11. UK Innovator Founder Visa for your Partner and Children

Eligibility Criteria for Dependents

To qualify as a dependent, your partner and children must meet specific eligibility criteria. These include:

• Partner: Your spouse, civil partner, or unmarried partner.
• Children: Your child under 18 years old, including those born in the UK during your stay. Children over 18 years old can also apply if they are already in the UK as your dependent.

Relationship Details

To establish your relationship, you must provide proof of either:

• Marriage or Civil Partnership: A civil partnership or marriage recognized in the UK.
• Cohabiting Relationship: A cohabiting relationship that has persisted for a minimum of two years at the time of application.

Requirements for Children Aged 16 or Older

Children aged 16 or older must:

• Reside with You: Live with you, except when enrolled in full-time education at a boarding school, college, or university.
• Not Married or in a Civil Partnership: Neither be married nor in a civil partnership, and not have any children.
• Financial Support: Rely on you for financial support.

Address Verification for Children

If your child is living with you, it is necessary to furnish two of the following documents to verify their address:

• Bank Statement
• Credit Card Bills
• Driving License
• NHS Registration Document
• Official Letter from Their University or College

Application Process

Your partner and children must apply online and provide all necessary documents, including proof of their relationship with you. They will also need to have their biometric information (fingerprints and a photo) taken at a visa application centre.

Fees and Healthcare Surcharge

Each dependent will need to pay the visa application fee (£490) and the healthcare surcharge. The healthcare surcharge amount varies depending on the length of stay and other factors.

How Long They Can Stay

If their application is successful, their visa will end on the same date as yours. They can apply to extend or switch their visa at any time before their current visa expires.

Conclusion

The UK Innovator Founder Visa offers a unique opportunity for entrepreneurs to bring their partner and children to join them in the UK. By understanding the eligibility criteria, application process, and required documents, you can ensure a smooth process for your family members to join or remain with you in the UK as dependents. Providing accurate and up-to-date information is crucial to a successful application, so be sure to gather all the necessary documentation before you proceed.

References: GOV.UK. (n.d.). Student visa: Your partner and children. Retrieved from https://www.gov.uk/student-visa/family-members Immigration Lawyers London. (n.d.). Child Dependent Visa: Bringing Your Children to the UK. Retrieved from https://immigrationlawyers-london.com/dependant-visas/child-dependant-uk-visas.php GOV.UK. (n.d.). Innovator Founder visa: Overview. Retrieved from https://www.gov.uk/innovator-founder-visa VisaLogic. (n.d.). UK Dependent Visa. Retrieved from https://www.visalogic.net/uk/uk-dependent-visa/4/155 GOV.UK. (n.d.). Family visas: apply, extend or switch: Information and evidence you need. Retrieved from https://www.gov.uk/uk-family-visa/provide-information