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Tier 1 (Graduate entrepreneur)

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Requirements for initial applications

This page describes the requirements that you must meet if you are applying 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 and Appendix A of the Immigration Rules.

The Can you apply? page contains a summary of these requirements.
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.

Scoring points

You will need 95 points to apply under the Tier 1 (Graduate Entrepreneur) category. If you are applying for or switching into the Tier 1 (Graduate Entrepreneur) category from another immigration category, the table below shows how you can score points.

Attribute

Points available

You have been endorsed by a UK higher education institution or UKTI

You have been awarded a recognised Bachelor's degree, Master's degree or PhD (not a qualification of equivalent level); which is a UK degree. For Global endorsement (UKTI) graduate entrepreneurs, a degree which is deemed by UK NARIC to meet or exceed the standard of a UK Bachelor's degree.

The endorsement confirms that your endorsing body has assessed you and your business idea.

25

25

25

English Language: pass mark = 10
If you have a UK degree or PhD you will automatically satisfy the English language requirement. If not, you may need to provide further evidence.

If you have a Global endorsement you must provide the specified documents to show that you have a good knowledge of English.

 10
Maintenance (pass mark = 10)
You must have the specified level of funds to cover the cost of living in the UK.		 10



The Documents required section explains what you will need to submit with your application to prove that you meet the maintenance (expenses) requirement.


More information