Applying for Innovator Founder Visa
Innovator Founder Visa is a special type of visa designed to attract talented entrepreneurs with innovative business ideas and the intention to start or develop their business in the United Kingdom. The Innovator Founder Visa provides entrepreneurs with the opportunity not only to establish their business in this country but also to access a wide range of resources, including funding, mentorship, and support from leading business incubators. Applicants must have an innovative, viable, and scalable business idea that has been endorsed by an authorized intermediary organization accredited by the UK government.
Requirements for Application
- The applicant must be at least 18 years old;
- Must have the appropriate level of English (level B2, SELT exam);
- The innovative business must differ from those already on the market;
- The business/business idea must be endorsed by a relevant organization;
- The business idea must be fully detailed, i.e., scalable (a detailed plan must be submitted, including job creation and expansion to national and international markets)
Documents Required for Application
- Endorsement letter (this is an approval in the form of a letter from the relevant organization);
- A valid passport or other document that confirms identity and citizenship;
- Bank statements (needed to confirm having at least £1,270 in the account for 28 days prior to the application);
- SELT certificate (level B2);
- Tuberculosis test;
One blank page in the passport is required for the visa, and a notarized translation of documents into English must also be provided.
Application Process
The application is submitted online. However, there are different methods:
- For those applying from outside the UK, biometric data must be submitted to a visa center, and the passport (document confirming identity and citizenship) must be scanned in the UK Immigration: ID Check app;
- For those wishing to extend their current visa, this must be done before it expires. Biometric data must be submitted to the relevant UK center (UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS)) and the passport must be scanned in the UK Immigration: ID Check app;
- For those applying from within the UK and holding another type of visa, previous visa obligations must be completed (e.g., studies under a student visa). However, a person cannot obtain an Innovator Founder Visa if they hold one of the following visas: visitor, short-term student, student parent, seasonal worker, domestic worker, or immigration bail.
Processing Time for Innovator Founder Visa
It should be noted that collecting biometric data and the necessary package of documents takes time. Specialists on the "Consultant" marketplace can help you with this and save your time.
The decision is made within 3 weeks if the person is outside the UK and 8 weeks if they are in the UK.
Duration of Stay with Innovator Founder Visa
In any case (including switching from another type of visa), a person can stay in the UK for 3 years. Each year (after 12 and 24 months of obtaining the Innovator Founder Visa), they must meet with the endorsing organization to demonstrate business progress. The period of stay with the visa may be shortened by the same organization if the business success does not match the initial plan.
If a person wants to extend the visa, they must do so before the current one expires. A new application with a new endorsement letter must be submitted. The number of extensions is unlimited.
Opportunities Provided by Innovator Founder Visa
- Founding one or more businesses;
- Working in their own business (position of director, member of a business partnership);
- Working outside their business (profession covered by the skilled worker visa);
- Bringing a partner and children (they need respective document packages);
- Freely leaving and returning to the UK;
- Applying for indefinite leave to remain (if the person has lived in the UK for 3 years and meets the requirements).
Important. Holding an Innovator Founder Visa prohibits working in sports (e.g., as a coach) and receiving most benefits (state funds) or state pension.
The Role of a Lawyer in Obtaining an Innovator Founder Visa
A specialist provides comprehensive legal support, helping applicants prepare a package of documents, including a business plan that meets the requirements of the relevant organizations. They thoroughly advise on the legal aspects of business and immigration rules, check the compliance of the business idea with the criteria of innovation and scalability. Additionally, the lawyer interacts with accredited intermediary organizations that must approve the business idea and represents the clients' interests in case of any legal issues or problems.
On the "Consultant" marketplace, you can choose an experienced specialist who will help you with the preparation and obtaining of the Innovator Founder Visa.
