The Innovator visa pathway is for experienced entrepreneurs looking to set up or run a business in the UK. The original Innovator visa is valid for 3 years of entry and can be extended for a further 3 years, with no maximum duration in the category. After an applicant has lived in the UK for 5 years continuously, they can apply for permission to settle in the UK, also known as a permanent residence.
On March 29, 2019, the Innovator visa began to replace the Tier 1 Entrepreneur visa category. This new category aims to encourage the UK to develop and invest in viable, innovative, and scalable businesses to drive economic growth. The initial visa is valid for 3 years and can be extended for 3 years, there is no maximum period in this category. After 3 years of continuous residence in the UK, you are eligible to apply to settle in the UK. Even more exciting is seeing how our clients and our featured partners are using the new publishing tools at their disposal. Not convinced that the new WordPress editor is powerful enough for enterprise clients? Think again!
Meeting innovator residency needs
All applicants must meet the following requirements to apply for the ILR in the Innovator category:
- Satisfy the residency requirement for 3 years prior to the date of submission of the application.
- The most recent visa must be an innovation visa
- Have not violated any immigration laws
- T must have sufficient knowledge of English and pass the Life in the UK Test
- If they have a criminal record or a poor immigration history, they cannot be rejected for being of bad character under the general grounds for rejection.
Accreditation Criteria:
Anyone wishing to apply for settlement as an innovator must provide a letter of endorsement from an endorsing body approved by the Home Office confirming the following:
- The applicant has demonstrated significant achievement, as judged by a previously approved business plan.
- The applicant’s business is registered with the Companies Registry and listed as a director or member of the business.
- The business is active and trading.
- The business is sustainable for at least 12 months based on its assets and projected income, plus current and planned expenses.
- The applicant has played an active key role in the day-to-day management and development of the business.
The letter of endorsement should also confirm at least two of the following requirements:
- Invested at least £50,000 in the business and actively spent furthering the applicant’s previously recognized business plan.
- The company has at least doubled its number of customers in the last three years and is now higher than the average for other UK companies offering similar major products or services.
- The business is engaged in significant research and development activities and has applied for intellectual property protection in the UK.
- The business had a minimum gross annual income of £1 million for the most recent full year covered by its account.
- The business had a minimum gross income of £500,000 per year in the previous year covered by its account, of which at least £100,000 was from overseas exports.
- The business has created at least 10 full-time jobs for local workers.
- The business creates at least 5 full-time jobs for local workers who earn an average annual salary of at least £25,000 (gross salary, excluding any expenses).