Sohrab Vazir
Consultant | Founder | Global Citizen | Writer
Category Archives: Visa
5 lessons that you learn when you immigrate to another country
Deciding to immigrate to another country is life-changing. It will affect virtually every aspect of your life. I immigrated to the UK from Iran when I was only 17 years old, all alone. Today, over a decade later, I want to share 5 lessons that immigration taught me. If you are considering immigrating to another country, chances are that you want to make a change in your life. That’s awesome; I have so much respect for anybody who takes active steps to improve their lives. However, if this is your first time immigrating, which is the case with most people, you are probably unaware of the implications that this may have for your life. As such, I wish to share 5 key lessons that I learned after I immigrated to the UK during my formative years. 1. Most people don’t care about you This begins to hit you as you find yourself alone in your new “home”. I don’t mean that you will necessarily be lonely, I certainly wasn’t. For the most part, my years as an immigrant were the most social years of my life. I made so many friends and I actually cannot count the number of people that I met. However, this does not mean that you can rely on others. You really are on your own, and your problems are unique to you. Let me give you an example: many of my friends, and my close circle of friends in university were British. Despite our close friendship, they simply could not resonate with me or my “immigrant” problems such as worrying about staying in the UK after graduation. This is a tough lesson, initially. Nevertheless, it is also a chance to build that “immigrant resilience” and self-sufficiency that helps you achieve greater things later in life. 2. And the above includes family members Now, I do not wish to generalize here, as everyone’s family members are different. And by this, I am not necessarily referring to immediate family members such as parents. However, when you do immigrate, you will face barriers and problems in your life. And guess what? Tough times show you who really cares, and who does not. Do not be surprised if you notice that you have lost contact with family members whom you regarded as life companions. It is a sad reality in the world that failure and hard times are also very lonely. 3. You may lose your identity after you immigrate Once you settle in after you immigrate, and integrate, you may lose touch with who you really are. You may begin to question your identity, your core values, your culture and so on. This is not necessarily a bad thing. Having this “comparative” outlook broadens your mental horizon. However, it can be a difficult issue to face. Moreover, I firmly believe that our “values” strongly affect how far we get in life. Questioning your values will help you understand what your life purpose really is, and isn’t. 4. Do not expect a red carpet to be laid down for you Let me be absolutely clear here, and I am sorry to be the bearer of bad news: immigrating, in many scenarios, means that you are socially subordinate. The logic is essentially that “you have immigrated to this country because it is somehow better than yours”. Thus, be ready for many people to misunderstand your culture and where you come from. 5. The only way to survive is becoming stronger and wiser As I said, you are on your own. This is a fact of life, and it is reinstated even more once you become an “immigrant”. You will face injustice, discrimination, and unfairness. Yes, it sucks. But that’s a reality. My advice to you: do not fall into the victimhood mentality. Improve your physical and intellectual capabilities every single day. When I came to the UK as a college student, I was a skinny teenager who could barely write a formal email. Today, I’m an athlete, and a leading business consultant and hold a master’s degree in law. These are the lessons that I learnt after I immigrated to the UK. I hope these help you prepare for your journey and give you a realistic outlook of what to expect. About | My name is Sohrab Vazir. I’m a UK-based entrepreneur and business consultant. At the age of 22, and while I was an international student (graduate), I started my own Property Technology (PropTech) business, StudyFlats. I did so by obtaining an endorsement from Newcastle University under the Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur Scheme (similar to the current Start-Up Visa). Subsequently, I obtained a further 3-year Tier 1 Entrepreneur Visa (replaced by the Innovator Visa). I grew my business to over 30 UK cities, and a team of four, and also obtained my Indefinite Leave to Remain (Settlement) in the UK. I now help other migrant entrepreneurs, such as myself, with their businesses, and mainly with obtaining endorsements from the endorsing bodies.
