Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur Visa
The Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur visa was a UK visa route that allowed international graduates with a genuine and credible business idea to stay in the UK for up to 2 years to develop their business.
Note
The Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur visa closed to new applicants on 6 July 2019. This route, which allowed graduates to stay in the UK to develop a business idea, has been replaced by alternative visa options.
Entrepreneurs wanting to launch a company in the UK should now explore other routes, such as the Innovator Founder Visa or Self-Sponsorship via the Skilled Worker visa, depending on the nature of their business plans and role within the enterprise.
Number of people assisted
5,000 +
Languages spoken
10 +
Years of experience
15 +
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If you would like to apply to the most suitable alternative for your situation, or are currently residing in the UK and would like to extend your stay or switch to another visa, work alongside the experienced and award-winning QC Immigration team. We will make sure that you are pursuing the right application and you have all of the properly submitted documentation that highlights your eligibility.
Alternative routes to the Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur Visa
There are still a number of routes that can offer stay in the UK to graduate business people following the Tier 1 Entrepreneur route closure.
Start-Up Visa
The Start-Up Visa essentially replaces the Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur Visa – offering entrepreneurial business people the opportunity to set up a business in the UK. You can remain in the UK for up to 2 years on this visa, with the option to extend through switching to an Innovator Visa. The Start-Up Visa does not offer a direct path towards permanent residence.
With a maximum of two years of stay – the same as the Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur Visa – and similar requirements, this is a comparable alternative for those who would have otherwise pursued the Graduate Entrepreneur route.
Innovator Visa
While this route may not be as applicable for fresh graduates, as it is targeted towards more experienced business owners and industry innovators, it is a suitable option for those currently residing on a Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur Visa or who are choosing the alternative Start-Up Visa path. If you have had success running your business, you can switch to the innovator route which does offer a path towards Indefinite Leave to Remain.
Work Visas
Graduates who would have otherwise set up or taken over a business for themselves can still gain access to the UK as workers and work towards setting up a business of their own while residing here. There are many options for skilled graduates who secure UK employment such as the Skilled Worker Visa and the Global Talent Visa. You can then switch to whichever is more appropriate, a Start-Up or Innovator Visa, when you are ready to start or take over a business.
Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur Visa extensions
As the Graduate Entrepreneur Visa is now closed, it is no longer possible to apply for extensions. With that being said, other visa routes are available. With all Tier 1 Entrepreneur Visas ending on April 5th of 2023, the best way to extend your stay may be through switching to an alternative visa option. If you require any assistance, please get in touch and our team can discuss this further with you.
ILR for current graduate entrepreneurs
Graduate entrepreneurs can switch to the 3-year Innovator Visa and from there can work towards obtaining ILR. As well as the visa requirements, those pursuing ILR must meet further requirements such as the Life In The UK Test.
In order to ensure that you are ready to take this step from a migrant residing on a visa to a permanent UK residence, it is important to ensure that you meet all of the requirements. Our team can ensure that you are prepared and eligible to apply for ILR, offering your business more stability.
How QC Immigration can help graduate entrepreneurs
Whether you are looking for an alternative route or you are currently residing on a Graduate Entrepreneur Visa and are looking to extend your stay, our team can help with clear, pragmatic guidance that will help increase the chances of acceptance in your pursued application. We have extensive experience in immigration law and will be able to offer knowledgeable insight into your application.
To get started, contact QC Immigration today. From the initial consultation to careful assistance in putting together a strong application, we can help you increase your chances of gaining access to the UK.
Xiaohan Zhao
Client Success Lead
With a decade of experience in immigration and education, Xiaohan is a seasoned professional with a commitment to excellence. Xiaohan has assisted countless international families and students from diverse backgrounds with their UK relocation.
Having studied and worked in UK and China, Xiaohan has experienced first-hand the aspirations and challenges of a first-generation migrant. She is fluent in both Mandarin and English, enabling her to bridge linguistic gaps to facilitate clear communication.
Xiaohan is known for her unwavering commitment to client service and relationship-building. She understands the importance of trust in the legal industry and approaches each case with a meticulous yet innovative eye. Clients consistently find Xiaohan to be a reliable and dedicated professional. Her personable approach, combined with technical and cultural expertise, sets her apart in the field.
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FAQ
Do other visas cost the same as the Graduate Entrepreneur Visa?
My alternative visa application was rejected, what next?