Apply For a Graduate Entrepreneur Visa

With the closure of Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur Visa, this route is no longer an option for those seeking to set up or take over a business in the UK.

Young entrepreneurs need not be dissuaded, however, as there are a number of options available that will still allow them to open a UK-based business or take over an existing business.

While requirements and periods of stay may vary, there are still multiple routes that can be taken, as well as an eventual path towards Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) and British Citizenship.

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.

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How we work

1
consultation.

We start a discussion by understanding your history, and we will clearly outline the best option available and any recommendations to save you time and costs.

2
instruction.

Once you instruct us to be your legal representative, we will start preparing your case. We may require more information about you to help you more effectively.

3
documents.

Documentation is a crucial part of an immigration application. We will customise a document list to guide your preparation. Your dedicated lawyer will check the documents and advise of any improvements needed.

4
application.

We will complete your application to the Home Office and may also write a cover letter with strong legal arguments where relevant. We may discuss this with you to confirm the final details.

5
submission.

We will submit your application to the Home Office, Court authorities securely. We will represent you as the main point of contact with them for any further requests.

6
interview.

You may sometimes be invited to attend a Home Office interview or Court hearing. While this may sound daunting, we will help you prepare and provide guidance on what questions to expect.

7
decision.

As soon as we receive a decision from the Home Office, we will get in touch with you to share the news.

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What clients say

We did multiple assignments with QC and were very happy with the fast response and results we achieved on our applications.

manish rungta
manish rungta
Google five star client rating

Qiyin was very quick to respond to my inquiries. She was very professional, supportive and helpful. Highly recommended!

Ainul Nadhirah Hanafiah
Ainul Nadhirah Hanafiah
Google five star client rating

Qiyin listened very attentively to my concerns and reassured me. Gave me a lot of insight into how I need to plan my application in a very personal way. Would definitely highly recommend.

Sashi Ganes
Sashi Ganes
Google five star client rating

Very professional team, who helped me gain EU Settled status pre-Brexit using a new Android app. It is refreshing to see that QC-immigration team adopts fast the technology and is on top of all changes in legislation. They got my full trust.

Victoria Rusnac
Victoria Rusnac
Google five star client rating

Hafsah made my application look so simple and easy even though i was doubtful about my case before approaching QC. I can’t believe my ILR application got approved by Home office within 24 hrs of biometric appointment. Thank you Hafsah for helping me get this done.

Shubha Shet
Shubha Shet
Google five star client rating

It was a pleasure working with Qiyin and her team. They were very helpful and responsive all the time. They helped me with my Permanent Residence which was succesful and was received in less than a month. I will work with them again in the future, so I strongly recommend this Immigration office to everyone.

Nasos Balasis
Nasos Balasis
Google five star client rating

Definitely the best law firm I've ever dealt with. Hafsah Awan is an amazing lawyer, she is extremely professional, she truly cares, and gives great advise to ensure all goes smoothly. My entire process with Hafsah went really well, and we successfully got our Start-up visas to the UK, many thanks to Hafsah for her great efforts. I also loved that they are very responsive, to emails, calls, etc. Qiyin Chuah, the founder, actually helped me in the last moment during her weekend, I was very thankful for that, as not many people would even get back to you during the weekend. Overall, an amazing law firm, I'm very pleased, and I truly wish Hafsah, Qiyin, and the rest of QC Immigration team all the best, God bless you all :)

Ahmad Agha
Ahmad Agha
Google five star client rating

I had an exploratory conversation with QC Immigration. Qiyin was professional and personable throughout our conversation, explaining clearly the current criteria and regulatory considerations to keep in mind. I would have no reservations in appointing them for representation should there ever be a need, as Qiyin provided from the outset, the calm assurance of having the knowledge, experience and an individual approach that I strongly value.

May Loke
May Loke
Google five star client rating

Very good service and professional company! I contact them trough a friend because I had problem with a Family Visa in Scotland, they helped me and advised in all the process and they solved what I needed to solve so quick. Specially Qiyin and Marianna. I would always come back to them again if I needed and also recommend them. As I said, very good and Professional.

Martin Nicolas Camaño Martin
Martin Nicolas Camaño Martin
Google five star client rating

Both my fiancé and I used QC Immigration this year for our new visa and naturalisation applications, respectively, and were very happy with the service. Our main point of contact was Marianna, who was very prompt and thorough in her preparation of our applications and helpful throughout every step of the process with our concerns, etc. Highly recommend QC Immigration. Thank you again, Marianna!

Sarah Monaco
Sarah Monaco
Google five star client rating

My friend had recommended QC Immigration and I was not disappointed! Marianna was my main point of contact and she was kind, prompt and very efficient. I had a lot of questions and Marianna was very quick in replying to me. I would definitely recommend QC Immigration.

Malulie Tongprasert
Malulie Tongprasert
Google five star client rating

They were extremely professional and thorough throughout the application process. I even shared my travel plans and they worked based on my timelines, which based on experience, most companies don't prioritise. Highly recommend working with them if you want to be stress free and want your application handled with care.

Shruthi Padmanabhan
Shruthi Padmanabhan
Google five star client rating

I have been using QC Immigration to help prepare for my partner's Proposed Civil Partnership Visa application. We have been dealing with Marianna since January, and have found her to be extremely professional, knowledgeable and personable. She has always responded to my queries and concerns, (however neurotic!) and she has paid great attention to detail. It has been an invaluable service, and should our application be successful in this instance, I will not hesitate to appoint QC Immigration again to assist with the next stages. Many thanks again for your hard work and for showing us such an understanding and caring attitude! :)

Bethany Taylor-James
Bethany Taylor-James
Google five star client rating

My partner and I recently used QC Immigration when applying for a UK partner visa. They were very professional throughout and dealt with all questions and queries accordingly. Marianna was our main point of contact and was extremely diligent and reassuring throughout the process. We appreciated their attention to detail and extensive knowledge of UK immigration law and would highly recommend them to any prospective clients.

Eliot Parker
Eliot Parker
Google five star client rating

FAQ

Do other visas cost the same as the Graduate Entrepreneur Visa?

Each visa has its own requirements and cost vary, so you will need to check your chosen visa’s costs. You can find more information on Start-Up Visas, Innovator Visas and other relevant visas on our website.

My alternative visa application was rejected, what next?

While it is a time consuming and potentially costly process, the Home Office decision can be appealed. In order for an appeal to be successful, you will need an impressive case that highlights why you meet all visa or visa extension requirements.

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