Startup Visa Business Ideas: 3 Simple Steps to Get Started
Are you thinking about your next step and exploring startup visa business ideas? Every successful venture starts off with an idea. Thus, the right business idea is the seed of future success. In this article, I want to help you get started with exploring startup visa business ideas. This article is essentially a “how to” guide for aspiring migrant founders. Brief intro about me: I moved to the UK when I was 17 on a student visa. Following the completion of my master’s degree at Newcastle University, I founded my own startup. My venture, StudyFlats, simplifies renting for students going abroad. It was built upon my own experience of being an international student in the UK. I scaled this business to over 30 UK cities and also obtained Settlement in the UK via the former Entrepreneur Visa scheme. Therefore, I’ve been there! And in this guide, I will hopefully make your life easier as a founder. Believe it or not, exploring startup ideas mainly requires common sense. Some of the largest companies in the world such as Uber are built on relatively simple concepts. Here are the steps you should take to come up with startup visa business ideas: Find a personal “pain” point Ask yourself the following questions: Starting off with things that are personally inconvenient in your life is a great first step in exploring startup visa business ideas. What are you personally skilled at? What is your passion? Do you possess a specific skill set or competence in a specialist area? Moreover, this could also be a particular life experience (e.g. going abroad). As a matter of principle, it’s essential for a founder to know the associated industry of their prospective venture. Therefore, an area in which you are already competent is a great starting point. For example: as an international student, I realised that there were no accommodation websites for overseas students. My proposed solution was a website that targeted international students before they moved to the UK. The key point here is that I knew my industry / international students because I was one myself. Startup visa business ideas relevant to the host market Finally, another important point to keep in mind is how relevant and applicable your idea is to the target destination. In this step, ask yourself these questions: Hopefully, these tips will help you in your discovery of startup visa business ideas and ultimately pursue the right one. Need help? Get in touch with me today or click here to find out more about my Startup and Innovator visa business consultancy. About My name is Sohrab Vazir. I’m a UK-based entrepreneur and business consultant. At the age of 22, and while I was an international student (graduate), I started my own Property Technology (PropTech) business, StudyFlats.I did so by obtaining an endorsement from Newcastle University under the Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur Scheme (similar to the current Start-Up Visa). Subsequently, I obtained a further 3-year Tier 1 Entrepreneur Visa (which was replaced by the Innovator Visa). I grew my business to over 30 UK cities, and a team of four, and also obtained my Indefinite Leave to Remain (Settlement) in the UK. I now help other migrant entrepreneurs, such as myself, with their businesses, and mainly with obtaining endorsements from the endorsing bodies.
How To Create an Innovator Founder Visa Business Plan?
If you’re considering the UK’s Innovator Founder Visa, then one of your key questions is probably “how to create an Innovator Founder Visa business plan?” *Disclaimer: please note that I am not an immigration adviser, nor do I offer any immigration advice. My services are purely of a business nature. Rightly so, one of your key concerns should be how to create an Innovator Founder Visa business plan. In this article, I will briefly highlight 3 steps that you should take in order to create an Innovator Founder Visa business plan. However, it’s perhaps more accurate to state that these steps will provide the “groundwork” guide for how to create an Innovator Founder Visa business plan. Seek expert opinion Regardless of how much of a seasoned entrepreneur you may be, it’s important to get another perspective. The Innovator Visa route is expensive and you have to invest plenty of time into it. Thus, it’s key to get it right from the start. In this sense, I am the expert that you can speak to (more about me HERE). Determine the viability & innovative aspect of your concept Before taking any other steps, it’s imperative to ensure your idea is both viable and innovative. Here are a few questions/pointers to help you get started: Of course, these are only a small point but they will help to place you in the right path. Research the Innovator Founder Visa Endorsing Bodies Generally business plans follow a standard structure, with certain differences depending on the business and its industry. One of the most helpful things you can do is to get to know the endorsing bodies. Subsequently, it’s key to understand the endorsing body or bodies that you wish to target. In doing so, pay attention to the following: Hopefully these tips should help you get an idea about how to create an Innovator Founder Visa business plan…..Need help? Get in touch with me today for an informal consultation to discuss your business proposition. As a former veteran of the business immigration path, I am best equipped to help you create a solid Innovator Founder Visa business plan. About My name is Sohrab Vazir. I’m a UK-based entrepreneur and business consultant. At the age of 22, and while I was an international student (graduate), I started my own Property Technology (PropTech) business, StudyFlats.I did so by obtaining an endorsement from Newcastle University under the Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur Scheme (similar to the current Start-Up Visa). Subsequently, I obtained a further 3-year Tier 1 Entrepreneur visa (which was replaced by the Innovator visa). I grew my business to over 30 UK cities, and a team of four, and also obtained my Indefinite Leave to Remain (Settlement) in the UK. I now help other migrant entrepreneurs, such as myself, with their businesses, and mainly with obtaining endorsements from the endorsing bodies. Helpful Resources Immigration business plans: 3 things to keep in mind
