Menu
Request FREE Consultation
Prospective Entrepreneur Visa
The Prospective Entrepreneur visa allows visitors to take part in meetings and discussions to obtain funding for their business and falls under the standard visa category. Once funding is secured they may apply for a Start-up or Innovator visa to remain in the UK as an entrepreneur.
Prospective Entrepreneur visa requirements
The applicants must satisfy the Home Office that they are a genuine visitor and meet the following specific criteria.
- Provide evidence of support from one or more endorsing bodies for the Start-up or Innovator categories in Appendix W
- Intend to engage in discussions to secure funding from any legitimate source, which they intend to use to set up a business in the UK.
- Genuinely seeking entry for a purpose that is permitted by the visitor routes and will not undertake any prohibited activities;
- Have sufficient funds to cover all reasonable costs in relation to the visit without working or accessing public fund
There is no English language requirement for Prospective Entrepreneur Visa applicants, but they do have to meet this if they apply to switch to a Start-up or Innovator visa. This visa however does not permit to undertake paid or unpaid work, live in the UK for long periods of time through frequent visits, enter into a marriage/civil partnership or give notice for the same or claim public funds.
How can we assist?
Our Immigration lawyers at City Legal have immense experience in handling prospective entrepreneur visa applications from all over the world. We can work with individuals to obtain necessary support letters from endorsement bodies and assist them to switch to business visas within 6 months of their entry to the UK. We are a multi award winning law firm and pride ourselves in being approachable, innovative and always going that extra mile to make sure our clients receive the individual attention they deserve. Our Immigration team maintains a high reputation and is committed to provide clear, transparent and reliable advice to our clients.
Frequently Asked Questions
The prospective entrepreneur comes under the standard visit visa process and normally takes around 15 working days. The applicant may apply for priority service for decision within 5 working days or super priority service for a decision within 24 hours if available in their country of application.
Prospective Entrepreneurs are not able to bring their dependants with them to the UK; however they may accompany as standard visitors.
The applicants may stay up to 6 months under the standard visit visa conditions; but as they have been given permission to undertake activities as prospective entrepreneurs, they will be allowed to switch to Start-up or Innovator visa.
The applicant should try and understand the reasoning for the refusal and see if further evidence can be provided to rectify the issues. If so, it may be best to make a fresh application. There is no right of appeal against this visa refusal. The applicant may however challenge this by the way of a judicial review.
The prospective entrepreneur standard visit visa holders are eligible to engage in discussions to secure funding from any legitimate source, which they intend to use to set up a business in the UK.