Are you planning to apply for a UK visa that requires an endorsement from a recognised organisation? 

If so, you may have questions about what endorsements are, how to obtain them and what they mean for your visa application. We will answer many of the questions you may have in this article. 

What is an endorsement for a UK visa application?

An endorsement is a letter from an organisation that the Home Office has approved as an ‘endorsing body’. These organisations have the expertise and authority to assess your skills, achievements, potential and contribution to your field or sector in the UK. They can verify that you meet the specific criteria and standards for your chosen visa category and that you will benefit the UK economy and society.

Which UK visa categories require an endorsement?

You will need to get an endorsement for three main UK visa categories:

• Global Talent visa: This visa is offered to exceptionally talented or promising individuals in the fields of science, engineering, humanities, medicine, digital technology, arts and culture, fashion design, film and television, and architecture. You need to be endorsed by one of the designated endorsing bodies for your field before you can apply for this visa.
  
  
• Innovator Founder visa: This visa is for experienced businesspeople who want to set up or run an innovative business in the UK. You need to be endorsed by an approved endorsing body that can confirm that your business idea is viable, scalable and innovative before you can apply for this visa.
  
  
• Scale-Up visa: This route allows highly skilled migrants to work for sponsoring businesses in the UK that have experienced rapid growth. The Scale-up Visa route has two options: Sponsored and Unsponsored. The Sponsored route requires an endorsement by an approved endorsing body to confirm the business is a high-growth scale-up before you can apply for this licence.

Some migrants may also hold legacy endorsements under the Start-up and Innovator routes that closed on 13 April 2023.

How to obtain an endorsement for your UK visa application?

Obtaining an endorsement depends on the category and the endorsing body you choose. However, in general, you will need to:

• Check the eligibility criteria and guidance for your category and endorsing body: Each category and endorsing body has its specific criteria and standards that you need to meet to be endorsed. You should check the Home Office website and the endorsing body’s website for detailed information on what they are looking for and how they will assess your application.
  
  
• Prepare your endorsement application: You must fill out an online application form on the endorsing body’s website and provide supporting evidence of your achievements, qualifications, skills, experience and potential. You may also need to pay an application fee or submit a letter of recommendation from a recognised expert in your field.
  
  
• Submit your endorsement application: You will need to submit your endorsement application online through the endorsing body’s website. In response, you will receive an email confirmation that your application has been received.
  
  
• Wait for the endorsement decision: The endorsing body reviews your application and decides within a specified timeframe. Depending on the category and the endorsing body, this may vary from a few days to several weeks. You will be notified of the decision by email. If successful, you will receive an endorsement letter with a unique reference number that you will need to use for your UK visa application. However, if your application is unsuccessful, you will receive a refusal letter with reasons for the decision.

What are the benefits of endorsements for UK visa applications?

Endorsements for UK visa applications have several benefits for both applicants and employers:

• They demonstrate your credibility and suitability for your chosen category: By obtaining an endorsement from a recognised organisation in your field or sector, you can show that you have met high standards of excellence and innovation and that you have a genuine interest and intention to contribute to your field or sector in the UK.
  
  
• They simplify and expedite your UK visa application process: By obtaining an endorsement before applying for a UK visa, you can avoid providing extensive evidence of your eligibility and suitability for your chosen category to the Home Office. This can save you time and money and reduce the risk of delays or refusals due to insufficient or incorrect documentation.
  
  
• They give you more flexibility and freedom in your UK activities: By obtaining an endorsement under specific categories, such as Global Talent or Innovator Founder, you can enjoy more flexibility and freedom in your UK activities than under other visa routes. For example, you can change employers or businesses without needing to apply for a new visa, work or study in any field or sector, and bring your dependents to the UK.

How can Axis Solicitors help you with endorsements for UK visa applications?

At Axis Solicitors, we have a team of expert immigration solicitors who can help you with endorsements for UK visa applications. We can:

• Advise you on the best category and endorsing body for your situation: We can assess your eligibility and suitability for the different categories and endorsing bodies that require an endorsement and advise you on the best option for your goals and circumstances.
  
  
• Help you prepare and submit your endorsement application: We can help you fill out your online application form, gather and organise your supporting evidence, draft your personal statement or business plan, and submit your application to the endorsing body of your choice.
  
  
• Represent you throughout the endorsement process: We can liaise with the endorsing body on your behalf, monitor the progress of your application, respond to any queries or requests for additional information, and keep you updated on the outcome of your application.
  
  
• Help you apply for your UK visa after obtaining your endorsement: We can help you complete and submit your UK visa application online, pay the relevant fees and surcharges, book your biometric appointment, and collect and submit your passport and documents to the UK visa centre.

If you need professional assistance with endorsements for UK visa applications, contact us today for a free consultation. We are ready to help you achieve your UK immigration goals.