3 Things to Consider Before Applying For the Innovator Founder Visa
Applying for the Innovator Founder visa requires thought and careful planning. Not only do you have to make your business a success, but you also have to adjust to living in a new country. None of the content in this article or website shall constitute immigration advice in any shape or form. For immigration queries, please refer to a regulated solicitor or an immigration advisor regulated by the OISC. Here are 3 things that you should keep in mind if you’re considering to apply for the UK’s Innovator Founder visa. Living expenses Aside from your business, you need to account for your living costs. Whilst this may seem obvious, the key point is long-term planning. You need to plan for several scenarios, several of which include: Planning carefully for this is essential and ensures there are no nasty surprises later on. Application, immigration & visa costs Aside from your business and personal expenses, there are other costs too. You must find out whether your endorsing body will charge you and if yes, how much. Depending on your circumstances, these costs can vary. Linguistic & cultural differences Again, this also depends on your circumstances. For some, this may not be an issue in the slightest. However, it may take time to get accustomed to cultural differences and different business practices. Therefore, it’s a good idea to learn about the UK’s business culture and everyday life if you’re unfamiliar. These are three obvious, yet underestimated, things to consider before applying for the Innovator Founder visa. If you need business assistance for your idea/company before applying for the Innovator Founder visa, then get in touch with me today or visit my page to find out more. About My name is Sohrab Vazir. I’m a UK-based entrepreneur and business consultant. At the age of 22, and while I was an international student (graduate), I started my own Property Technology (PropTech) business, StudyFlats.I did so by obtaining an endorsement from Newcastle University under the Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur Scheme (similar to the current Start-Up Visa). Subsequently, I obtained a further 3-year Tier 1 Entrepreneur Visa (which was replaced by the Innovator Visa). I grew my business to over 30 UK cities, and a team of four, and also obtained my Indefinite Leave to Remain (Settlement) in the UK. I now help other migrant entrepreneurs, such as myself, with their businesses, and mainly with obtaining endorsements from the endorsing bodies.
The Link Between Immigration and Entrepreneurship: An Insight
Immigration and entrepreneurship are two seemingly distinct, yet interrelated, socio-economic phenomenons. The changing natures of commerce and human mobility continue to evolve per global trends and affairs. In this article, I will investigate the link between immigration and entrepreneurship. The other key objective is to identify the influencing factors of the connection between immigration and entrepreneurship. In doing so, I will first provide a brief historical outlook. Thereafter, I will evaluate the latter In light of the fundamental changes through technology and globalisation. Before proceeding further, it is beneficial to provide the readers with concise and separate historical overviews of immigration and entrepreneurship. This enables this research to: “Brief history on Immigration and Entrepreneurship” Immigration: historical & contextual outlook Migration theory Understanding the correlation between immigration and any other socioeconomic phenomena demands a comprehension of human mobility and displacement in a historical context. Immigration is a phenomenon that most of the global population is aware of in some shape or form. Besides, this is a trend that is unlikely to change in light of the anticipated prospective global migration landscape. Interestingly, the work of Rystad (1992), dated three decades ago, makes an exclusive reference to this argument. He states that global migration has to be regarded as a “permanent phenomenon” instead of a “temporary movement”. An interesting point that must be highlighted is that Rystad made this observation in 1992. Fast forward to over thirty years later and Rystad’s view continues to demonstrate its validity. Understanding a socioeconomic phenomenon such as migration demands an insight, however brief, into its existence through a historical lens. It is unfortunate that the limited scope of this article does not allow for a sufficient analysis of migration history. However, the work of Manning (2013) provides a useful starting point. He highlights several key important historical events of human migration as well as their outcome for both the migrants and their destinations. For instance, in an ancient historical context, Manning (2013) refers to the mass migration of the speakers of Indo-European languages to Iran (known as “Persia” by then) and India. The importance of this event is the substantial cultural change in their destinations as a result of migration. Furthermore, Manning’s work is highly relevant to this article as he categorises migration into four different types. He divides migration into the following categories: The fourth form of migration (cross-community) is perhaps the focal point of analysis. Nevertheless, it’s imperative to note that the author argues that most forms of migration have derived significant social, and technological changes in their destination communities (Manning, 2013; pp. 4-6). Why do people immigrate? Lastly, understanding the incentives behind migration allows for a better comprehension of the correlation between immigration and entrepreneurship. Therefore, I will refer to the work of Manning (2013; pp. 7-8) as in my view he offers a thorough categorisation of why humans migrate. According to the author, voluntary human migration may be motivated by the following four factors: From the aforementioned, it can be argued