Aston has successfully applied to be a sponsor and we have 20 sponsored visas to offer (10 for MBA graduates and 10 for other graduates) for the year 2013/14.
The Tier 1 (Graduate Entrepreneur) route opened on 6 April 2012 for those graduates identified by Aston University as having developed a world class innovative idea or entrepreneurial skill but who are not yet able to apply for a Tier 1 Entrepreneur visa.
Latest Changes (from 6th April 2013):
-
The scheme has been extended adding a further 1000 Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur visas specifically for MBA graduates across the UK. Aston University has been given 10 endorsements to sponsor MBA students.
-
The requirement that the business idea must be 'world class and innovative' has now been changed to 'genuine and credible' making it more realistic.
-
Recent graduates can now apply for this visa from outside the UK.
-
Holders of a Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur visa can now switch into Tier 2 General (as long as they meet the Tier 2 General requirements).
How do I apply?
Anyone interested in applying for this visa must first be accepted onto the BSEEN, new start-up business project run at Aston University. If you would like to know more about BSEEN including how to apply please go to www.b-seen.biz
Once accepted onto BSEEN, you must then apply for the Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur visa. You will need to be issued with an endorsement from Aston University which you will need to apply for the visa.
You must have been awarded your degree in order to apply for the visa so you must wait until you have your final results. You must have been awarded your degree wihtin the last 12 months on the date we issue you with an endorsement.
You must get 95 points as follows:
25 Points Valid endorsement from Aston University.
25 Points The endorsement confirms that you and your business idea have been assessed and considered to be genuine and credible.
25 Points For having been awarded your degree within the 12 months immediately before the date of endorsement.
10 Points English language requirement (your degree will satisfy this requirement).
10 Points Maintenance - £900 for a 90 day period ending no more than 1 month before you apply for the visa (outside the UK you need to show £1800 for the 90 day period).
You can either apply for Tier 1 GE whilst you are in the UK with a student, or Tier 4, visa or from 6th April 2013 you can now apply overseas, but you will need to show a higher maintenance amount. If you have previously held a Tier 1 PSW visa, you will unfortunately not be eligible.
How long will the visa be granted for?
Successful applicants will be granted a 12 month visa. There is the possibility of applying for a second 12 month visa if the business is making progress and Aston agrees to continue sponsoring you.
Working on the Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur visa
Although you will be expected to spend most of your time setting up the business, you will be able to work up to 20 hours per week outside the business in order to support yourself financially.
You are allowed to begin to work on your new business as soon as you have applied for your Tier 1 GE visa; whilst you are waiting for a decision. You will not be caught by the normal rule that stops Tier 4 students being self-employed.
For assistance with your Tier 1 GE visa application and to discuss the 95 points you will need, please contact Laura Bryan in the Hub l.bryan@aston.ac.uk
Time spent on a Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur visa will not count towards settlement in the UK.
For UKBA information please click here
Last checked and updated 01 May 2013 LB
Main University navigation links
