When you apply you need to provide an ‘endorsement letter’ (We will provide you a list ) to show that an endorsing body has assessed your business or business idea. You also need to provide: 1- Valid passport or other document that shows your identity and nationality. You’ll need a blank page in your passport for your visa if you’re: - From outside the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein. - From the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein but do not have a biometric passport with a chip in it. 2- Bank statements showing you’ve had at least £1,270 in savings in your bank account for 28 consecutive days before you apply. 3- Proof that you meet the English language requirement (You must prove you can read, write, speak and understand English to a level B2 on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) scale). 4- Your tuberculosis test results if you’re from a country where you have to take the test. 5- If your documents are not in English or Welsh you’ll also need to provide a certified translation. You must be able to show that your business idea is: - New - you cannot join a business that is already trading. - Innovative - you must have an original business idea which is different from anything else on the market. - Viable, with potential for growth. - Scalable - you must give evidence of planning that includes creating jobs and growing into national and international markets. You’ll need to get an endorsing body to assess that your business idea meets the requirements. The processing time for the application depends on the embassy, taking between 1 and 8 weeks for approval. After 3 years, the main applicant must apply for an extension of stay in the UK. If all criteria are met, a 3 year extension is granted. After a minimum of 5 years in the UK, including holding ILR in the last 12 months, the applicant can apply for British citizenship.