Innovator founder visas

Introducing the Innovator Founder Visa We specialise in helping overseas entrepreneurs seize the opportunity to establish innovative businesses in the UK through the Innovator Founder Visa. This visa category is designed for visionary individuals seeking to pioneer unique ventures in the market, setting them apart from the crowd.

Formerly known as the “Innovator Visa,” the Innovator Founder Visa replaced the Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) Visa in March 2019. As of April 13, 2023, the Innovator Founder Visa no longer requires a minimum investment of £50,000 GBP. However, it is essential to demonstrate to the endorsing body that you possess sufficient funding and a reliable financial source if you plan to launch a new business.

The Innovator Founder Visa offers a three-year initial stay, extendable for a further three years. What makes this visa particularly appealing is that after three years, you may be eligible for permanent settlement in the UK, a shorter path compared to the standard five-year requirement for indefinite leave to remain (ILR).

Innovator Founder Visa Requirements

To ensure a successful application for the UK Innovator Founder Visa, applicants must meet the following requirements:

Age: You must be 18 years old or above.
Business Intent: The intention to establish and operate an innovative business in the UK.
Endorsement: You must obtain an endorsement for your existing innovative business or new business idea from an approved endorsing body in the UK.
English Language Proficiency: Meet the English language proficiency requirements by demonstrating competency at level B2 on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) scale.
Financial Support: Provide evidence of sufficient funds to support yourself in the UK, which should be £1,270 in your bank account 28 days before applying.

Applying for the Innovator Founder Visa

The application process for the Innovator Founder Visa involves several stages:

Business Plan: Prepare a comprehensive business plan for your innovative business or idea, showcasing its novelty, viability, and scalability.
Business Endorsement: Your business or idea must be endorsed by an approved endorsing body, such as Envestors Limited, UK Endorsement Services, Innovator International, or The Global Entrepreneurs Programme (GEP).
English Language Requirements: Meet the English language proficiency criteria outlined earlier.
Sufficient Funds: Demonstrate adequate financial support for yourself.
Application Submission: Submit the online application form, provide proof of identity, pay the application fee, and pay the immigration healthcare surcharge if applicable.

Extending the Innovator Founder Visa and Settlement

Upon approval, the Innovator Founder Visa grants you up to 3 years of leave to remain in the UK to launch your business. After this period, you can apply for an extension if you plan to continue operating your business. There is no limit on extensions, provided you meet the eligibility requirements.

The Innovator Founder Visa also offers a clear path to settlement (ILR) in the UK. To qualify for ILR, you must have lived and worked in the UK for three years, meet the criteria related to the success of your innovative business, and complete the Life in the UK Test. With ILR, you can remain in the UK permanently and, after one more year, apply for British citizenship.

Unlock Your Entrepreneurial Potential in the UK

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Amicis Legal Services Ltd is dedicated to helping entrepreneurs like you achieve their dreams of establishing innovative businesses in the UK. With our expertise and guidance, you can navigate the Innovator Founder Visa process successfully and make your mark in the British market. To embark on this exciting entrepreneurial journey today.