The Innovator Founder Visa is granted for 3 years. There is no maximum time limit for how long an applicant can stay in the UK under this category, but endorsement is required at both the extension and settlement stages to continue residing in the UK
The visa allows applicants to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after 3 years, provided they meet the necessary business and endorsement requirements. After holding ILR for 1 year, applicants and their family members may apply for British Citizenship, provided they meet the citizenship criteria
Applicants can also bring their partner and children under 18 to the UK under this visa category
The Innovator Founder Visa can lead to settlement (ILR) after 3 years of continuous residence in the UK, provided that the applicant meets at least two of the following conditions:
The Innovator Founder Visa fees have two components: the Home Office application fee and the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS). Applicants also have the option of using the priority service, which involves an additional fee but provides faster processing times, saving a few weeks of waiting.
The applicant must be at least 18 years old
• £50,000 investment is no longer required for the Innovator Founder Visa. The applicant must still demonstrate sufficient funds to run their business, but there is no mandatory minimum investment amount
• This requirement is waived if the applicant is switching from a Start-Up Visa, but in general, there is no fixed investment threshold
• The applicant must have a genuine intention to establish and run the business in the UK.
• They must not intend to work outside of their business unless permitted under the visa.
• The funds required for business activities must be genuinely available.
• The Home Office will assess credibility by considering the applicant’s academic and professional history, any previous immigration history, and declarations made to other government departments
• Applicants may be required to attend an interview or provide additional evidence to support their credibility
The applicant must secure endorsement from a government-authorized endorsing body before submitting the visa application. The endorsement must confirm the business idea is innovative, viable, and scalable
The applicant must show proof of maintenance funds of at least £1,270, held for at least 28 consecutive days before applying. This amount ensures the applicant can support themselves upon arriving in the UK
The applicant must demonstrate a good command of English by meeting one of the following criteria:
The applicant must have a genuine, original business plan that meets new or existing market needs or provides a competitive advantage. The business idea should not replicate what is already widely available in the UK market. Instead, it should offer something unique or innovative that demonstrates its potential to disrupt or enhance its target sector
The applicant must show that they possess, or are actively developing, the necessary skills, knowledge, and experience to successfully run the business. This includes an understanding of the market, the business’s operational requirements, and the industry landscape. Applicants must demonstrate they have the competence to manage the business or that they are capable of acquiring such competencep>
There should be clear evidence of structured planning for the business, indicating its potential to create jobs and expand into national or international markets. This includes identifying opportunities for growth, scalability, and the development of long-term business strategies
Steps to Apply for the Innovator Founder Visa:
“EB5” Investor Program United States Of America Minimum Investment$900,000 Dual CitizenshipAllowed Visa-free Countries170+ Citizenship In4 TO 6 MONTHS United States Of America “EB5” Investor Program The EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program was created by Congress in 1990 under §203(b)(5) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) to stimulate the U.S. economy through job creation and capital […]
Expansion Worker Visa United Kingdom UK – Expansion Worker Visa In simple terms, the UK Expansion Worker Visa allows overseas businesses to send senior management staff to the UK to establish a branch of their company. Unlike the previous Sole Representative Visa, this new route requires the business to hold a Sponsor Licence and allows […]
Canada’s Start-up Visa Program targets immigrant entrepreneurs with the skills and potential to build businesses in Canada that, are innovative, can create jobs for Canadians and are capable to compete on a global scale.