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Tier 1 (Graduate Entrepreneur) - FAQs

Please note the information in this document with regards to immigration is for guidance. Please consult with the Tier 1 (Graduate Entrepreneur) policy guidance and the UKBA website for full information.

• What is the Tier 1 (Graduate Entrepreneur) Scheme?

The Tier 1 (Graduate Entrepreneur) category allows the UK to retain (non-European) graduates identified by UK higher education institutions as having developed world class innovative ideas or entrepreneurial skills, to extend their stay in the UK after graduation to establish one or more businesses in the UK.

For the purpose of the Immigration Rules ‘business’ means an enterprise as a:

• Sole trader;
• Partnership; or
• Company registered in the UK

There are 1000 places available per year with 10 places for each approved institution. Lancaster University applied to the UK Border Agency and has been approved as an endorsing body under this scheme:
http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/documents/employersandsponsors/tier1-endorsing-bodies.pdf

More details can be found here:
 http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/visas-immigration/working/tier1/graduate-entrepreneur/

• Who can apply?

Any student, who currently has a Tier 4 (general) student visa who will graduate during the academic year 2011-12 with a recognised degree at either undergraduate or postgraduate level. Please note if you have not yet completed your degree programme at the time of your application for endorsement under this scheme and you are successful with this application then the endorsement will be conditional on successful completion of your degree programme. Please note that postgraduate certificates and diplomas are not acceptable qualifications for this scheme.

• How do I apply?

Applicants should complete the online application form found below before the deadline of Wednesday 12th December 2012, at 18.00. Please note only one entry can be submitted per individual.

http://survey.lancaster-university.co.uk/gradent2012

Please also find a word document below which shows all the questions you are required to answer as part of your application. The online form does not allow applicants to complete sections and return at a later date so it is hoped that the word document will be useful to allow applicants to prepare their responses before completing the online application form.
Preparation of answers

• How will the application process work?

All fully completed applications will be assessed by a panel of university staff with expertise in entrepreneurship and business start-up including academics and entrepreneurs in residence. After the initial application you may be called in for an interview.

• When will I hear if I have been selected?

We hope to notify successful applicants at the beginning of January, 2013.

• Do I have the opportunity to appeal against the decision if I am not selected for endorsement by Lancaster University?

The decision of the interview and selection panel will be final so there will be no right of appeal. However, you are entitled to request feedback by emailing tier1grad-ent@lancaster.ac.uk if you would like more information about why you were unsuccessful.

• How much is the visa application?

£700 for a postal application. There currently is not an option to apply for a premium, in person appointment. Nationals from Croatia, Turkey and FYR Macedonia have a reduced fee of £630.

• For how long will I be granted the Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur visa?

If you make a successful Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur visa application then you will be granted the visa initially for 12 months. After 12 months, the University must assess your suitability to endorse you for a further 12 months under this scheme. You would then need to make a visa extension application. The maximum time you can spend under this category is 24 months. It is hoped that after this time you would be able to make a successful application under the Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) route.

• The Tier 1 (Graduate Entrepreneur) scheme is in the Points Based System, how many points do I need to be granted this visa?

You need 95 points in total. See a breakdown of the scores below.

For more detailed information, please consult the Tier 1 (Graduate Entrepreneur) policy guidance:
http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/applicationforms/pbs/t1-ge-guidance.pdf

Please note that the maintenance section requires applicants to have maintained funds of minimum £900 in their bank account for a consecutive 90 day period prior to the date of application. Please start preparing your finances immediately if you hope to make the Tier 1 (Graduate Entrepreneur) visa application in the next few months. You need to provide evidence of original bank statements or bank letter and as these may need to be requested specially from your bank please allow enough time to be able to do so. You must apply for the visa whilst you have current leave to remain in the UK and have been selected by the University as part of the application process.

If you have been financially sponsored by a Government or an international scholarship agency for your programme of study then you must provide unconditional consent from your sponsor that you have permission to remain in the UK. If you cannot provide this then your visa application may be refused.

• Can my immediate family apply as my dependants under the Tier 1 (Graduate Entrepreneur) route?

Yes they can. If they apply at the same time, the cost is £350. If they apply later then the cost is £561. Please find PBS dependants application form via the link below.

http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/newsarticles/2012/june/20-dep-app

• Where can I find the Tier 1 (Graduate Entrepreneur) visa application form and guidance notes?

Both documents can be found on the UKBA webpages. Links are below:
Policy guidance:
http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/applicationforms/pbs/t1-ge-guidance.pdf

Application form:
http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/applicationforms/pbs/t1-ge-form.pdf

• Will the International Student Advisory Service help me with my Tier 1 (Graduate Entrepreneur) application?

Staff from the International Student Advisory Service will provide you with the letter of endorsement which is required as part of your Tier 1 (Graduate Entrepreneur) visa application. They will also check your visa application before you submit it but it will be your responsibility to post the application and then inform the University when you hear a decision about your visa application. You must provide a copy of any correspondence from UKBA with regards to your application and also a copy of your Tier 1 (Graduate Entrepreneur) visa to the ISAS team either by bringing it to their office or by emailing it to:
tier1grad-ent@lancaster.ac.uk

• What are the rules regarding hours and type of work under the Tier 1 (Graduate Entrepreneur) visa?

Applicants who are granted the Tier 1 (Graduate Entrepreneur) visa will be able to work for their business and will also be permitted to do other work for up to 20 hours per week to support themselves whilst they are developing their business. Applicants will not be able to work as a doctor or dentist in training, or as a professional sportperson or sports coach. From the 13th December 2012 students who have been endorsed by their institution for the Tier 1 (Graduate Entrepreneur) category to work in self-employment are now allowed to start work on their business when they have submitted their Tier 1 (Graduate Entrepreneur) application and while they are waiting for it to be decided.

• How do I remain compliant with the visa conditions?

Lancaster University will be your sponsors under the Tier 1 (Graduate Entrepreneur) scheme and therefore you must sign a contract with the University agreeing to meet certain conditions. You must make sure that you remain in contact with the University at least quarterly. Contact points could include engaging in entrepreneurship support activities, providing written reports, mentoring other students etc. Full details will be provided to successful applicants. Failure to do so will result in the University reporting non compliance to UKBA and possible curtailment of your visa.

• Who do I contact if I have any questions about the Tier 1 (Graduate Entrepreneur) Scheme?

Please email tier1grad-ent@lancaster.ac.uk with any queries.