Start-up is a 2 year visa for those who want to set up a business in the UK and whose business venture meets the requirements of innovation, viability and scalability and have secured endorsement from an endorsing body. Please see the UKVI website and the immigration rules for further details.

The University is no longer offering new endorsements for Start Up.  However, the Basecamp Enterprise Team in the Careers Service can support you in developing your ideas, improving your entrepreneurial skills and refining your business models. 

Requirements of Start-up are:

• 70 points as set out in the Immigration Rules
• A valid passport
• You must not have previously established a business in the UK unless you are switching from Tier 1 (Graduate Entrepreneur) or Tier 4 Doctorate Extension Scheme (DES)
• You must not have previously had 2 years’ leave in Start-up and/or Tier 1 (Graduate Entrepreneur) visas
• You must have a signed endorsement letter from an endorsing body
• If you are applying for either entry clearance or have been in the UK for less than 12 months at the point you apply, you will be required to show that you have £1,270 available funds for the 28 day period before your application. For dependants requirements see the UKVI website.
• If applicable, you must have a police registration certificate. This must be up to date.
• If you are applying from overseas, you may require a TB test certificate 
• If you have received sponsorship from your government or an international scholarship agency in the 12 months before you apply for Start-up, you will require a letter of consent from them to confirm they agree to you making the Start-up application and to you remaining in the UK

Some facts about Start-up visa:

• Students with a Student visa (previously Tier 4) switching into this category may have already begun setting up their business, but should not have commenced trading
• Applicants do not need to demonstrate funds to invest in their business

Please see Tier 4 Doctorate Extension Scheme (DES) visa information (PDF, 134kB) for details.

The Doctorate Extension Scheme (DES) gives students who have almost finished their PhD an additional 12 months of immigration permission to remain in the UK to look for work. You must have a current Student visa to participate in the scheme, and you can only apply from inside the UK. You must also obtain a CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) from the University of Bristol. 

Please note that the Doctorate Extension Scheme (DES) will no longer run from 1 July 2021.

If your PhD has already been awarded at the Examinations Board, you will not be eligible to apply for the Doctorate Extension Scheme.

The Skilled Worker route has replaced Tier 2.  Please see the UKVI website for full details regarding Skilled Worker as well as a points calculator to Check if you may be eligible for a Skilled Worker visa 

A student with a valid student visa is eligible to switch to Skilled Worker in the UK if they have been offered an eligible job with an approved employer. 

A student can apply for a Youth Mobility Scheme visa if they want to live and work in the UK for up to 2 years.

This scheme is available for Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Japan, Monaco, Taiwan, Republic of Korea, San Marino and Hong Kong. Each has a certain quota with exception for British Overseas Territories Citizens or British Nationals (Overseas) who have no limited quota. 

Requirements of Youth Mobility Scheme visa are:

• A valid passport
• Aged between 18 and 30
• £2530 held in the bank account for 28 consecutive days before you apply for the visa
• No children under age of 18 where the applicant is living with them or financially responsible for them
• The applicant has not previously spent time in the UK under Youth Mobility Scheme visa 
• Tuberculosis test results may be required.

Some facts about Youth Mobility Scheme visa:

• It is not possible to switch into this visa category in the UK from Student visa or switch to another route at the end of this visa
• The earliest a student can apply for this visa is 6 months before they travel
• It costs £244 to apply, plus £600 for Immigration Health Surcharge
• The applicant can enter the UK at any time while their visa is valid, and leave and come back at any time during their stay
• The applicant can study (but they may need ATAS for some courses)
• The applicant can work in most jobs
• The applicant can be self-employed and set up a company (restrictions apply)
• The applicant cannot work as a professional sportsperson (for example as a coach), doctor or dentist in training - unless they can show they are qualified for these jobs in the UK
• The applicant can not extend their stay on this visa
• The applicant can not access public funds
• The applicant can not bring in family members on their application - they must apply separately.

Please visit the Graduate Route page for more information.