Graduate Entrepreneurs

The UKBA has recently introduced a new immigration route to ensure a route in the migration system for students who have developed world class innovative ideas and want to stay to develop their business in Britain.

The UKBA will introduce a new Tier 4 (Graduate Entrepreneur) scheme for those who have been identified by UK universities as having developed world class innovative ideas or entrepreneurial skills, but who are not yet in a position to meet the full requirements of the current Tier 1(Entrepreneur) route. This new scheme will allow them to develop their business in the UK as well as encouraging economic growth.

There follows a brief guide outlining how an individual qualifies for leave to remain in the United Kingdom as a Graduate Entrepreneur under the points based system. If you require more detailed advice about your application Westkin Associates will be delighted to assist you.

How the Visa Works

STAGE 1 – APPLYING LEAVE TO REMAIN IN THE UK AS A GRADUATE ENTREPRENEUR

Applicants will need to be in the UK and sponsored by the Higher Education Institution from which they have graduated.

For this reason, the UKBA has opened this scheme to all Higher Education Institution which are Highly Trusted Sponsors for the purpose of Tier 4 of the Points Based System.

The Higher Education Institutions must:

Have an established process for identifying, nurturing and developing entrepreneurs amongst their undergraduate and post graduate population;
Maintain contact with the migrant student and assess their progress at regular intervals (at least quarterly);
Inform the UKBA if the student migrants are no longer participating in the scheme
The UKBA will give Higher Education Institutions the freedom to decide how to best identify the strongest candidates, but there will be an overall limit of 1,000 places for the first year. This limit will be divided equally between participating Higher Education Institution.

Successful applicants will be granted leave for 12 months initially, which may be extended for a further 12 months, providing sponsoring Higher Education Institution is satisfied with the progress they have made.

STAGE 2 – IN THE UNITED KINGDOM – AFTER OBTAINING LEAVE TO REMAIN

Once the visa has been granted, the graduate entrepreneur is expected to meet the following requirements:

Spend majority of their time developing their business in the UK under the supervision of their Higher Education Institution sponsor; and
They may also undertake other work for up to 20 hours a week to support themselves.
They will be able to sponsor dependents provided they meet the Tier 1 maintenance requirements
Like Tier 1 (Post-Study Work), time in this category will not count towards the qualifying period for settlement in the UK.

STAGE 3 – NEXT STEPS

At the end of the second year in this category, the migrant must either switch into Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) or leave the UK.

The UKBA will lower the funds required to switch into the main Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) route for this group from £200,000 to £50,000.
Note that the UKBA will also lower this threshold to migrants who are currently in Tier 1 (Post-Study Work) and have established their own business in the UK.

How Westkin Can Help

For those who have substantial funds available, the Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) category is the best way to develop your business in the United Kingdom. In addition, the category does not restrict employment, consultancy, self-employment or indeed study at a State or private educational establishment.

Westkin undertake the entirety of the visa application process. We offer a complete service and guarantee that our visas are granted every time.

If you would like further information about the Leave to Remain in the United Kingdom as an entrepreneur or want to check whether this visa is the correct option for you please contact:

Amir Zaidi or Hateem Ali
Westkin Associates
16 Hanover Square
Mayfair, London
W1S 1HT

T: +44 (0) 20 7016 7786
F: +44 (0) 20 7900 6020
E: amir.zaidi@westkin.com
E: hateem.ali@westkin.com
www.westkin.com