Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur Questions.

[dean200]

So I may get sponsored by my University for a Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur visa for this fantastic business idea I have. I have a few questions that I can't seem to find the answers for and would appreciate any help:

1. If I get sponsored by my university and meet the 90 day funds requirement, Should I apply for the visa inside the UK around Mid September (even though my visa expires in October) knowing that it takes up to 8 weeks, or should i leave the UK and apply from outside?

2. If I get sponsored by the University, then I will be eligible for the £50,000 investment route. When I transfer from graduate entrepreneur to entrepreneur visa in around a years time, can I add a business partner to my application who will be eligible to meet the funds requirement with my £50,000 or will he have to submit his own £200k and separate application.

Thanks in advance for the help.

[marcnath]

So I may get sponsored by my University for a Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur visa for this fantastic business idea I have. I have a few questions that I can't seem to find the answers for and would appreciate any help:

1. If I get sponsored by my university and meet the 90 day funds requirement, Should I apply for the visa inside the UK around Mid September (even though my visa expires in October) knowing that it takes up to 8 weeks, or should i leave the UK and apply from outside?

Assuming you are on a Tier 4 visa currently, you can do either. As long as you apply before your current visa expires, you can continue to stay on in the UK under the terms of your Tier 4 visa.

2. If I get sponsored by the University, then I will be eligible for the £50,000 investment route. When I transfer from graduate entrepreneur to entrepreneur visa in around a years time, can I add a business partner to my application who will be eligible to meet the funds requirement with my £50,000 or will he have to submit his own £200k and separate application.

Thanks in advance for the help.

No, you can't add someone who is not another T1GE visa holder as your enterpreneur team member.