Visa Practicalities

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We strongly advise you to read the UKVI visa guidance document before making your application as this provides up to date guidance on all of the requirements to obtain your visa. Please note changes are due to the guidance notes in April and October so please check back to ensure you are reading the most up to date documents.

How long is the endorsement for?

Successful applicants will be given a Tier 1 graduate entrepreneur visa for twelve months duration. There will be the option to extend for a further twelve months under this category, if your business is successful. Support will be provided to do this.

Will I be able to switch to a different visa category either during or after the Programme?

You will need to consult UKVI regards criteria for different visas and eligibility. We are not able to advise on this.

I have leave to remain status having come to the UK as a refugee, can I apply?

Yes

Will I require maintenance funds to be in place when applying for my visa?

No, as you will receive funding through the CCE programme you will not be required to demonstrate holding maintenance funds in order to apply for your visa. (Please note the UKVI website is due to be updated, it currently states you DO require maintenance funds to be in place, but this is not the case). You WILL have to pay the healthcare surcharge as part of your application. Check how much you’ll have to pay before you apply. You will also need to pay your travel and any other associated costs to get you to the UK. You will not receive any of your seed funding until you are in the UK and you've registered your business and opened your business bank account.

What are the timescales when applying for a visa?

This will vary for each application, typically you should receive a response within 3 weeks of applying. You will need to apply within 3 months of receiving your endorsement letter.

What are the English language requirements for the Programme?

You may need to prove your knowledge of the English language when you apply. You can prove your knowledge of English by either:

• passing an approved English language testwith at least CEFR level B1 in reading, writing, speaking and listening
• having an academic qualification that was taught in English and is recognised by UK NARICas being equivalent to a UK bachelor’s degree, master’s degree or PhD
• You may be able to meet the English language requirement in other ways. Check the full visa guidancefor detailed information.