Route Closed

Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur Visa

This Route Is Now Closed

New applications are no longer being accepted into the Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur route as of March 29, 2019. This information is provided for historical reference only.

Please see the Start-up Visa and Innovator Founder Visa for current alternatives.

Start-up Visa Innovator Founder Visa

Current Visa Alternatives

If you are a student intending to convert your student visa to a business visa or planning to come to the UK to establish a company, consider these current routes:

Active Route

Start-up Visa

For those with an innovative, viable and scalable business idea endorsed by an approved body. Does not require initial investment funds.

2-year initial visa
No minimum investment required
Requires endorsement from approved body

Learn More

Active Route

Innovator Founder Visa

For experienced businesspeople seeking to establish a business in the UK. Requires minimum investment and can lead to settlement.

3-year visa with path to settlement
Minimum £50,000 investment
Leads to indefinite leave to remain

Learn More

Historical Information Only

The following information about the Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur Visa is provided for historical reference only. This route is no longer available for new applications.

What Was the Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur Visa?

The Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur visa was designed for recent graduates with genuine and credible business ideas who wanted to establish a business in the UK. It required endorsement from either UK Trade and Investment or a recognized UK Higher Education Institution.

Previous Eligibility Requirements

Support Requirement

Applicants needed endorsement from either UK Trade and Investment or a recognized UK Higher Education Institution. Higher Education Institutions could only endorse 1,900 graduates per year as set by the Home Office.

Graduate & Business Idea

Applicants had to be recent college graduates with a genuine, credible business idea to receive endorsement from a higher education institution.

Recognized Degree

Applicants needed an approved bachelor's, master's, or PhD degree from the UK or a degree confirmed by UK NARIC to be of equivalent level if earned outside the UK.

English & Maintenance

Applicants had to meet English language requirements and demonstrate sufficient maintenance funds. Unlike the regular Entrepreneur visa, no investment funds needed to be shown.

Duration and Switching Options

Visa Duration

The visa was initially granted for one year and could be extended for an additional year, allowing a maximum stay of two years. Extensions required ongoing endorsement showing good progress in building the business.

Switching to Tier 1 Entrepreneur

Graduate Entrepreneur visa holders could switch to a Tier 1 Entrepreneur visa to continue growing their business. Those switching from Graduate Entrepreneur to Entrepreneur could show a lower investment amount (£50,000 instead of the standard £200,000).

Work and Study Permissions

Unlike Tier 1 Entrepreneur visa holders, Graduate Entrepreneurs could work for someone else besides the company they were establishing, provided they were not working as a dentist, doctor-in-training, professional athlete, or sports teacher. Studying part-time was also permitted.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur visa still available?

No, this route was closed to new applications on March 29, 2019. It has been replaced by the Start-up Visa and Innovator Founder Visa routes.

What should I apply for instead?

If you're a student with a business idea, consider the Start-up Visa. If you have business experience and investment funds (minimum £50,000), the Innovator Founder Visa may be more suitable.

Did the Graduate Entrepreneur visa lead to settlement?

No, the Graduate Entrepreneur route did not directly lead to indefinite leave to remain (ILR). It only allowed a maximum stay of two years. However, holders could switch to Tier 1 Entrepreneur with a lower investment threshold, which did offer a path to settlement.

Could family members accompany the visa holder?

Yes, partners and children under 18 could accompany the main applicant for the same duration. Family members were able to work or start their own businesses in the UK.

How can I get help with current business visa options?

Our immigration solicitors can help you understand your options for Start-up or Innovator Founder visas, assist with the endorsement process, and prepare business plans if required. Contact us for a free case assessment.