Jump to content

Tier 1 (Graduate entrepreneur)

Image of a graduate

Can you apply?

This section explains whether you can apply under the Tier 1 (Graduate Entrepreneur) category of the points-based system.

Before you apply, you must read the Tier 1 (Graduate Entrepreneur) policy guidance, which you can find on the right side of this page. The policy guidance is based on Part 6A of the Immigration Rules.

For your application to be successful, you must score enough points and meet all the other requirements of the Immigration Rules.

You are allowed to switch into the Tier 1 (Graduate Entrepreneur) category if you are here under one of the following categories:

  • Tier 4 Migrant;
  • Student;
  • Student nurse;
  • Student re-sitting an examination;
  • Student writing up a thesis;
  • Postgraduate doctor or dentist; or
  • Tier 2 (General) migrant.

You cannot switch into the Tier 1 (Graduate Entrepreneur) category if you have previously been granted entry clearance, leave to enter or leave to remain under the following categories:

  • Tier 1 (Post Study Worker);
  • Fresh Talent: Working in Scotland scheme; or
  • International Graduates Scheme, or its predecessor the Science and Engineering Graduate Scheme.

Initial application

To apply under this category you must score a total of 95 points. You will need a letter of endorsement from a UK higher education institution or UK Trade and Investment (UKTI) in order to score some of these points before you can apply.

You may need to meet an additional requirement if you have recently been a student in the UK and you received financial sponsorship from a government or an international scholarship agency.

The Requirements for initial applications page contains more information.

Extension application

If you have been in the UK under Tier 1 (Graduate Entrepreneur) for 1 year, you can apply to extend your stay here in this category for a further year.
You will need a letter of endorsement from your UK higher education institute or UKTI before you can apply for an extension.

The Requirements for extension applications page contains more information.

You will need to enrol your fingerprints and facial photograph (known as 'biometric information') as part of your application. For more information, see the How to apply from inside the UK page.

Choose a heading below to show more information.

More information

Application forms

Tier 1 (Graduate entrepreneur)

Choose a different form

Policy & Law