Who is the UK Innovator Founder visa route designed for?

If you have played a key role in developing a new business concept that you wish to bring to the UK, you may be eligible to apply for an Innovator Founder visa.

There are several requirements you will need to meet. The business you wish to run must be:

• New – you cannot join an existing business;
• Innovative – you must have an original business idea which is different from anything else on the UK market. It must be either a completely new product/service, or a new aspect of an existing product/service;
• Viable, with potential for growth; and
• Scalable – you must show how you are planning to create jobs and growth in the UK and beyond.

You will also need to have the relevant skills, qualifications, and entrepreneurial experience in order to lead the business in the UK.

You will have to provide a detailed business plan to demonstrate how you satisfy these requirements.

What do I need to do before applying for an Innovator Founder visa?

You will need to present your business concept to a Home Office approved endorsing body. If the endorsing body is satisfied that your business idea is innovative, viable and scalable, they will issue you with an endorsement letter. You will then need to use this endorsement letter to apply for the Innovator Founder visa.

Are there any additional requirements that need to be met?

In addition to obtaining an endorsement letter, you will need to show that:

• you have funds available to maintain yourself and your family in the UK; and
• you meet the English language requirement (B2 – intermediate standard).

In addition, the Home Office must be satisfied that the proposed business is indeed innovative, viable and scalable, and that you are able to deliver on your business plan. They may also wish to see evidence that any investment funds you seek to rely on are genuinely available to you. Finally, the Home Office may require you to attend an interview to assess whether your application is credible.

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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