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Innovator Visa UK

→ UK Immigration and Visa Advice → INNOVATOR VISA - UK

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Eligibility - Innovator Visa UK

To be eligible for the UK Innovator visa, you must meet the following 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

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 - Have at least a CEFR B2 level of English.

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.
  • Complete Business plan
  • 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.

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.
  • Complete Business plan
  • 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.

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

  • 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.

Innovator Visa Restrictions

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.

UK Immigration Advice

In 2025, contact our UK Immigration Lawyers for UK Visa advice, in our offices in Sydney, Australia, Singapore, Hong Kong and London, UK. In addition, our United Kingdom qualified Lawyers assist with:

  • Visa Assessment
  • Innovator visa process
  • Funding for the Innovator Visa
  • Business plan, establishing business in the UK, Company registration, tax and accounting
  • Documentation needed including Qualification certificates, Bank statements
  • Endorsement from a UK organisation
  • English language requirement
  • Filling in UK Visa Application forms
  • Criminal Record Certificates
  • Book an Appointment at a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) service point for biometrics
  • UK Government fee, Healthcare surcharge and lawyers fees

VisaConnect London, UK - Office

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

71-75 Shelton Street
Covent Garden
London
WC2H 9JQ
United Kingdom

Telephone: (+44) 20 3807 8879