(last modified June 23, 2024 @ 8:47am)

You can apply for an Innovator Founder visa if you want to set up and run an innovative business in the UK. It must be different from anything else on the market and your business or business idea has been endorsed by an approved body.

If you are considering applying for an Innovator Founder visa, our team of immigration solicitors can guide you step-by-step through the process, ensuring you meet all the necessary eligibility criteria and compile a strong application. Our attention to detail and expert knowledge will give you the best possible chance of success.

If you need help with a UK visa application or any other type of immigration matter, contact our immigration solicitors by calling 0208 616 5535 or filling out our online contact form. We are here to guide you every step of the way.

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What is an Innovator Founder visa?

The Innovator Founder visa, previously known as the 'Innovator visa' is designed for individuals with innovative, scalable business ideas who are endorsed by an approved endorsing body. The endorsing body will assess the business idea for its innovation, viability, and scalability.

Your Innovator Founder visa can last for up to 3 years before you need to extend it.

After living in the UK for 3 years under the Innovator Founder visa category, you may be eligible to apply for settlement (indefinite leave to remain), granting you permanent residence in the UK.

Eligibility criteria for UK Innovator Founder visa

You must be able to show that your business idea is:

  • new - you cannot join a business that is already trading
  • innovative - you must have an original business idea which is different from anything else on the market
  • viable, with the potential for growth
  • scalable - you must give evidence of planning that includes creating jobs and growing into national and international markets

You'll need to get an endorsing body to assess that your business idea meets the requirements.

Depending on the type of your application and circumstances, you must meet all the other eligibility requirements. Schedule a consultation with our UK immigration solicitor for your eligibility assessments.

Documents required for Innovator Founder visa

When you apply for your Innovator Founder visa you will need to provide:

  • a current passport or other valid travel document to prove your identity
  • an 'endorsement letter' to show that an endorsing body has assessed your business or business idea
  • proof you have enough money to support yourself
  • evidence of English language proficiency
  • tuberculosis test results (if applicable)

The document checklist provided above is not exhaustive, and additional documents may be required depending on the type of your UK visa application and your circumstances. Schedule a consultation with our UK immigration solicitor to get a comprehensive list of required documents and eligibility assessments.

How to apply for an Innovator Founder visa?

Applying for a UK visa involves several steps. Here is a general outline of the visa application process:

  • Determine Eligibility: Before applying for a UK visa, ensure you meet the eligibility criteria for the specific visa category you are applying for.
  • Gather Required Documents: Prepare the necessary supporting documents to submit along with your visa application.
  • Complete the Online Application Form: Visit the UK government's official visa application website and complete the online application form.
  • Biometric Appointment: Schedule an appointment at a visa application centre (VAC) to provide your biometric information (fingerprints and photographs). You will need to attend the appointment in person.
  • Submit Application and Pay Fees: Once you have compiled all the necessary documents and completed the application form(s), submit your visa application online and pay the applicable visa fees. Fees vary depending on the type of visa and processing times.
  • Wait for a Decision: Once you have submitted your application and attended the biometric appointment (if required), you will need to wait for a decision on your visa application. Processing times can vary, so check the UK government website for current processing times.

You must carefully follow the application instructions and provide accurate and complete information and documentation to avoid delays or refusal of your visa application. If you have any questions or concerns about the application process, consider seeking guidance from our expert UK immigration solicitor in London.

UK Innovator Founder visa processing time

Innovator Founder visa applications generally take up to 8 weeks if applying from within the UK, or up to 3 weeks if applying from outside the UK using a standard service. However, you may be able to use "priority service" to get a faster decision.

The processing time for a UK visa or immigration application can vary depending on several factors. All the applicants are advised to check the latest information about  application processing time on the official UK government website either applying from inside the UK or outside the UK.

How can immigration solicitors help with UK visa applications?

Immigration solicitors play a crucial role in assisting individuals with their UK visa applications by providing expert guidance, legal advice, and representation throughout the application process. Here's how immigration solicitors can help:

  • Initial Consultation: Our immigration solicitors offer an initial consultation where we assess the individual's circumstances, immigration goals, and eligibility for the desired visa category. During this consultation, we provide an overview of the visa application process, requirements, and potential challenges.
  • Visa Category Selection: Our immigration solicitors help individuals select the most appropriate visa category based on their specific circumstances, such as work, study, family reunion, investment, or settlement. We explain the eligibility criteria and requirements for each visa category and assist in determining the best option for the individual's needs.
  • Document Preparation: Our immigration solicitors guide applicants through the preparation of required documents, ensuring they are accurate, complete, and compliant with the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) requirements.
  • Application Form Completion: Our solicitors will fill in visa application forms accurately and thoroughly to avoid any delays or rejection. We provide guidance on answering questions, providing necessary information, and disclosing any relevant details required by the UKVI.
  • Application Submission: We will compile and organise your visa application package and submit your visa application to the UKVI or relevant immigration authorities. We ensure that all required documents are included, application fees are paid, and submission deadlines are met.
  • Communication with Authorities: Our immigration solicitors act as intermediaries between the applicant and the UKVI, representing the applicant's interests and communicating with immigration authorities on their behalf. We handle any correspondence, requests for additional information, or enquiries from the UKVI throughout the application process.
  • Follow-Up and Monitoring: We monitor the progress of the visa application and provide updates to the applicant as needed. We follow up with immigration authorities to expedite the processing of the application and address any issues or concerns that may arise during the assessment period.

Contact UK immigration solicitors today

If you require expert legal advice or assistance with any type of UK visa or immigration application, don't hesitate to contact us today. Our team of highly experienced UK immigration solicitors is here to guide you every step of the way.

To schedule a consultation with our UK immigration law solicitors in London, please call us on 0208 616 5535 or contact us through our online contact form.

Frequently Asked Questions (Innovator Founder Visa UK)

The Innovator visa initially grants successful applicants permission to stay in the UK for up to 3 years. After this period, they can apply to extend their stay for an additional 3 years, with no limit on the number of extensions.

Yes, Innovator visa holders are allowed to bring their spouse/partner and children under the age of 18 as dependents to the UK. However, they must demonstrate that they can support their family members financially during their stay in the UK.

After spending a continuous period of 3 years in the UK on an Innovator visa and meeting certain criteria, individuals may be eligible to apply for settlement (indefinite leave to remain) in the UK. This includes demonstrating progress in their business venture and meeting other requirements for settlement.

To schedule a consultation, you can contact our office by phone (0208 616 5535) or email (info@vanguardlaw.co.uk). Alternatively, you can fill out the online contact form, and a member of our team will reach out to you promptly to arrange a suitable time for a consultation.

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