Are you an international student about to graduate who would like to start a business in the UK? If so, then the Start-up visa could be the scheme for you.
The University offers 5 individuals to realise their business idea by endorsing and supporting them under this immigration route.
You need to show that your business idea meets the following Home Office criteria:
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Innovation |
Viability |
Scalability |
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Is there a genuine business plan that meets new or existing market needs and/or creates a competitive advantage? |
Does the applicant have the necessary skills, knowledge, experience and market awareness to successfully run the business? |
Is there evidence of structured planning and of potential for job creation and growth into national and international markets? |
If successful, you can remain in the UK for up to 2 years and work on your business.
Please note, PhD students wishing to start their own business would be advised to apply for a visa under the Doctorate Extension Scheme which has a different, simpler application process. Contact the International Office by email at VisaCompliance@mmu.ac.uk.
How to apply?
International students can apply through the Business Start-Up Boot Camp offered by Innospace.
Innospace is Manchester Met University’s business incubator for pre-start and early stage businesses. It provides a professional business address along with a supportive environment to help businesses to grow and develop.
The Business Start-Up Boot Camp give participants all of the building blocks to start your own business and is delivered by external entrepreneurs. It is a competitive two day programme and delivered twice a year in June and November. Participants must apply via an application form and only participants who have a fully rounded idea and have started to conduct research will be selected for the Boot Camp.
After the Boot Camp, you will be invited for a compulsory one-to-one session with the Innospace Manager and Lead Boot Camp facilitator to talk about the next steps for progression and development. After this session, you can apply for the Start-up Visa Scheme and will be required to pitch your idea in front of a panel and produce a business plan. A panel of judges will decide if your business idea meets the Home Office criteria.
If successful, the University will provide you with a signed endorsement letter valid for up to 3 months of the date specified on the letter. You will need this endorsement letter for your Start-up visa application to the Home Office.
For the eligibility requirements and conditions of leave to remain in the UK, please refer to the UK Visa and Immigration website on Start-up visas.
Your commitment/responsibilities
- A commitment to develop your business in the Greater Manchester area.
- Attendance at the Business Start Up Boot Camp and follow on support after the two-day programme.
- Your co-operation to comply with the Home Office rules and regulations – including regular communication with the University; attendance at / use of the Innospace facilities and regular update reports on progress.
- Participation in scheduled enterprise events and training from the Manchester Enterprise Centre, where appropriate.
Next steps
To register your interest and receive an application form for the Business Start-Up Boot Camp, please email innospace@mmu.ac.uk
To discuss your idea and more information about the Business Start Up Boot Camp, please contact the Innospace Manager, Louise Kenworthy: L.Kenworthy@mmu.ac.uk