International Start-up visa

Applications for Start-up visa endorsement are now closed.

The Start-up visa is for international students who have completed their degree course and wish to remain in the UK to develop a business. In order to be considered, you must have a viable, UK-based business idea and a plan to make it happen.

Please note

Due to government changes to the scheme, UAL will no longer be endorsing Start-up visas beyond April 2023. If you graduate in 2023 and after, find out about your visa options after completing your course.

Who is eligible?

Any international graduate who has been awarded a PGDip, Bachelor, Masters or PhD degree from UAL can apply for a Start-up visa. Applications can be made up to 2 years after graduation.

Your business should have the potential to add to the UK economy.
You will be expected to demonstrate the entrepreneurial skills and commitment to develop the business.
If endorsed, you must be committed to spending the majority of your working time on developing the business idea.
If you are applying within the UK you must be switching into this visa category from the Tier 4 student visa or Student route visa. You must apply to switch prior to the expiry of your current visa.
You cannot previously have been granted immigration leave in the UK under Tier 1 (Post Study Work), the Science and Engineering Graduate Scheme, International Graduates Scheme or Fresh Talent: Working in Scotland Scheme.
For your visa application, you need to have had at least £1270 in your bank account for 28 consecutive days before you apply, or if you’ve been in the UK for less than a year and are applying to switch to this visa.

For full details of the requirements, read the Start-up visa Eligibility guidance provided by the Home Office.

How long can I stay?

Start-up Visas are valid for 2 years. After completing your time on the Start-up visa, you may be eligible to switch to an Innovator visa. More information about this visa can be found in the Innovator guidelines.

Start-up visa conditions

You may only start your business once you obtain your Start-up visa. This is because Tier 4 visa or Student route visa does not allow you to work on a self-employed basis.
There are no restrictions on working hours or working for another employer while you develop your business. However, spending the majority of your working time on your business idea is a condition of the visa.
You will be assigned a University contact who you will be required to meet every 6 months to discuss the progress of your business.
You must adhere to the conditions set by the University and UK Visas and Immigration.

How to apply

Applications for Start-up visa endorsement are now closed.

Please note

Dates

Deadline for applications has now passed.
If you are shortlisted, you will be invited to present to a panel on 10 February 2023.
You will be told if UAL will endorse you by 17 February 2023.
If UAL endorses you, applications to the UKVI should be made by the end of March 2023.

Next steps

If your application meets the eligibility requirements and is shortlisted, you will be invited to present your idea to an online panel.
If the panel approves endorsement, you will be required to demonstrate you meet the financial requirements for the visa application. You need to have had at least £1270 in your bank account for 28 consecutive days before you apply, or if you’ve been in the UK for less than a year and are applying to switch to this visa.
The University will issue an endorsement letter to successful candidates. The endorsement letter is valid for 3 months in which time you must apply for the Start-up visa. A copy of this letter is also sent to the Home Office.
To apply for the visa, you will need to send the completed Start-up visa application form, the University-issued endorsement letter and the original financial evidence to the Home Office along with the application fee. An adviser from the Student Advice Centre will be able to help with your application.
Once you have received the outcome of your application, notify the Start-up visa programme manager. You will be required to provide a copy of your visa for our records.

Please note

The decision of the panel is final. There is no appeal process.
Start-up visa endorsement is evaluated in a separate process to Creative Enterprise Awards but you may wish to apply to both.
If you are selected for both Start-up visa and Creative Enterprise Award but your visa is declined your Creative Enterprise Award will be withdrawn unless you have applied for the International Category (this is the only category in the Creative Enterprise Awards which is open to business ideas based outside the UK).
Foundation degrees, postgraduate certificates and diplomas are not acceptable qualifications for this scheme.

Supporting you

If you have any access requirements you wish to discuss, we would be happy to talk to you. Please contact enterprise@arts.ac.uk.