UK Start-Up Visa was a helpful business immigration program for those individuals who plan to start a business in the United Kingdom. But this visa category is not offered anymore. If you’ve been wanting to get a Start-up Visa, there are still other business immigration routes to start a UK business. An ideal option for setting up a UK company is the Self-Sponsorship Route. This is the best visa route if you want complete freedom in your immigration journey.
The Self-Sponsorship Route allows businesspeople to establish themselves and their companies in the United Kingdom. This route enables you to start your own business in the UK and sponsor your own visa without the need for a UK employer. We will guide you through the application process to ensure you meet all requirements and give you the best chance of successfully obtaining the visa and launching your UK business.
Kate Corey, Founder of 6 Degrees
We provide a full, comprehensive service, from an in-depth consultation all the way through to moving to the UK. We will help you review your business plan to make sure there are no weaknesses in your application. Our approach to doing things is personalised, so you will enjoy our tailor-made advice and support. With us, your application process will go as smoothly as possible. We hold an unwavering commitment to seeing you succeed in your business.
With years of experience, we guide you through the UK immigration process and give your application the best chance of success. With 1200+ positive Google reviews and being ranked in the top 500 UK law firms, we are known for our very high success rate. We want to help you achieve your business goals and objectives.
"Faiza helped me a lot with my Tier4 visa application .. I got my visa successfully and I made it to the UK"
"Have received exceptional service by Ikra from A Y & J Solicitor, her attention to detail and professionalism made the entire process seamless and easy…extremely pleased with their quick response time and providing prompt service"
"We had excellent help and service, thank you Raj"
"I recently had the pleasure of working with A Y & J Solicitors to secure a Skilled Worker Visa, and my experience was nothing short of exceptional. From the very beginning, their team demonstrated a high level of professionalism, expertise, and dedication to ensuring a smooth and successful visa application process. Expertise and Knowledge One of the standout aspects of A Y & J Solicitors is their in-depth knowledge of UK immigration laws, particularly concerning the Skilled Worker Visa. They guided me through every step of the process with detailed explanations, ensuring I understood each requirement and document necessary for the application. Their thorough understanding of the complexities involved was evident, and they always stayed updated with the latest regulations and changes, giving me complete confidence in their advice. Communication and Support Communication was another strong point. The solicitors assigned to my case were always accessible and responsive, promptly answering any questions or concerns I had. Their clear and concise communication made the process less stressful, as they were able to explain legal jargon in a way that was easy to understand. Regular updates on the status of my application were provided, and they were proactive in ensuring all documents were submitted on time, leaving no room for delays. Tailored Solutions What impressed me most was their personalized approach. Every aspect of the service felt tailored to my specific circumstances. They took the time to thoroughly understand my case, which included reviewing my qualifications, job offer, and other documentation to ensure everything was in line with UK visa requirements. This attention to detail and personal care helped streamline the process and avoid any potential issues. Efficiency and Success Thanks to A Y & J Solicitors, my Skilled Worker Visa was approved without any hitches. Their meticulous preparation of the application, attention to every detail, and strategic handling of all aspects significantly reduced the processing time. They ensured that everything was accurate and complete, preventing any unnecessary delays or complications. Final Verdict If you are seeking legal assistance for a Skilled Worker Visa in the UK, I highly recommend A Y & J Solicitors. Their expert guidance, personalized support, and effective communication made a complex immigration process feel straightforward. Their professionalism and commitment to client success are truly commendable. I couldn’t have asked for better legal representation. Thank you, A Y & J Solicitors, for making this experience seamless and successful!"
"I recently had the pleasure of working with A Y & J Solicitors, and I am truly impressed with their professionalism and expertise in handling immigration matters. From the moment I reached out to them, the team was responsive and attentive. They provided clear guidance on the entire visa application process, which can often be confusing and overwhelming. I appreciated how they broke everything down into manageable steps, explaining the requirements, deadlines, and documentation needed in a way that was easy to understand. The solicitors at A Y & J Solicitors demonstrated in-depth knowledge of immigration law and were able to address all my concerns with confidence. Their attention to detail was impeccable, ensuring that my application was thorough and free of errors, which gave me peace of mind. What stood out the most was their personalized approach. Rather than treating me like just another case, they took the time to understand my unique situation and offered tailored advice. Throughout the process, I felt supported and reassured, knowing that I was in capable hands. Thanks to their diligent work, my visa application was successful without any issues. I would highly recommend A Y & J Solicitors to anyone in need of immigration legal services. They are reliable, knowledgeable, and genuinely care about their clients' success."
"I will 1000000 times recommend. My case was attended to without delay. He was truthful to me regarding my circumstances. Got my doubts and issues resolved as fast as possible just on phone call. You’re the best James. And thank you so much."
