Petition · past parliament · Home Office

Allow Skilled Worker visa holders to start businesses in the UK

Closed 50 signatures

What the petition asks

Allow Skilled Worker (formally Tier 2 General) visa holders the right to start a business in the UK without needing a new visa. Restrictions could be imposed on the type of businesses allowed, but allowable business could include online coaching and tutoring, or being an online retailer.
1. Skilled workers have more free time since working from home was introduced. Many of them want to start their own online businesses such as selling their knowledge online, however, this is not allowed under the current visa conditions.

2. Most skilled workers have multiple skills that could be marketed. Restricting their ability to work only to the sponsoring employer may eventually mean they leave the country as they are not able to exploit the full range of their skills and talents.

Timeline

13 May 2021 Petition opened for signatures
13 Nov 2021 Closed to new signatures

Key facts

Signatures 50
Status Closed
Department Home Office
Opened 13 May 2021
Closed 13 Nov 2021

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Source: the official petition page. Last checked 15 Jul 2026.