Startup Visa UK- the new buzzword in British academia. There has been confusion regarding the future of entrepreneurial options for immigrant students in the UK who are about to graduate soon and have ambitions of utilizing their UK education to launch a business in the UK itself. However, this confusion is a natural and expected symptom in every aspect of UK life in current times, with seismic shifts in its political landscape. Keep an eye on The SmartMove2UK’s Brexit updates.
However, since the reason behind this situation of frequent changes in rules and policy can be pinpointed to Brexit, there is hope. Hope with good reason. It’s only a matter of time before the UK (choice or no choice) regroups and bounces back on the global innovation scene. The deals are not in place now, but they will be.
Predictions of prosperity in such seemingly ‘unprosperous’ times are well backed by the gradual changes the Home Office has brought into the immigration rules of the UK. Like for example, the rule that has cut out a clear path for migrant students who are soon to complete their graduate courses in the United Kingdom: The new Startup Visa.
The Startup visa has replaced the Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur Visa – (the Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur Visa option for graduate students with business plans ready to launch immediately after their course of study ends). Start-up visa is an extension of the Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur Visa in many ways, not just a replacement. A ‘new and improved’ version, if you will.
Some of the highlights of the new Startup Visa UK include:
Application Fee for Startup visa from inside and outside the UK
From March 29, 2019, the UK visa fee for a startup visa entry clearance and leave to remain applications was £363 and £493, respectively. Moreover, the main applicant can also avail a Council of Europe Social Charter (CESC) discount of £55.