JMW Solicitors does not offer services related to finding employment in the UK. If you are looking to speak to a solicitor about any legal matters concerning an immigration application, contact us today.
Start-Up Visas Solicitors
If you are looking to start up your own business in the UK, the start-up visa is an attractive category for the young, dynamic innovator who is looking to step into the world of business for the very first time.
The start-up visa application process takes a smart approach and demands not only legal knowledge but highly specialised technical expertise. JMW is one of the only law firms to have truly mastered these applications, successfully handling start-up visa applications for a number of clients.
To speak to a member of the immigration team about applying for a start-up visa, contact us by calling 0345 872 6666, or fill in our online enquiry form and we will get back to you.
How JMW Can Help
The first stage of help from JMW’s expert start-up visa solicitors will be to hold an initial no-obligation consultation that will last 30 minutes. Here, we will discuss how we may assist you in translating your innovative idea into a strong pitch. We will also help you to determine the business concept and whether you have the potential to make a start-up visa application.
Once you have a concept, we will ‘stress test’ your idea by taking an in-depth look at the innovative and business elements, conducting research to find facts and figures to strengthen your application. We will also ensure the core elements of your business are crystal clear and, where necessary, meet the requirements of both the Home Office and the relevant endorsing body.
At JMW, you are in a unique position as we are one of the only law firms that has the ability to gauge the approval of the endorsing body prior to proceeding with the application process. Once your business concept has been given approval from the relevant Home Office endorsement body, we will workly closely with you to secure the endorsement. This may require you to formally pitch your business concept or present a more detailed business plan.
When your endorsement has been granted, we will help you to prepare and present your start-up visa application.
What is a Start-up Visa?
The start-up visa is a business visa route that provides an exciting opportunity to set up a business with no initial investment. The route is similar to the innovator visa application process as you must demonstrate that you have an innovative idea, which has been endorsed by an approved Home Office endorsing body.
To successfully apply for a start-up visa, you must:
- Be an aspiring business person
- Set up and develop new business
A start-up visa is granted for a period of two years and cannot be extended; instead, you must switch to another visa category, such as the innovator category. The start-visa does not lead to settlement since it is designed to be a stepping stone for the aspiring entrepreneur to reach their ultimate goal of being a recognised innovator.
FAQs
What are the fees for applying for a start-up visa?
At JMW, we operate a client-focused approach where your interests come first. Thus transparency for all parties in all matters, including professional fees is central to our ethos. There are no surprise or hidden fees since we operate in a fixed fee structure and spell out the scope of our work prior to engagement.
For start-up clients, we offer a staged fixed fee structure so that our fees are fully transparent and you are only liable to pay fees for the next stage of the process upon a successful outcome in the previous stage.
Following a free no-obligation consultation to determine whether you have an innovative concept, our fees are broken into three stages:
- Stage 1: Business concept and synopsis
- Stage 2: The endorsement stage will include pitching your business concept and providing a more detailed business plan
- Stage 3: The visa application stage
Can I switch to an innovator visa from within the UK?
Yes, you would be permitted to switch to an innovator visa from within the UK if you have previously been granted leave under the start-up category or Tier 1 (Graduate Entrepreneur) category. It is also possible to switch if you hold valid leave to remain under any Tier 2 category or as a Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) migrant.
In addition, if you came to the UK as a visitor in order to secure funding and had a supporting letter from an endorsing body, you would also be permitted to switch your visa from within the UK.
Talk to Us
If you are looking to make an application for a start-up visa, contact JMW Solicitors’ immigration team today by calling 0345 872 6666. Alternatively, fill in our online enquiry form and we will get back to you.