You can apply for a Start-up visa if:

• you want to set up an innovative business in the UK – it must be something that’s different from anything else on the market
• you meet the other eligibility requirements

Eligibility

You must be endorsed by an authorised body that is either:

• a UK higher education institution
• a business organisation with a history of supporting UK entrepreneurs

You must be able to show that your business idea is:

• a new idea – you cannot join in a business that is already trading
• innovative – you must have an original business idea which is different from anything else on the market
• viable – it has potential for growth

How long you can stay

You can stay for 2 years if you either:

• come to the UK on a Start-up visa
• switch to this visa from another visa while in the UK

If you want to stay longer in the UK

You cannot apply to extend this visa.

You may be able to switch to an Innovator visa if you set up a business while on a Start-up visa and:

• your endorsing body assessed and agreed it
• it is active, trading and sustainable
• you have day to day involvement in it

Our Immigration Lawyers are able to give specialist legal advice in this area of law. To contact one of our Immigration Solicitors, please complete our enquiry form or contact us on:

Tel: 01922 645 429 (Walsall, Birmingham & Midlands)

Tel: 0161 399 2786 (Manchester & North of England)

Tel: 01633 920 160 (Newport, Bristol, Cardiff and South West)

Or by email at info@fountainsolicitors.com