In the second instalment of our three-part series on popular UK immigration routes following the U.S. election results, we focus on the Innovator Founder visa—an ideal pathway for entrepreneurs aiming to establish a business in the United Kingdom.
The Innovator Founder visa: an overview
The Innovator Founder visa is designed for experienced entrepreneurs looking to set up and run an innovative business in the UK. This visa route offers an excellent opportunity for American entrepreneurs to bring their business ideas to a thriving market.
Key Features:
- Two-stage application process
- Endorsement by an Approved Body: Applicants must first obtain an endorsement from a Home Office-authorised endorsing body, confirming that their business idea is innovative, viable and scalable.
- Visa application: Once endorsed, applicants can submit their visa application to the Home Office, demonstrating they meet all the requirements.
Endorsement process
Eligibility criteria:
- New business or existing business: The endorsement criteria vary depending on whether you are proposing a new business idea or joining an existing one.
- Approved endorsing bodies: There are four main endorsing bodies:
- Envestors Limited
- UK Endorsing Services
- Innovator International
- The Global Entrepreneurs Programme (GEP): An initiative by the Department for International Trade, available only to founders invited to participate.
Endorsement requirements:
- Innovation: The business idea must be original and meet new or existing market needs.
- Viability: Applicants must have the necessary skills, knowledge and experience to run the business successfully.
- Scalability: There should be evidence of potential job creation and growth into national and international markets.
Visa application requirements
After securing endorsement, applicants must meet additional requirements:
- English language proficiency: U.S. citizens automatically meet this requirement due to their nationality.
- Maintenance funds: Proof of sufficient personal savings to support yourself in the UK.
- Genuine intentions: Demonstrate a genuine intention to undertake the proposed business activity.
Rights and opportunities:
- Work flexibility: You may engage in other employment, provided the role is at least RQF Level 3 (equivalent to A-level in the UK).
- Study: You are permitted to undertake studies alongside your business activities.
- Dependants: Immediate family members (partners and children under 18) can accompany you. Dependants are allowed to work and study in the UK, subject to certain restrictions (e.g. they cannot work as professional sportspersons or coaches and may need an Academic Technology Approval Scheme [ATAS] certificate for specific fields of study).
Pathway to settlement
- Innovator Founders: Eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain after three years of continuous residence in the UK, subject to meeting all the criteria.
- Dependants: Dependants will need to complete a five-year continuous residence period before applying for Indefinite Leave to Remain.
Ongoing endorsement:
- Your endorsing body will maintain contact with you throughout your stay to monitor progress.
- Any further applications (extensions or settlement) will require a new endorsement letter affirming the progress and success of your business since the last application.
Why choose the Innovator Founder visa?
- Accelerated Route to Settlement: Potential to obtain permanent residence after just three years.
- Business Growth: Access to the UK’s robust economy and business-friendly environment.
- Supportive Ecosystem: Benefit from guidance and support provided by endorsing bodies and government initiatives.
How Gherson can assist
Gherson’s Immigration Team has extensive experience advising on UK visa matters, including the Innovator Founder visa route. We can assist you with:
- Assessing eligibility: Determine if the Innovator Founder visa is the right fit for your circumstances.
- Endorsement preparation: Guide you through the endorsement process with authorised bodies.
- Application support: Assist with preparing and submitting your visa application to the Home Office.
- Ongoing compliance: Provide advice on meeting the requirements for visa extensions and settlement applications.
Contact Us
If you have any questions arising from this article or wish to discuss your specific circumstances, please do not hesitate to contact us for advice. You can also reach out via email or follow us on X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn to stay up-to-date.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the Innovator Founder visa?
The Innovator Founder visa is a UK immigration route for experienced entrepreneurs who want to establish and run an innovative business in the UK. It requires endorsement from a Home Office-approved endorsing body.
2. Who is eligible for this visa?
Eligibility criteria include:
- An innovative, viable, and scalable business idea.
- Endorsement from an authorized endorsing body.
- Meeting the English language requirement (automatically met by U.S. citizens).
- Sufficient funds to support yourself in the UK.
3. Do I need an endorsement to apply?
Yes, obtaining an endorsement from an approved endorsing body is mandatory. The endorsing body assesses your business idea for innovation, viability, and scalability.
4. Can my family join me in the UK?
Yes, immediate family members (partner and children under 18) can accompany you as dependants. They are allowed to work and study in the UK, with some restrictions.
Updated 15 November 2024
The information in this blog is for general information purposes only and does not purport to be comprehensive or to provide legal advice. Whilst every effort is made to ensure the information and law is current as of the date of publication it should be stressed that, due to the passage of time, this does not necessarily reflect the present legal position. Gherson accepts no responsibility for loss which may arise from accessing or reliance on information contained in this blog. For formal advice on the current law please do not hesitate to contact Gherson. Legal advice is only provided pursuant to a written agreement, identified as such, and signed by the client and by or on behalf of Gherson.
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