The above new category was recently created for applicants seeking to enter the UK in order to secure funding to set up or run a business here. They would be seeking to meet the financial provisions under the Tier 1 Entrepreneur visa category within 6 months. If applicants are unable to meet the requirements under the Tier 1 Entrepreneur route, they will be required to leave the UK otherwise; they can apply to switch into this category if they can satisfy the criteria. Entry clearance in under this special visitor category is mandatory.

The requirements for prospective entrepreneurs are that

·         Applicants are seeking to enter for a period not exceeding 6 months in order to secure funding to join, set up, take over or run a business in the UK

·         Applicants must hold valid entry clearance in this capacity

·         Applicants intend to leave at the end of the 6 months if they are not able to meet the requirements to switch or apply for an extension

·         Applicants must provide an original, signed letter on headed paper supporting the application from one or more FSA registered venture capitalists or Government Departments or UKTI endorsed entrepreneurial seed funding competitions

·         Applicants must be able to maintain and accommodate themselves adequately and without recourse to public funds or can be maintained and accommodated by family or friends without recourse to public funds or taking employment

It should be noted that applicants who cannot satisfy the requirements for the above may be able to enter the UK on a Business Visitor visa instead however; the applicant will not be able to switch in country into the Tier 1 Entrepreneur route.