Straightforward Innovator Visa Processing

What is an Innovator visa?

Innovator visa is suitable for people who want to set up and run an innovative business in the UK - it must be something that’s different from anything else on the market.

An Innovator visa is valid for 3 years, you can extend your visa for another 3 years when your visa is due to expire. There’s no limit on the number of times you can extend.

An Innovator visa can lead to settlement in the UK, you can apply for settlement in the UK after living in the UK under an Innovator visa for 3 years.

You can also bring dependents (spouse and children under 18) to the UK. You must develop your business wholeheartedly and must not carry out other work outside of your business, for example, you cannot be employed by another company.

Download our UK Innovator visa Brochure

How do I get an innovator visa for the UK?

The start-up visaTo get a UK innovator visa, one must first have a business idea that is new or innovative and has the potential to succeed. You will also need to have at least £50,000 to invest in your business and a clear business plan.
 

What is the main difference between a start-up visa and an innovator visa?

There are a few key differences between a UK startup visa and an innovator visa. Primarily, a startup visa is for individuals who are looking to establish a new business in the UK, whereas an innovator visa is intended for experienced business owners who want to bring their business idea to the UK. Innovator visa applicants must have at least £50,000 available for investment funds.

The Start-up Visa is valid for 2 years and cannot be extended, it does not lead to settlement in the UK. The Innovator Visa is valid for 3 years, it can be extended, and it leads to settlement in the UK after 3 years.

What are the requirements for an Innovator Visa?

• must 18 years old or above
• must have at least £50,000 in investment funds
• your business or business idea has been endorsed by an approved body, also known as an endorsing body
• You must be able to show that your business idea is:
  • new - you cannot join a business that is already trading
  • innovative - you must have an original business idea which is different from anything else on the market
  • viable, with potential for growth
• meet the English language requirement CEFR B2 level
• need to prove you have enough savings to support your living in the UK, how much depends on how long you have been living in the UK, more information can be found here

How much does it cost to apply for an Innovator Visa?

The fees include the Application Fee and Healthcare surcharge fee. If you’re switching to this visa within the UK, you also need to pay £19.20 to have your biometric information (fingerprints and a photo) taken. The fees for your dependants are usually the same amount as you.

Application Fee:

Healthcare surcharge: £624 per year

Processing time

After submitting your online application, normally you’ll get a decision within 3 weeks if you’re outside the UK, and 8 weeks if you’re inside the UK.

Endorsement for an Innovator visa

• You must have your business idea supported by a UK endorsing body that has evaluated it for creativity, feasibility, and scalability, and is satisfied that you will spend most of your working time in the UK on growing your business venture.
• Your endorsement letter should be sent out no later than three months before your Innovator visa application is due.
• Any business activities in the UK listed in your application must be something you truly want to do and are capable of doing.

An approved endorsing body must be satisfied that your business plan satisfies all of the following requirements in order for it to be endorsed:

• Innovation: You have a real, unique company idea that addresses new or existing market demands and/or gives you a competitive edge.
• Viability: You have the ability or you are actively developing the needful skills, expertise, experience, and market awareness to manage the business successfully,
• Scalability: Your business plan has the ability to create jobs and expand into new areas across the country.
• The endorsing body will also want to know that you'll be spending most of your working time in the UK on new company projects.

If you have more questions relating to Innovator Visa or want to discuss your specific situation with us, please contact us at: info@workpermitcloud.co.uk

How can we help

At WorkPermitCloud Limited, we have a dedicated team to assist you in your sponsorship application and visa application process. We also offer professional immigration advice regulated by Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC). Our Founder and Managing Director Md Lutfur Rahman (FCILEx) has more than 20 years of experience in sponsorship licences management and immigration services.

• Support by a dedicated and experienced immigration advisor
• Accurately identify the type of visa application
• Supporting documents check, and advise necessary amends
• Assist in completing visa application form(s)
• Review your application bundle ready for submission to the Home Office
• Submit your visa application to the Home Office on your behalf;
• Act as your agent for all correspondence with the Home Office, up to and including receipt of the decision on your visa application;
• Provide professional advice throughout the process of preparing your visa application, by letter, email, telephone or in-person as required;
• Provide professional advice as to the next steps once you have received a decision on your visa application.
• Cost forecast
• Correspondent with Home Office