India is one of the largest sources of founders on UK business routes. Many Indian applicants are already in the UK on a Graduate or Skilled Worker visa, and others apply from India. The core rules are the same either way, but a few practical steps differ when you apply from outside the UK.
The steps when applying from India
- Develop your idea and business plan.
- Apply to an approved endorsing body and attend any interview.
- Receive your endorsement letter.
- Meet the English requirement at CEFR level B2, unless exempt, for example through an approved test or an eligible degree.
- Show personal maintenance funds, held for the required period.
- Get a tuberculosis (TB) test from an approved clinic. Applicants resident in India need one.
- Apply online and attend your visa application centre appointment.
Writing for UK assessors
The biggest risk for founders applying from abroad is a plan built on assumptions from their home market. UK assessors expect UK market research, UK competitors, UK pricing and UK salary and rent costs. Show that you understand the UK market specifically, even if your experience is from India.
- Use UK market data and cite it.
- Name UK competitors, not only Indian ones.
- Price in pounds, based on UK customer research.
- Show how your Indian experience transfers to the UK market.
Working with us from India
Our team works in Indian Standard Time and with UK clients, so we can speak to you in English, Hindi or Urdu and work on UK market research for your plan. All of our work is done remotely over video calls, email and WhatsApp.