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Tier 1 (Graduate entrepreneur)

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Maintenance (funds)

This page explains how you can score points for maintenance (living expenses) 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.

If you have enough money to cover your living expenses in the UK, you will score 10 points.

You must be able to support yourself throughout your stay in the UK. You will not have access to most state benefits (also known as 'public funds') during your stay.

For initial applications you must have at least £1,800 available.

For extension or switching applications you must have at least £900 available.

If your funds are in personal savings, these savings must have been in your bank account for 90 consecutive days before your date of application.

If you have an endorsement letter from UK Trade and Investment (UKTI) which confirms that you have been awarded enough funding to cover the maintenance requirement, you do not need to provide any further evidence.

These savings must have been in your bank account for 90 consecutive days before your date of application.

If any of your savings are in overseas currency, we will calculate their value in pounds sterling using the exchange rate published on the OANDA website on your application date.

Your personal savings must be in the form of cash funds held in an account (including savings accounts and current accounts, even if you need to give notice to withdraw money from those accounts). Other accounts, shares, bonds, pension funds, credit cards or agreed overdraft facilities are not acceptable.

Your personal savings must not include earnings made from UK employment while you were in breach of the UK's immigration laws (because, for example, you were in an immigration category that did not allow you to work).

You will need to provide evidence that you meet this requirement. The Documents required section explains what you will need to send.

Any dependants (family members) who want to join you must also provide evidence that they have enough funds. See Family of migrant workers and students section for more information on bringing your family to the UK.

Application forms

Tier 1 (Graduate entrepreneur)

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Policy & Law

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