that, overall, improvement of circumstances, self-transformation and risk are common elements. What is entrepreneurship? Entrepreneurship is defined as: “the control and deployment of resources to create an innovative economic organisation (or network of organisations) for gain or growth under conditions of risk and uncertainty” (Dollinger, 2008; pp.9-10). The aforementioned presents an accurate description of entrepreneurship as it acknowledges several key components that form the philosophy of entrepreneurship. Thus, we may categorise its principal elements in the manner below: “Entrepreneurship is the control and deployment of resources to create an innovative economic organisation (or network of organisations) for gain or growth under conditions of risk and uncertainty” Dollinger, 2008 Analysis Background & author’s note Before proceeding to highlight external academic work and/or research, I would like to highlight a key point. Dollinger’s definition of entrepreneurship emphasises resources and risk. As the following sections of this research will focus on the “risk” element, there is a key gap in the existing literature. This gap is evident in the lack of reference to how migrant resources can be a driving factor in increasing migrant entrepreneurship rates. Per my personal experience, many migrants either have no resources (i.e. cash, liquid or physical assets) OR they have a fluidity of resources. For instance, prospective migrant is far more likely to convert their (physical) assets into cash for the purpose of immigration. The aforementioned demands extensive research and analysis which are beyond the limited scope of this research. Nonetheless, it is important to identify, acknowledge and further evaluate the “resource” factor of migration in the context of entrepreneurship. Immigration and entrepreneurship: the link As the starting point of this, I will begin the analysis with a Harvard Business Review article by Vandor (2021). Vandor adopts the stance that immigrants are overall more entrepreneurial and more likely to start businesses. His work is valuable to this research as he draws his hypothesis using several studies. Moreover, he also examines the personal factors surrounding individual migrants. Thus, the aforementioned facilitate a better understanding of the link between employability and entrepreneurship. First and foremost, it is useful to consider some studies concerning migrant entrepreneurship; notable statistics include: In a theoretical context, it was previously stated that “risk” is a mutual factor between pursuing entrepreneurship and migration. The statistics above also further support the idea that a direct link between entrepreneurship and migration is present. However, establishing the latter also begs the question of “how” they are relevant. Perhaps this is the vulnerability of the existing literature surrounding this topic. This is evident in Vandor’s rationale behind the link in question, as well as highlighting the differing viewpoints. In reference to existing research, Vandor (2021) refers to issues such as employment discrimination and adverse policy effects. However, through a study conducted by himself, Vandor argues that the inclination to pursue either entrepreneurship and the decision to migrate share a common factor. This mutual element is the willingness to take risks. Remarks As stated earlier, the scope of this research is…
My Experience of the UK Business Visa System
If you’re considering a UK business visa, learning about other people’s experiences is helpful. For those unfamiliar with me or my work: I started my business in the UK as a 22-year-old international graduate on a business visa. After successful extensions and further UK business visas, I obtained permanent residency in the UK (Indefinite Leave to Remain). This was all through my initial business: StudyFlats. Firstly, allow me to elaborate that this is the old visa system and many aspects of this article may not be relevant today. Nor is this any form of immigration advice and it is solely my personal experience. I received two endorsements from Newcastle University for the Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur Visa (the former version of the current Start-Up Visa). I subsequently obtained a Tier 1 Entrepreneur Visa (T1E). The latter was the former version of the current Innovator Visa), although with different requirements. As part of the T1E visa extension requirements, the two below were the primary; Whilst they may seem relatively straightforward (though demanding), it was, in fact, quite the opposite. The manner in which the two requirements above were required to be demonstrated to the Home Office was quite complicated. For instance, your proof of investment or job creation would not be acceptable via bank statements/payment proof alone. I was required to enrol my staff on PAYE (provided by HMRC). Plus, the investment proof was subject to stringent requirements. The investment aspect on whether the money was invested via share capital or director’s loan. Below are just “some” examples of the concerns that I had; As stated, I received two endorsements from Newcastle University for my start-up, StudyFlats. Generally speaking, the process of obtaining endorsements can be long and complex. However, it is difficult to define a universal set of problems on this note. This is because endorsing institutions each have their own requirements. This is the case even under the current UK business visa system. This was very confusing and strict to adhere to. One example was when I wanted to rent an office space (as remote working was not yet the norm in 2019). I discovered that, by law, each person is entitled to a minimum space of 11 cubic metres. As I in fact was employing 4 people (instead of 2), this required plenty of time and consideration. Read more about this on the Health & Safety Executive (HSE). As mentioned earlier, the investment aspect itself was quite tricky. An example of this was that the director’s remuneration could not be counted as an investment. Moreover, deciding an investment structure (share capital vs. director’s loan) could have future ramifications