The Innovator visa is for those from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) who want to set up business in the UK and who have £50,000 to invest. The business must be innovative, viable and must have the potential for growth and job creation.
This is a new visa route involving a two stage process.
First of all you need to secure the endorsement of an approved body. You will need a solid business plan that demonstrates your idea is:
There is a list of Home Office approved endorsing organisations. You should only approach ones that are suitable for your business idea.
Once you have endorsement, it's time to apply to the Home Office.
You will need:
You can bring close family members with you and you can 'switch' inside the UK to this visa from certain other work visa categories.
You can stay for 3 years if you:
We can direct you to the range of endorsing bodies.
"They are affordable, reasonable, kind, comforting - at the same time they are a complete 'go-getters', who will do everything to defend their client and fight for the best outcome possible, be that in the courts or in the office."
Ars Pog
Once you have your endorsement, we will then apply to the Home Office on your behalf. We will prepare the paperwork, ensure the evidence is complete and correct and make your application the strongest it can be. Our team is plugged in to networks that keep us up to date and in the know.
We offer a free initial consultation to discuss your business idea and your plans. If you decide to go ahead we will put you in touch with an endorsing body and then prepare the application to the Home Office. We have a strong background in meticulously preparing applications with the best chance of success. We are here to answer all your questions and advise along the way.
The earliest you can apply is 3 months before you travel. You should get a decision within 3 weeks when you apply from outside the UK. However, you can also pay for a quicker decision. You will need to have all your evidence and endorsement in place when you apply.
Yes you can. You will not need the £50,000 investment funds if you have already been granted Start Up status for the same business idea. If it is not the same business, you will need the £50,000 investment funds.
Up to three years. You can apply to extend for another 3 years when your visa is due to expire. There’s no limit on the number of times you can extend.
You may be able to apply for settlement (known as ‘Indefinite Leave to Remain’) once you’ve been in the UK for 3 years on an Innovator Visa.
Yes you can form a team with other Innovator applicants, but you cannot share the same investment funds. Each individual must show they have £50,000 investment funds.
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