INNOVATOR VISA - UK

Table of Contents

UK Immigration Lawyers - Innovator Visa Advice
Eligibility - Innovator Visa UK
Who can Endorse the Non-EEA business?
Visa Decision - Innovator Visa
Benefits of Innovator Visa
Stay duration in the UK - Innovator Visa
Restrictions of the UK Innovator Visa
Office Address and Telephone - VisaConnect UK

UK Immigration Lawyers - Innovator Visa Advice

Our UK Immigration Lawyers are experienced, ethical, and members of the Law Society of England and Wales. They can assist clients in our offices in Brisbane, Australia, Singapore, Hong Kong, London, UK and Lisbon, Portugal. In addition, our United Kingdom qualified Lawyers can advise clients worldwide, with a fast and efficient Consultation by telephone or skype where they advise you about:

Visa eligibility
Information about the visa process
Advice regarding obtaining funding
Advice regarding Business plan, business set-up in the UK, company inorporation, tax and accounting
Advice regarding supporting documents including: Qualification certificates, Bank statements
Assistance in applying for Endorsement from a UK organisation
Advice regarding the English language requirement
Assistance in completion of UK Visa Application forms
Advice regarding an application for Criminal Record Certificates
Assistance in booking an appointment at a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) service point to provide your biometric information (your fingerprints and a photo)
Visa Processing time guidance
Information about the UK Government fee, Healthcare surcharge and Lawyers fees for complete visa application assistance

In 2023, Contact VisaConnect's UK Immigration Lawyers for advice and assistance with your Innovator Visa to set-up a business in the UK!

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. You must be able to show that your business idea is:

New - you cannot join a business that is already trading.
Innovative - you must have an original business idea which 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 having an academic qualification that was taught in English and is recognised 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 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 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 applicants 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 your application will take longer, you will be contacted, for example:

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
Kemp House
152 City Road
London
EC1V 2NX
UK

Telephone: (+44) 207 193 2327

Innovator Visa UK - Sample Visa Label

Innovator Visa's Issued - Number of Approved Main Applicants