Innovative Visa & Entrepreneurs Visa
Now that the United Kingdom is out of the European Union, the need to attract the best brains around the globe remain a focal point for the Government. Therefore, they have introduced the concept of Innovative Visa, the route that allow talented individual to live permanently in the UK. This is a new route and a little mistake may get your visa application refused. If you are a leader and a talented individual, United Kingdom needs you, Worldwide Law, a specialist in Immigration practice will guide you through the do and don’t and help you to get your visa fast. Find below some fact you should know:
Who can apply for an Innovator visa if:
- you want to set up or run a business in the UK
- you’re from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland (candidates from this territory may still have to meet all the requirements after the transition period)
- you meet the other eligibility requirements
- your business or business idea has been endorsed by an approved body
You must have at least £50,000 in investment funds if you want to set up a new business. You do not need funds if your business is already established and has been endorsed for an earlier visa.
Getting endorsed
You must be able to show that your business idea is:
- a new idea – you cannot join or invest in a business that is already trading
- viable, with potential for growth
Read the endorsing bodies list – you should only approach ones that are suitable for your business idea.
How long it takes to get a visa
The earliest you can apply is 3 months before you travel.
Example You can apply from 16 March if you plan to travel on 15 June.
You should get a decision on your visa within 3 weeks when you apply from outside the UK.
Find out about paying for a faster decision.
Fees
How much you pay for an Innovator visa depends on your situation and where you apply from.
| Who you’re applying for | Apply (outside the UK) | Extend or switch (in the UK) |
| You | £1,021 | £1,277 |
| You (if you’re from Turkey or Macedonia) | £966 | £1,222 |
| All dependants | £1,021 each person | £1,277 each person |
Healthcare surcharge
You’ll also have to pay the healthcare surcharge as part of your application. Check how much you’ll have to pay before you apply.
If you’re applying to extend or switch in the UK
You’ll need to pay £19.20 to have your biometric information (fingerprints and a photo) taken.
How long you can stay
You can stay for 3 years if you:
- come to the UK on an Innovator visa
- switch to this visa from another visa
You can apply to extend for another 3 years when your visa is due to expire. There’s no limit on the number of times you can extend.
You may be able to apply for settlement (known as ‘indefinite leave to remain’) once you’ve been in the UK for 3 years.
If your endorsement is withdrawn
Your visa may be cut short if your endorsement is withdrawn. If you want to stay longer, you must re-apply with a new endorsement before your current visa expires.
What you can and cannot do
You can:
- set up a business or several businesses
- work for your business – this includes being employed as a director, or self-employed as a member of a business partnership
- bring family members with you
You cannot:
- do any work outside your business, for example work where you’re employed by another business
- work as a doctor or dentist in training
- work as a professional sportsperson, for example a sports coach
- get public funds
Please call us if you want to have initial consultation or wish to make an application under this category
: 0207 8681667, 02078681684
