U.K Innovator Founder Visa

The UK Innovator Founder Visa is a category of visa for entrepreneurs who want to set up and run an innovative business in the UK. This visa is designed for those who have an original business idea that is different from anything else on the market, and has the potential to grow and create jobs. In this article, we will provide you with up-to-date information on the UK Innovator Founder Visa, including its eligibility requirements, application process, and benefits.

Benefits of the Innovator Founder Visa

  • The ability to set up and run an innovative business in the UK
  • Access to the UK’s large and diverse market
  • The potential to grow and scale your business
  • The ability to bring your family with you to the UK
  • The potential to apply for settlement in the UK after 3 years

While the Innovator Founder Visa offers many benefits, there are also some limitations to be aware of. These include:

 

  • You must have at least £50,000 in investment funds, unless you are switching from a Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur visa
  • You must be able to demonstrate that your business idea is innovative, viable, and scalable
  • You must have a clear business plan and be able to demonstrate that you have the skills and experience to deliver it
  • You must be able to speak, read, write and understand English to at least CEFR Level B2
  • You must not have previously set up a business in the UK

To be eligible for the UK Innovator Founder Visa, you must meet the following requirements:

 

  • Your business idea must be new, innovative, and viable, with potential for growth and scalability. You must be able to provide evidence of planning that includes creating jobs and growing into national and international markets.
  • You must get an endorsement from an approved body, also known as an endorsing body. An endorsing body is an organization that has been approved by the UK government to assess your business idea and confirm that it meets the requirements.
  • You must be able to speak, read, write and understand English. You’ll usually need to prove your knowledge of English when you apply.

If you are not a national of a majority English-speaking country, you will need to provide evidence of your English language proficiency. You can do this by passing an English language test, or by having an academic qualification that was taught in English.

If you are not eligible for the UK Innovator Founder Visa, you may be eligible for another type of visa to work in the UK. You can check if you’re eligible for another type of visa on the UK government’s website.

If your application is successful, you can stay in the UK for 3 years. You can apply to extend your stay 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 once you’ve been in the UK for 3 years.

To apply for an Innovator Founder Visa, you must first get an endorsement from an approved endorsing body. Once you have an endorsement, you can apply for the visa online.

The application process involves providing personal information, including your passport and travel history, as well as information about your business idea and endorsing body. You will also need to provide evidence of your English language proficiency and financial resources.

The UK government aims to process Innovator Founder Visa applications within 3 weeks, but processing times can vary depending on the time of year and the complexity of the application

The application fee for an Innovator Founder Visa is £1,021. You will also need to pay the healthcare surcharge, which is currently £624 per year.

In addition to the application fee and healthcare surcharge, you may need to consider other costs associated with setting up and running a business in the UK. These costs can include legal fees, accountancy fees, and business registration fees.

With an Innovator Founder Visa, you can:

  • Set up a business or several businesses
  • Work for your business, including being employed as a director or self-employed as a member of a business partnership
  • Do work outside your business, as long as it’s ‘skilled work’
  • Bring your partner and children with you as your ‘dependants’
  • Travel abroad and return to the UK

Apply to settle permanently in the UK (also known as ‘indefinite leave to remain’) if you’ve lived in the UK for 3 years and meet the other eligibility requirements

 

You cannot:

  • Work as a professional sportsperson
  • Apply for most benefits (public funds) or the State Pension

To apply for the UK Innovator Founder Visa, you must get an endorsement from an approved body, also known as an endorsing body. An endorsing body is an organization that has been approved by the UK government to assess your business idea and confirm that it meets the requirements.

 

There are many endorsing bodies to choose from, including business accelerators, incubators, and venture capital firms. Each endorsing body has its own criteria for assessing business ideas, so it’s important to do your research and choose an endorsing body that is a good fit for your business idea.

The UK Innovator Founder Visa offers many benefits to entrepreneurs, including:

  • The ability to set up and run an innovative business in the UK
  • Accessto the UK’s large and diverse market
  • The potential to grow and scale your business
  • The ability to bring your family with you to the UK
  • The potential to apply for settlement in the UK after 3 years

The UK Innovator Founder Visa is a great option for entrepreneurs who want to set up and run an innovative business in the UK. With its flexible eligibility requirements, access to endorsing bodies, and potential for growth and scalability, the Innovator Founder Visa is an excellent choice for those who want to make their mark in the UK business landscape.

Kash Legal Services prides itself on providing expert guidance to start-up businesses navigating the complex UK immigration landscape. Our team of immigration experts ensures seamless adherence to Home Office regulations, facilitating successful applications for aspiring entrepreneurs.

With Kash Legal Services, embark on your entrepreneurial journey with confidence, backed by our commitment to delivering clear, reliable immigration advice tailored to your business aspirations.

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