The new Innovator Founder route aims to allow more genuinely innovative entrepreneurs to enter the UK and set up their own business.
As an Innovator Founder visa holder, you are now permitted to work for the business (or businesses) that you have established, as well as any other business provided the job is skilled to RQF Level 3.
As an Innovator Founder visa holder, you are permitted to study in the UK, subject to certain conditions.
Can I bring my family with me?
The Innovator Founder visa allows you to bring with you to the UK a dependent spouse or partner and any dependent children who are under the age of 18 at the time of the initial application.
How quickly can I become settled in the UK?
It may be possible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain in the UK (also known as settlement) after 3 years of living and running your business in the UK.
When applying for Indefinite Leave to Remain, your business will need to meet a number of Home Office prescribed criteria, such as having created jobs for local UK residents or meeting minimum revenue targets.
What period of leave will I be given? Can I extend my visa?
If your application is approved, you will be granted leave as an Innovator Founder for a maximum initial period of 3 years.
You can apply to extend your leave in the UK for further periods of 3 years, subject to meeting various requirements, including that:
- You are continuing to pursue a business assessed by a Home Office approved endorsing body at the time of extension;
- Your business is active, trading and sustainable, and demonstrates significant achievements against the business plan assessed in your previous endorsement; and
- You continue to be active in day-to-day management and development of the business.
How Gherson can assist
Gherson’s Immigration Team are highly experienced in advising on UK visa matters. If you have any questions arising from this blog, please do not hesitate to contact us for advice, send us an e-mail, or, alternatively, follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn to stay-up-to-date.
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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