TIER 1 – GRADUATE ENTREPRENEUR VISA

The Tier 1 - Graduate Entrepreneur category allows the UK to retain non-European graduates identified by UK higher education institutions as having developed world class innovative ideas or entrepreneurial skills, to extend their stay in the UK after graduation to establish or more businesses in the UK.

Applicants cannot make initial applications from abroad. Applicants in the UK in another immigration category are allowed to switch into the Tier 1 - Graduate Entrepreneur category. The Tier 1 - Graduate Entrepreneur visa is part of UK's points-based system, which is for migrants from outside Europe.

Book a consultation with one of our experienced migration agents to receive personalised advice on the right visa pathway for your situation.

Tier 1 - Graduate Entrepreneur Visa Basic Requirements

The UK Home Office has set specific requirements that all applicants must meet in order to apply for a Work Visa under the Tier 1 - Graduate Entrepreneur category.

To qualify for migration under the Tier 1 - Graduate Entrepreneur category, you must be able to satisfy the basic visa requirement which is to score 95 points related to attributes. An applicant will score 75 points if they have an endorsement from a 'UK Higher Education Institution', and must obtain at least 10 points for their English language ability and maintenance funds. The point allocation is configured such that applicants must hold a recognised qualification to meet the minimum requirements.

Tier 1 - Graduate Entrepreneur Visa Entitlements

Successful applicants that are granted temporary residence under the Tier 1 - Graduate Entrepreneur visa are allowed to live and only work for the business they have established and work in other employment of no more than 20 hours per week. As a temporary resident, successful applicants will have free access to public schools, and subsidised tertiary education for their dependants. Eligible dependants may also be able to work or study without any restrictions.

A work visa under Tier 1 - Graduate Entrepreneur is initially granted for one (1) year with the ability to apply for further stay for another one (1) year. Applicants are not able to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) in the UK under this category and time spent in this category does not count towards any future applications for settlement.

GOVERNMENT FEES AND PROCESSING TIME

TIER 1 – GRADUATE ENTREPRENEUR VISA OUTSIDE THE UK (ENTRY CLEARANCE) INSIDE THE UK (FLR)
Government Main Application Fee £363 £493
Government Partner Application Fee £363 £493
Government Child Application Fee £363 £493
Processing Time 1-3 weeks 1-8 weeks

* All fees and processing time are obtained from government sources