there are different bureaucratic processes for applicants, the time from when you submit an application to receiving your visa depends on which way you must apply.

 In any case, prove your identity and provide your documents.

You may need to allow extra time if you need an appointment to do this. You’ll find out if you need one when you start your application.

Getting a decision

Once you’ve applied online, proved your identity and provided your documents, you’ll usually get a decision on your visa within:

- 3 weeks, if you’re outside the UK

- 8 weeks, if you’re inside the UK

It’s currently taking longer to get a decision on Start-up visas when you apply from outside the UK. Find out visa decision waiting times.

If you need to go to an appointment, you may be able to pay for a faster decision. How you do this depends on whether you’re outside the UK or inside the UK.

Conclusion

It turns out the phrase “apply for a visa” might be a touch ambiguous. While filling out the literal application forms may be straightforward, the process itself can be more complicated. Endorsement is the most critical part of successfully obtaining a Start-up visa, meaning that clearly showing the endorsing body officials what they need to see regarding your leadership potential is paramount.

If you had further questions about the UK’s Start-up visa route, browse through the informational materials at T1 Global’s website or reach out to one of our experienced visa consultants.

We help people navigate what may be an unfamiliar bureaucracy and ensure that their application packet has its best chance of success. Reach out to us and we will answer any and all questions you might have about the Start-up visa. Our team can let you know quickly whether a Start-up visa is right for your situation. Don’t put it off - a phone call (Tel and WhatsApp:  +44 (0)207 993 6286) or email (office@t1digitalconsultants.co.uk/ info@t1-gobal.com) costs nothing, after all!

Thanks for reading, and we wish you the best on your journeys abroad!