The initial visa is granted for 3 years and can be extended for another 3 years. Migrants will be eligible for permanent residence, indefinite leave to remain, for 3 years, and citizenship for 6 years after initial entry to the UK. The Innovator visa is a highly sought-after visa route.

How to get an innovator visa:

Applicants for the Innovator visa must be able to show that their business idea is new, which means they are not permitted to join a business that is already trading. It is also expected by the Endorsing Body that the applicant’s business idea will be original and innovative, not resembling anything else on the market. Furthermore, the business idea must be viable, with genuine growth potential.

You will need £50,000 available to invest in your business, unless you are switching from the Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur or Start-up category, or extending your visa as an existing Innovator to pursue the same business venture. You will also need an innovative, viable and scalable business idea which is supported by an approved endorsing body.

As a holder of the Innovator visa, you will be entitled to do the following:

• Start a business or several businesses
• Work for your business –including employment as a director, or self-employment as a member of a business partnership
• Bring eligible ‘dependants’ – your partner and children – with you to the UK
• Travel to other countries and return to the UK
• Apply to settle in the UK permanently, subject to you having lived in the UK for three years, and meeting the other eligibility requirements

UK Innovator Visa Eligibility

• Applicant should be at least 18 years old;
• The business or business idea must be assessed and approved by an endorsement body, an organisation which has been approved by the Home Office to endorse applicants in the relevant category;
• Candidates for Innovative visas for the UK must also have had a minimum of £1,270 in their bank account for 28 days before they apply. Those wishing to apply to extend their Innovator visa, or switch to this category of visa, are also subject to this requirement if they have been in the UK for less than a year. These must be in addition to the investment funds;
• A team of Innovator visa applicants is required to have a minimum of £50,000 for each applicant; this means that a team of two applicants, for instance, must have £100,000 to invest.

At e-lhr, we have an impressive UK Innovator visa success rate, We also work closely with Endorsing Bodies to ensure the Innovator visa endorsement, and have access to business ideas that are ready for endorsement. For More Information On UK Innovator Visa Contact us.