Innovator Visa

Category Changed to Innovator Founder Visa from April 2023

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  1. Category Changed to Innovator Founder Visa from April 2023
  2. What is a UK Innovator Visa?
  3. Who is eligible to apply for the UK Innovator Visa?
  4. What are the fees for the UK Innovator Visa?
  5. What is the difference between Innovator and Start-up visa?
  6. What are the documents required to apply for an Innovator Visa?
  7. How long does it take to process an Innovator Visa?
  8. How long is the Innovator Visa granted for?
  9. Can an Innovator Visa lead to British Citizenship?
  10. Can you apply for Dependents on an Innovator Visa?
  11. How long does it take to apply for Settlement on a UK Innovator Visa?
  12. What categories can you switch from into an Innovator Visa?
  13. How can Morgan Smith Immigration help me with Innovator Visa?

What is a UK Innovator Visa?

A UK Innovator Visa is a type of visa for entrepreneurs who want to establish or invest in an innovative business in the UK. It allows successful applicants to stay in the UK for up to three years, with the option to extend for a further three years. The Innovator Visa also provides a pathway to settlement in the UK

Who is eligible to apply for the UK Innovator Visa?

To be eligible to apply for the UK Innovator Visa, you must meet the following requirements:

  • You must have a new, innovative, and viable business idea that is different from anything else on the market and has potential for growth and scalability.
  • You must have your business or business idea endorsed by an approved body, also known as an endorsing body.
  • You must be able to speak, read, write, and understand English at level B2 or above.
  • You must be at least 18 years old.
  • You must be able to prove that you have enough personal savings to support yourself while you are in the UK

What are the fees for the UK Innovator Visa?

The fees for the UK Innovator Visa are as follows:

  • The application fee is £1,091 if you are applying from outside the UK, or £1,486 if you are applying from inside the UK.
  • The healthcare surcharge is £1,035 per year for each person included in your application.
  • The endorsement fee is £1000, which is paid directly to the endorsing body.

What is the difference between Innovator and Start-up visa?

The difference between the Innovator and Start-up visa is that the Innovator visa is for experienced entrepreneurs who have access to at least £50,000 in investment funds, while the Start-up visa is for new entrepreneurs who do not need any investment funds. The Innovator visa also has a faster route to settlement than the Start-up visa, as you can apply for settlement after three years on the Innovator visa, while you need to switch to another visa category after two years on the Start-up visa.

What are the documents required to apply for an Innovator Visa?

The documents required to apply for an Innovator Visa are:

  • A current passport or other valid travel identification.
  • A bank statement showing that you have had at least £1,270 in your bank account for 28 consecutive days before you apply.
  • An endorsement letter from an approved endorsing body, confirming that your business idea meets the criteria of innovation, viability, and scalability.
  • Evidence of your knowledge of English, such as a test certificate or an academic qualification.
  • Evidence of your investment funds, if you need them.
  • A tuberculosis test result, if you are from a country where you have to take the test.
  • Any other documents that are relevant to your application, such as your business plan, your previous visa, or your marriage certificate

How long does it take to process an Innovator Visa?

The processing time for an Innovator Visa depends on whether you apply from outside or inside the UK, and whether you use a standard or priority service. Generally, you can expect to get a decision on your visa within:

  • 3 weeks, if you apply from outside the UK using the standard service.
  • 5 working days, if you apply from outside the UK using the priority service.
  • 8 weeks, if you apply from inside the UK using the standard service.
  • 5 working days, if you apply from inside the UK using the priority service.
  • 24 hours, if you apply from inside the UK using the super priority service

Apply now for your Innovator Visa with help from Morgan Smith Immigration

Morgan Smith Immigration has successfully assisted several clients with their Innovator Visas. We review each case on an individual basis and offer tailored immigration advice. Request a Call back by filling the form below for a quick assessment of your case.

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How long is the Innovator Visa granted for?

The Innovator Visa is granted for 3 years, regardless of whether you apply from outside or inside the UK, or whether you are setting up a new business or investing in an existing one. You can apply to extend your visa for another 3 years before it expires, and there is no limit on the number of times you can extend

Can an Innovator Visa lead to British Citizenship?

Yes, an Innovator Visa can lead to British Citizenship, if you meet the following conditions:

  • You have lived in the UK for at least 5 years on the Innovator Visa or another eligible visa category.
  • You have spent no more than 450 days outside the UK in those 5 years, and no more than 90 days in the last 12 months.
  • You have not broken any immigration laws or committed any serious crimes in the UK12.
  • You have passed the Life in the UK Test and met the English language requirement12.
  • You have applied for settlement (also known as indefinite leave to remain) and been granted it12.
  • You have applied for naturalisation as a British citizen and been approved

Can you apply for Dependents on an Innovator Visa?

Yes, you can apply for dependants on an Innovator Visa, if they are eligible. Your dependants can be your partner (spouse, civil partner, or unmarried partner) and your children under 18 years old. They must apply online and pay the same application fee and healthcare surcharge as you. They must also provide evidence of their relationship to you, such as a marriage certificate or a birth certificate. Your dependants can work, study, or set up their own business in the UK, but they cannot access public funds or benefits

How long does it take to apply for Settlement on a UK Innovator Visa?

To apply for settlement (also known as indefinite leave to remain) on a UK Innovator Visa, you must have lived in the UK for at least 3 years on this visa or another eligible visa category. You must also meet other requirements, such as passing the Life in the UK Test, proving your knowledge of English, and not spending more than 180 days outside the UK in any 12 months.

What categories can you switch from into an Innovator Visa?

You can switch into an Innovator Founder visa from the following categories:

  • Start-up
  • Tier 1 (Graduate Entrepreneur)
  • Tier 1 (Entrepreneur)
  • Tier 2
  • Standard Visitor (if you came to the UK to get funding and had a supporting letter from an endorsing body)
  • Student (if you have completed at least 12 months of a PhD course in the UK)

You cannot switch into an Innovator Founder visa from any other category, such as visitor, short-term student or parent of a child student.

How can Morgan Smith Immigration help me with Innovator Visa?

Innovator Visa requires endorsement as well as detailed organisational structure. Our team of Lawyer has successfully assisted many candidates with their Innovator Visa. We also assist our clients with the endorsement criteria along with a full review and submission of the application. Morgan Smith Immigration offer regulated immigration advice on all UK Visa Immigration categories.

How can Morgan Smith Immigration Help?

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