The recent government announcements regarding the U.K. Startup Visas have come as welcome news for the U.K. economy. The new visa seeks to entice non-European entrepreneurs, especially women, to stimulate innovation and growth in the U.K. and come over and set up companies in the U.K.- all thanks to relaxation in eligibility criteria.
The U.K. seems to be an attractive proposition for entrepreneurs. And, why not? The language advantage, fabulous entrepreneurial tax breaks, language advantages, and all other trappings of a well-to-do, robust economy. Women entrepreneurs perceive this as an incredible activity hub and exceptionally well-positioned place for global market access.
Nevertheless, despite the current immigration options, it is harder to secure a startup visa in the U.K. than it needs to be. The new Startup visa signals to bestow upon a pragmatic approach for an immigration policy by the European government.
How Can Women Entrepreneurs Apply for a Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) Visa?
Now that you’re a woman entrepreneur and British citizenship visa interests you, all you’ve to do is research well about the financial requirements and submit the requisite documents for a Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) visa to gain greater foreign startup accessibility.
If you’re a USA resident and are wishing to set up a business in the UK-you can seek UK visa advice in USA as these experts will evaluate your eligibility to apply for a Tier 1 visa. The condition, however, is that you need access to investment funds of at least £50,000.
With a U.K. Visa, You Can:
- Stay in here for a maximum period of 3 years and four months.
- Establish or take over one or more running companies.
- Work for a business while being self-employed.
- Get your family members along with you.
- Extend your visa for up to 2 years if you’re already in this category.
- Extend your visa for another three years if you wish to switch from some other category.
The downside is that the visa doesn’t allow you to work beyond your business activities plethora. Yes, you cannot find employment in some other enterprise or get public funds.
The immigration experts suggest knowing your eligibility requirements before thinking of applying for a U.K. Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) Visa.
- Have access to investment funds of at least £50,000, which must be held in one or more financial institutions, and you’re free to spend on business in the United Kingdom.
- Are capable of supporting yourself in all terms during your U.K. stay.
- You have a score of 95 points.
- Are 16 years of age or older.
- You meet the English language requirements unless you have the nationality of one of the following countries. These may be Barbuda, Antigua, Australia, The Bahamas, Barbados. Belize, Canada, Dominica. Some other countries may be Guyana, Jamaica, New Zealand, St Lucia, St Vincent, Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, and the USA.
How to Apply for a Tier 1 Visa?
You can follow these steps to register for a U.K. Visa. All you’ve to do is
- Register for an account and complete the application form in English.
- Use an Online method for paying the visa fee.
- You’ll have to pay the healthcare surcharge as your application part.
- Take a print of your application form.
- Now, book your appointment at a visa application center and attend your scheduled meeting.
- At the application center, you’ll have to submit your fingerprints and photographs.
- Have the originals and supporting document photocopies, which are required for the U.K. Visa.
- Translate all the supporting documents and include these with the originals if these aren’t in the English language.
- Depending on your location, ensure getting a tuberculosis test.
- Now collect a permit for biometric residence within ten days of your U.K. arrival.
How to Apply for a British Citizenship through Naturalization?
Usually, the Entrepreneur Visa Holders apply for British Citizenship after spending around six years in the United Kingdom. But, there are many faster routes for creating a business with high numbers of jobs or high turnover.
Final Walkthroughs
The new-fangled government regulations have made it easy for foreign businesses to set up in the U.K. And, why not? Excellent ideas know no boundaries and are no longer country-specific. All it takes is an idea and some passion for spending efforts and time to build something and obliging to immigration rules is not to mention!