Innovator Founder Visa

Innovator Founder Visa

The Innovator Founder Visa is for start-up entrepreneurs and experienced businesspersons seeking to establish a business in the UK who also intend to have a key role in the day-to-day management and development of their business. Applicants must have an innovative, viable and scalable business idea, supported by a business plan, which has been approved by an endorsing body. The visa is valid for 3 years and can lead directly to ILR at the end of this period (subject to meeting certain requirements) or extend for a further 3 years.  You can also bring your partner and any children under the age of 18 to the UK.

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The following is a list of Endorsing Bodies that have been approved by the Home Office to issue an endorsement letter in connection with an application under the Innovator Founder route:

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• Envestors Limited

• UK Endorsement Services

• Innovator International

• The Global Entrepreneurs Programme (GEP)

In order for your business proposal to be endorsed by a Home Office approved endorsing body, and an endorsement letter issued, the endorsing body will need to be satisfied that various requirements are met. Additionally, you must meet the following for your visa application to be approved by the Home Office:

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• English language requirement at level B2

• Financial requirement for applicant and any family members applying

• Either be the sole founder of your business or a member of a founding team.  If applying as part of a founding team you will need to be an instrumental member of the team and each applicant must receive their own individual endorsement from an approved endorsing body. 

• The endorsement letter from the approved endorsing body.

• You will need to submit a business plan and have either generated or made a significant contribution to the ideas in that business plan.

• Innovation: You must have a genuine, original business plan that meets new or existing market needs and/or creates a competitive advantage;

• Viability:  Your business plan must be realistic and achievable based on your available resources and you must have, or be actively developing, the necessary skills, knowledge, experience and market awareness to successfully run your business;

• Scalability:  There must be evidence of structured planning and of potential for job creation and growth into national and international markets.

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We can assist with application preparation and submission as well as advising on the specific requirements you will need to meet and the documentary evidence required. We tailor our advice to the individual circumstances of each case and also have experience in dealing with complex cases and ones which have previously been refused.

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Fees:

Applying from outside the UK: £1274

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Applying from inside the UK: £1590

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You would also need to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge which is £1035 per year and £1000 to the endorsing body.