Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur Visa

Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur Visa

The Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur visa is closing to new application on 5th July 2019, replaced by new Start-up Visa route. If you are currently on Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur route, there are transitional rules in place. If you wish further information, please feel free to Contact Us.  

The Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur is a route for UK graduates identified by Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) as having developed genuine and credible business ideas and entrepreneurial skills to establish one or more businesses in the UK; or graduates who have been identified by the Department for International Trade (DIT) as elite global entrepreneurs seeking to establish one or more businesses in the UK

Key points
  • can switch to Start-up Visa route
  • maintenance and English language requirements apply
  • can bring family
  • can switch from a Tier 4 student visa
  • initial period of 1 year granted
  • up to a 1-year extension is possible
  • settlement is not possible on this route: however, it is possible to switch to the Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) route with at least £50,000
  • tuberculosis test results are required if you are from a designated country

What are the eligibility requirements?

The eligibility requirements for Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur depend on who is endorsing you:

Endorsement by a UK HEI

You need all of the following to be eligible:

  • a UK-recognised bachelor’s, master’s degree or PhD awarded before your date of endorsement
  • endorsement from an authorised UK higher education institution issued in the past 3 months
  • maintenance requirements of £945 in savings if applying from inside the UK, or £1,890 if applying from outside the UK 
  • permission to remain in the UK from your financial sponsor if they are a government or an international scholarship agency, and have paid your course fees and living costs in the past 12 months.

Endorsement by the DIT

You need all of the following to be eligible:

  • a degree qualification that’s recognised as being equal to a UK bachelor’s degree
  • criteria set by DIT
  • endorsement from DIT issued in the past 3 months
  • maintenance requirements of £945 in savings if applying from inside the UK, or £1,890 if applying from outside the UK 
  • to meet the English language requirement

Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur Extension

You can apply to extend your stay in the UK under the Tier 1 (Graduate Entrepreneur) visa for one year and may be able to switch into a Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) visa at the end of your 2 years as a Graduate Entrepreneur if your business is successful.

You must already have this visa and all of the following to extend your visa:

  • a new endorsement letter from your UK HEI or the DIT confirming that you’ve made satisfactory progress in developing your business
  • at least £945 maintenance available

To give your case the best chance of success, get in touch

To give your visa the best chance of success, and to reduce your stress, please contact our immigration experts.

If you wish to speak directly with one of our immigration specialists to get advice about business and personal immigration, or education in the UK and other visa issues, then please contact our Glasgow Head Office on Phone T: +44 (0)141 212 3355 or request a call back by completing the Online Form. You can also email us at enquiries@lattainternational.com. More information can be found from Contact Us.  

*Disclaimer: The above information is for general reference only. Specialist legal advice should be sought.