if StudyFlats were to raise investment. Employing staff as a solo founder/director is tricky enough. Combine the latter with strict immigration requirements and the degree of complexity is limitless. This is particularly with strict employment laws being in force. Tip: there are lots of “P” forms that you will need to learn about. Therefore, I suggest cracking on with pre-emptive research if you’re planning to recruit staff. Last, but certainly not least, the biggest struggle was just managing and growing the company. Do a simple search about entrepreneurship challenges and you will come across SO much material, and perhaps millions of problems. Entrepreneurship is a tough journey. However, it can be extremely difficult when pursued in the business framework. This is not to discourage founders. If you have a viable idea/business that you believe in, you will overcome the challenges. If I could do it, then so can you! In short, UK business visas can be complex….. However, with the right mindset, management and direction you can overcome the complexity. As stated, the current UK business visa system does substantially differ from the Tier 1 Entrepreneur route. Need help with a UK business visa endorsement? As you have probably seen through my countless disclaimers (another aspect of being an entrepreneur in the UK), I am not an immigration advisor. However, I am a business consultant who can help you map the right idea and also help with your business planning. Better business planning and awareness will maximise your chance of getting an endorsement. And that’s why I’m here! Get in touch with me today for a free 1:1 introductory call. About My name is Sohrab Vazir. I’m a UK-based entrepreneur and business consultant. At the age of 22, and while I was an international student (graduate), I started my own Property Technology (PropTech) business, StudyFlats which I scaled to over 30 UK cities. I currently help other entrepreneurs and businesses of all size with the digital marketing strategy around SEO, copywriting and content. For more info, please visit here.
The Importance of the Innovator Founder Visa Business Plan
*Disclaimer: None of the content in this article, or this website, constitutes any form of immigration advice whatsoever. The material in relation to immigration on this website is solely “signposting”. Readers are encouraged to seek advice from a qualified advisor using the OISC’s website. Any opinions expressed on this website are those of the author and of a business nature, nor do they constitute any form of advice.* So you’re considering entrepreneurship in the UK, you may be wondering just how important the Innovator Founder visa business plan is. Now, before we go into the visa part, I have to state that common sense indicates that most viable businesses have a business plan. Going abroad is normally an experience that most people wouldn’t consider “easy”. Likewise, starting your own business, whether as an immigrant or native, is hardly an easy task. When you combine the two and seek to be an immigrant entrepreneur, you have many challenges ahead of you. Therefore, it’s really important to ensure you take adequate measures to get the first step right: your visa. In this article, I will be specifically talking about the Innovator Founder visa business plan, and why it’s key to get it right. So let’s go into why the business plan is vital for your Innovator Founder visa. I will also highlight some other reasons why you should have a solid business plan. The Innovator Founder visa business plan is necessary for endorsement According to UKVI, (the UK Home Office department responsible for visa applications), obtaining an Innovator Founder visa requires you to have the support of an “endorsing body”. As my consultancy has a key focus on Innovator Founder visa business plans, I have thoroughly researched these bodies. To save you the effort, I can inform you that basically, all these bodies will require a business plan (at a minimum). Therefore, you need an Innovator Founder visa business plan to be able to obtain an endorsement. Business viability and scalability As discussed above, your business plan is a key requirement for obtaining an Innovator Founder visa endorsement. Before starting a business, you need to ensure that your product or service will have viability and that there will be demand for your offering. Ket factors The process of writing a business plan involves researching various elements. These include (but are not limited to) the following: Without any validating research, your business idea is just the latter: an idea, based on assumptions. Conducting the research and drafting a business plan helps you validate those assumptions. Of course, any business is a risk. However, pursuing a business that is backed by research and market need makes it a calculated risk. Business plans are essential for funding And lastly, if you intend to raise funding from any type of investor, you will need a business plan. Plus, it’s noteworthy that you need a solid (and defensible) one. This article highlighted a number of key points with regard to the importance of an innovator founder visa business plan. If you wish to learn more, or need help with getting started on the business plan, contact me for more information. Find out more about my services for Innovator Founder visa business applicants HERE. About My name is Sohrab Vazir. I’m a UK-based entrepreneur and business consultant. At the age of 22, and while I was an international student (graduate), I started my own Property Technology (PropTech) business, StudyFlats.I did so by obtaining an endorsement from Newcastle University under the Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur Scheme (similar to the current Start-Up Visa). Subsequently, I obtained a further 3-year Tier 1 Entrepreneur Visa (which was replaced by the Innovator Visa). I grew my business to over 30 UK cities, and a team of four, and also obtained my Indefinite Leave to Remain (Settlement) in the UK. I now help other migrant entrepreneurs, such as myself, with their businesses, and mainly with obtaining endorsements from the endorsing bodies.