• You must get endorsed from an approved body before you apply for this visa.  
• You must be at least 18 years old.
• You must have a sufficient level of English.

        This can be done by either:

• • passing the English language test;
  • having an academic qualification taught in the English language which is the equivalent of a UK bachelor’s degree, master’s degree or PhD.

• You must be able to prove that you have enough personal savings to support yourself while you’re in the UK.

• • This means you need to have had at least £945 in your bank account for 90 consecutive days before you apply.

• This is where you will need to provide an endorsement letter. This letter will need to confirm two things:

• • (a) The applicant’s business venture meets all of the requirements of the innovative business criteria.
  •  (b) The endorsing body is reasonably satisfied that the applicant will spend their entire working time in the UK on developing business ventures.

• Innovative –

• • You need to have a genuine, original business plan that meets new or existing market needs and/or creates a competitive advantage.

• Viable –

• • You need to have the necessary skills, knowledge, experience and market awareness to successfully run the business.

• Scalable –

• • You need to show evidence of structured planning and of potential for job creation and growth into national and international markets.

• Your dependants can come with you when you come to the UK on this visa. Your family members must have a visa if they’re from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland;
• A ‘dependant’ can be:

• • Your husband, wife or partner
  • Your child under 18

• Family members must apply online and will need to have their biometric information taken for the application process.
• You must have £630 for each dependant in addition to the £945 you need to support yourself. This is to show that your dependants can be supported while they’re in the UK.
• You need proof you have the money, and that it’s been in your bank account or your dependant’s bank account for at least 90 days before you or they apply.

• How much you pay for a Start-up visa depends on your situation and where you apply from.
• You will also have to pay a healthcare surcharge.

• You cannot apply to extend the Start-up visa. So, you may be able to switch to an Innovator visa after 2 years on the Start-up visa. 
• You are eligible to switch to this visa provided that you meet its requirements and already have the Start-up visa. 
• You can stay for 3 years after switching to an Innovator visa.
• There’s no limit on the number of times you can extend this visa.
• To switch, you will need to apply online.