As the UK prepares to leave the European Union, one of its biggest challenges is how to continue to attract talented entrepreneurs to the country. In early 2019, the British government showed the UK was “open for business” by announcing the Tier 1 Entrepreneur Visa was to be replaced by “Start – up” and “Innovator” routes. This news has been especially welcomed by the tech sector, which is awash with investor confidence but short on the talent it needs.
A Y & J Solicitors are highly experienced business immigration lawyers who have an in-depth understanding as to how UK Visa and Immigration makes decisions. For business people, this provides a vital resource, as sells your business to lenders, investors, and joint venture partners, may not necessarily sway immigration officials to grant you entry into the UK.
By instructing our team of business immigration lawyers to assist you with your application, you can be confident its strengths will be pulled to the fore, and any weaknesses pointed out so you can rectify them before submission.
The Immigration Rules define the UK Start – up visa as follows:
‘This category is for people seeking to establish a business in the UK for the first time. Applicants will have an innovative, viable and scalable business idea which is supported by an endorsing body. This category offers leave for 2 years and does not lead directly to settlement in the UK, but applicants may progress into the Innovator category.’
The Applicant does not need to be the only founder of the proposed business and can also be part of a team. Successful applicants must be proposing a new business idea that meets the below requirements.
All applications will be assessed on the following three merits:
Viability – you need to prove you have or are developing the required experience, skills, knowledge, and commercial acumen to run the business.
Scalability – there must be evidence of a clear growth strategy and job creation potential.
There is no specific investment requirements for funds to be invested in the business. However, it will be unusual for a business that will be viable and scalable not to need investment.
To successfully apply for a Startup Visa, you need:
The Endorsement letter must state you meet the three merits of innovation, viability, and scalability listed above.
Confirmation that the endorsing body is “reasonably satisfied that the applicant will spend the majority of their working time in the UK on developing business ventures”.
To prove you can speak English to a B2 level
A credible business plan
At least £945 in your bank accounts for a consecutive period of at least 90 days prior to applying
The Application must not fall for refusal under the General Grounds of Refusal
Your first step in applying for a Startup Visa is to seek endorsement. The list of approved endorsing bodies is a mix of businesses and Higher Education Institutions (HEI). Once you have selected your preferred endorsing body, you need to follow their application process.
It is imperative that you get this part of the application correct as no endorsement equals no visa. Our team will assess your business idea prior to approaching the endorsing body and help you create a robust and persuasive pitch. We will help you shine the spotlight on the strengths of your business plan and provide advice on dealing with any weaknesses.
In general, such applications for Start – up will need to be made from outside the UK. However, if an Applicant has already leave to remain in any of the below Immigration categories, an application for Start – up can be made in the UK:
Tier 1 (Graduate Entrepreneur)
Tier 4 (General), subject to the Applicant meets the specific criteria
A visitor who has been undertaking permitted activities as a prospective entrepreneur. The Immigration Rules state that: ‘A visitor who can show support from one or more endorsing bodies for the Start-up or Innovator categories in Appendix W, as listed on the gov.uk website, may come to the UK for discussions to secure funding from any legitimate source, which they intend to use to set up a business in the UK.’
The UK Startup route provides an opportunity for graduates or entrepreneurs starting on their journey to launch their business in one of the world’s biggest economies. It also provides you with the chance to work closely with your endorsing body, gaining valuable guidance and support.
Unlike the Innovator Visa, the Startup route does not require you to have existing investment funds available.
The visa is extremely flexible as it allows you to take on work outside of your business to support yourself. You can remain in the UK for two years, and at the end of your visa, you are expected to switch into the Innovator category to extend your stay (if you meet the requirements).
Successful applicants can bring their family members (spouses/partners and children under 18) to the UK.
Our team understand both immigration law and business. We have a strong track record of successfully assisting those applying for Tier 1 Entrepreneur and Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur Visas. Our immigration lawyers are sharp, practical, and will provide you with expert feedback and legal advice regarding your application. The criteria for a Startup Visa is tough and the competition fierce. By partnering with us, you dramatically increase your chances of success.
There are several commercial bodies approved to offer an endorsement for a Startup Visa. These include (but are not limited to Seed Camp, Ignite, Royal Bank of Scotland, and Set Squared in Bristol, Exeter, and Surrey).
By working with A Y & J Solicitors, your chances of having a Startup Visa refused are greatly reduced. If your application is refused, we will look into all available avenues of recourse to try and have the refusal reversed.
A condition of the visa is you will have no access to public funds.
Should this happen, your visa may be curtailed. This is also the case if you cease to be eligible for endorsement. If you are experiencing problems with your endorser, contact our team immediately.
