Shabana Bukhari 
What is the Innovator Visa?
The Innovator Visa, also known as the Innovator Founder Visa, is for those applicants who wish to begin and manage a business in the UK. Please note that as the title suggests, the business must be ‘innovative’ and hence unlike anything that already exists.
Eligibility Requirements
- You must be at least 18 years of age.
- The financial requirement includes proving that you have a minimum of £1,270 if you are currently outside the UK or have been in the UK for less than 12 months.
- Your business proposal must be new and innovative.
- There must be potential for feasible economic growth in your business idea. You must also provide evidence which shows the possibility of job creation and how the business can expand into markets nationally and internationally.
- The business must be endorsed by an approved body. To read more about those bodies that are exempt from being an approved body please follow this link: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/endorsing-bodies-innovator-founder-and-scale-up-visas. Note that a letter of endorsement must be gained from the approved body and this letter must be issued no more than three months before the date that you apply for the Innovator Visa.
- You must achieve level B2 of the CEFR which proves your eligibility under the English language requirement.
- You have acquired a TB test certificate if you are from a country which required such evidence.
Application Process
- Ensure you meet the eligibility requirements laid out above.
- Apply for an endorsement letter by an approved body and receive a letter from this body confirming your meet the requirements.
- Complete your online visa application including your endorsement letter as evidence and all other relevant documents, such as a CEFR certificate.
- Receive a decision on your Innovator Visa.
Locating Innovator Visa Consultants in Reading
Locating consultants in Reading starts online, or through word of mouth. It is best to start by browsing a group of immigration law firms in Reading and then narrow down this search by checking on their respective websites whether they offer advice on the Innovator Visa. It may also be important to you as the applicant to check how far the consultants are from the city centre or you home address as you may wish to have an appointment with them in person. If this is the case, you can use online maps to look at the distance that the immigration consultants are from your location.
Please note that Henleaze Law has Reading based consultants which offers advice on Innovator Visas.
FAQs
What is an Innovator Visa? – An Innovator Visa is for those applicants who wish to begin and manage a business in the UK. Please note that as the title suggests, the business must be ‘innovative’ and hence unlike anything that already exists.
What is the application process for the Innovator Visa? – The application process for the Innovator Visa includes meeting the eligibility requirements and ensuring you apply and receive a letter from your endorsing body. This letter and other evidence proving the eligibility requirements must then be attached to your online application.
What is the English language requirement for the Innovator Visa? – The English language requirement for the Innovator Visa is a level B2 of the CEFR.
How long am I able to remain in the UK on the Innovator Visa? – Successful applicants on the Innovator Visa can remain in the UK for three years. There is also the option to extend your stay beyond these three years and more information on this can be found by following this link: Innovator Founder visa: Extend your visa – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).
What if I wish to stay longer in the UK than the standard three years that the Innovator Visa provides for? – If you wish to stay longer in the UK than the standard three years that the Innovator Visa provides for then you can apply to extend your visa for a following three years. Please note that there is no bar on the number of times that you can extend your visa. To read more about whether you are eligible to extend your visa follow this link: https://www.gov.uk/innovator-founder-visa/extend-your-visa.
How long does it take for a decision to be made on my Innovator Visa? – The Home Office estimates that it takes around 3 weeks if you are outside the UK, and 8 weeks if you are inside the UK to get a decision on your Innovator Visa application.
Am I able to pay to get a decision on my Innovator Visa quicker? – Yes, you can pay to get an expedited decision on your application for the Innovator Visa.
How are the fees structured for the Innovator Visa? – If you are applying outside the UK then it will cost £1,191 and if you are inside the UK, it will be £1,486. Please note that you will also have to pay the healthcare surcharge.
Can I bring my partner or child to the UK with me on my Innovator Visa? – Yes, you can bring your partner or child to the UK with you on the Innovator Visa. However, an application for a ‘dependent visa’ must be made. More information on this can be obtained on the Home Office website: https://www.gov.uk/innovator-founder-visa/your-partner-and-children#:~:text=You%20can%20apply%20online%20for,to%20stay%20in%20the%20UK.
How long do I have to be living in the UK before I can apply to settle here? – You must be livening in the UK for three years to apply to settle. Therefore, those on the Innovator Visa are able to apply to settle in the UK.
Summary
In this blog readers have attained information on Innovator visa consultants in Reading. The eligibility requirements and application process have all been discussed, as well as how to locate consultants to aid in this area of applications.
Please contact our expert team at Henleaze Law which offer advice on Innovator Visa applications on 0117 908 4625 or via email.
