Innovator Visa

Eligibility - Innovator Visa UK

The Innovator visa came into force in the UK on 29 March 2019 following a number of changes to the Immigration Rules and closure of the Tier 1 Entrepreneur visa scheme.

To apply for the UK Innovator visa, you must meet the following eligibility criteria:

1. This visa is meant for Innovators - who are at least 18 years old, with an idea that will help the UK economy.

• New - you cannot join a business that is already trading.
• Innovative - you must have an original business idea that is different from anything else on the market.
• Viable - with potential for growth.

2. The Innovator visa is for experienced non-EEA businesses. - If you or your close family member started living in the UK before 1 January 2021, you may be able to apply to the free EU Settlement Scheme. Otherwise, you need a visa to work in the UK. Note that Irish citizens do not need to apply for a visa or to the EU Settlement Scheme.

3. Minimum Funds for Investment - The applicants will need a minimum of £50,000 funds for investment, and the funding can be derived from any source.

4. Develop Business in the UK - The Innovators must be dedicated to developing their business venture in the UK.

5. Obtain an Endorsement - The Innovator must be endorsed by an approved body to get the visa. The endorsing body can choose to fund the innovator if they like.

6. Meet English Language requirement - The Innovator must meet the English language requirement. To meet the English requirement, you must pass an approved English language test with at least CEFR level B2 in reading, writing, speaking, and listening or have an academic qualification that was taught in English and is recognized by UK NARIC as being equivalent to a UK bachelor's degree, master's degree, or PhD. Exceptions to the English language requirement apply if you are a national of a list of English-speaking countries, such as Australia or the USA.

7. Personal Savings - Prove that you have enough personal savings to support yourself while you're in the UK.

8. Fingerprints taken - The applicant will need to have their fingerprints and photograph taken at a visa application centre (to get a biometric residence permit) as part of your application.

Who can Endorse the Non-EEA business?

• The endorsing body can be a third-party organization in the UK.
• Organisations that have a track record of supporting UK entrepreneurs.
• Their endorsement request must have support from the UK or devolved government department as being clearly linked to that department's policy.
• The organisation must be able to assess the applicant's business ventures.
• To support your application, you must provide a business plan and supporting documents for endorsement.
• If your business idea is successfully assessed by the endorsing body, then they will provide you with an endorsement letter if your business is viable.

Visa Decision - Innovator Visa

Applicants usually get a decision within 8 weeks of their application date.

• If you are applying with a family member who needs an appointment but you do not.
• If your supporting documents need to be verified.
• If you need to attend an interview.
• Due to your personal circumstances, for example, if you have a criminal conviction.

Note that you may be able to pay to get a faster decision - applicants will be informed when they apply.

Benefits of Innovator Visa

• The Innovator can set up and establish their own business in the UK.
• They can work for their business as a director, partner, or be self-employed as a member.
• They can bring their family (dependents) with them to the UK.

Stay duration in the UK - Innovator Visa

• You can stay in the UK on an Innovator visa for 3 years. Innovators can apply to extend their stay for a further 3 years.
• The innovator can apply for settlement - Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), if they have been in the UK for 3 years. However, if their endorsement is withdrawn, their visa will be shortened. In such cases, they can apply for a new endorsement before their visa period expires.

Restrictions of the UK Innovator Visa

1. The Innovator cannot work for any other business outside their own. This includes anything which effectively amounts to employment, such as using their own business to hire out their labour to another employer.

2. They cannot work or train as a doctor or dentist.

3. They cannot work as a professional sportsperson.

4. They cannot get public funds.

Office Address and Telephone - VisaConnect UK

Contact VisaConnect's Consultants at our London, UK office below:

VisaConnect Immigration Consultants UK
124 City Road
EC1V 2NX
UK

Telephone: (+44) 207 193 2327