The Innovator Founder visa is a category of visa for individuals who wish to establish a new business in the UK based on an innovative, viable and scalable business idea. The business must be endorsed by a Home Office approved endorsing body. The visa category may lead to UK settlement.
To be granted a visa under the Innovator Founder route, the applicant’s business must meet the following requirements:
Innovation
The applicant must have a genuine and original business idea which meets new or existing market needs and/or creates a competitive advantage.
Viability
The applicant must have, or be actively developing, the necessary skills, knowledge, experience and market awareness to successfully run the business.
Scalability
There must be evidence of structured planning and potential for job creation and growth into national and international markets.
There is no longer a mandatory minimum investment requirement under the Innovator Founder route.
However, applicants must still demonstrate that they have sufficient funds to establish and grow their business, as assessed by the endorsing body.
Applicants must obtain an endorsement from an approved endorsing body.
The endorsing body will assess the applicant’s business idea against the innovation, viability and scalability requirements. If satisfied, it will issue an endorsement confirming that the applicant and business meet the criteria.
The endorsement must be issued no more than three months before the date of application.
Credibility
The applicant must satisfy the Home Office that they genuinely intend to establish and operate the business and are capable of doing so.
Applicants may be invited to attend a credibility interview.
The applicant must demonstrate that they have held sufficient personal savings for a consecutive 28-day period prior to the application. Additional funds are required where dependants are applying.
Successful applicants will be granted leave for three years.
Innovator Founders may apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after three years, subject to meeting specific business criteria. These include demonstrating significant business achievements, such as:
The applicant must also obtain a further endorsement confirming that the business has met the required criteria.
We have considerable experience in preparing business-related visa applications, including advising on endorsement strategies and business plans.
If you would like to discuss matters further, please contact Charles Green, Consultant Partner, by email or telephone 07955112218.
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