You can apply for an Innovator Visa if the following apply to you:
- Your business idea has been endorsed by an approved body.
- You meet the below eligibility requirements.
- You want to set up and run an innovative business in the UK.
To be eligible for this visa category, you must be able to show:
- Your business idea is new (you cannot join a business that is already trading)
- Your business idea is viable (it has potential for growth)
- Your business idea is innovative (it must be different from what is already out there)
- You must be able to meet the English language requirement
- You must be 18 years old or older
- You must be able to prove you can accommodate yourself financially.
If you want to set up a new business
- You must have at least £50,000 in investment funds to set up a new business.
- You will have to prove where your funding is from
Sharing investment funds
If you have a team with other Innovator applicants, your team must have £50,000 investment funds per applicant.
You can only apply for this visa route from outside the UK. Once you have applied, provided your identity and your documents, you will usually get a decision within 3 weeks.
This visa will give you permission to stay for up to 3 years if you either came to the UK on an Innovator Visa or you have switched to this visa route from another visa whilst you were already in the UK.
After 3 years you may be able to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain in the UK if you meet the eligibility criteria.
Applying from outside the UK
If you are applying from outside the UK, once you have provided your identity and provided your documents, you will usually get a decision within 3 weeks.
Applying from inside the UK
If you are applying from inside the UK, you will get a decision within 8 weeks of your application date.
Applying for an Innovator Visa is a difficult application and needs to be carefully completed. It is very important that the right documents are attached with your application to prove that your business idea is different and innovative. If you complete this application incorrectly, it could cost you a lot of time and money. This is where our highly experienced lawyers will be able to simplify and explain difficult parts of the application and advise you on which documents to provide. At Kalsi Solicitors we have no desire to provide dishonest advice – if we do not feel your application will be successful, we will tell you and help you find another route.
