[HELP!] Global Talent ILR – requested further evidence after moving from employment to sole founder

Stage 2
1

Hi everyone,

I am applying for ILR under the Global Talent route and have been asked by the Home Office to provide further evidence. I would really appreciate advice from anyone who has been in a similar situation.

My timeline:

  • 2021 – Sep 2023: Skilled Worker visa, working in the UK digital technology sector.
  • Sep 2023: Granted Global Talent endorsement.
  • Jan 2024: Due to serious health issues and a major physical injury requiring surgery and long-term treatment, I had to stop my employment. I have full medical evidence, including hospital reports, surgery records and X-rays.

After recovering, I started building my own digital technology platform and community. I incorporated my UK limited company in April 2025 as a sole founder/director and started generating revenue.

The company has generated around £17k revenue so far (2025–2026), with evidence including Companies House records, company website, customer records and Stripe transaction history.

However, because the company is still at an early stage, my first company tax year is 2026/27, so I do not yet have Corporation Tax records or a company tax return available.

Another challenge is that, during the early stage of the business, Stripe payments were transferred to my personal account and recorded through a director’s loan arrangement, rather than being paid as a PAYE salary. The company now has proper business banking and accounting arrangements.

The Home Office requested:

  1. Recent payslips from my employer
  2. Employer letter confirming role and remuneration
  3. Personal bank statements showing salary payments
  4. Explanation of my current employment status

These documents appear to assume I am still employed, but I have transitioned from employment to running my own UK digital technology company.

My questions:

  1. Has anyone under Global Talent successfully applied for ILR after leaving employment due to genuine health reasons and later becoming a founder?
  2. For sole founders of early-stage companies, how did you demonstrate earnings/contribution when you did not yet have a tax return or PAYE salary?
  3. Did anyone successfully use evidence such as Companies House records, revenue records, Stripe/payment records, customer evidence and director’s loan/accounting records to demonstrate activity in their endorsed field?

Before Global Talent, I had already worked in the UK digital technology sector for around seven years. Despite my health situation, I continued contributing to the community and built a genuine UK technology business.

I would really appreciate any advice or similar experiences. I only have 10 working days to respond to the Home Office.

Thank you very much.

2

Based on what you’ve shared, the Home Office appears to be requesting standard employment evidence, but your circumstances have changed since you became self-employed. I would clearly explain your timeline, including the medical reasons for leaving employment, your recovery, and your transition into founding and running a UK digital technology business.

Since you don’t have PAYE payslips or Corporation Tax records yet, provide alternative evidence that demonstrates you’re actively working in your endorsed field. Companies House records, your company website, Stripe transaction history, customer invoices, contracts, business bank statements (if available), director’s loan records, and an accountant’s letter explaining the financial arrangements can all help build a consistent picture.

It’s also important to explicitly address each point raised by the Home Office rather than only submitting documents. A clear cover letter mapping your evidence to each request will make it easier for the caseworker to understand your situation.

Given the 10-working-day deadline and the complexity of your case, I’d also recommend seeking advice from an immigration solicitor experienced with Global Talent ILR responses to ensure your submission addresses the Home Office’s concerns as clearly as possible. Wishing you the very best with your application.

3

Thank you so much! I’d try my best

4

Hi @Sam_F this forums expertise is in the GTV application. For ILR queries, I would recommend contacting a relevant immigration expert.

6

No need. Caseworkers already replied that they made a mistake so I got my settlement last week already :slight_smile:

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