INNOVATOR VISA TO THE UK

Are you a budding entrepreneur, the next Bill Gates or Richard Branson? The Innovator Visa type allows you to invest your ideas and talent in the UK.

Historically this Visa has been granted for those in the field of science and technology, such as e-commerce entrepreneurs. However, there are no restrictions on the type or scope of the fresh talent. In fact, the Home Office has sought to be flexible in its basis for assessing candidates bearing in mind their diverse education and business backgrounds.

The Innovator Visa is initially granted for a maximum period of two years and may eventually lead to permanent residence and British Nationality.

DO I QUALIFY FOR A BUSINESS VISA?

The Free Innovator Visa Eligibility Assessment is designed to instantly determine if you are eligible to apply for a UK Business Visa. It uses criteria set by the Home Office, it is the most comprehensive and technologically advanced online Migration Assessment tool available.

INNOVATOR VISA BASIC REQUIREMENTS

The Innovator Visa is a points based assessment and in order to qualify you must have an outstanding business plan which will create employment in the UK. Your eligibility will be based on your personal characteristics, previous business experience as well as academic and professional qualifications.

To qualify for an Innovator Visa, you must meet the following requirements:

• Your business must create at least 2 full time paid jobs for persons already settled in the United Kingdom.
• You must have at least a 5% shareholding in your UK Company.
• You must be able to financially maintain and accommodate yourself and any dependants joining you.
• You must obtain entry clearance as an innovator before entering the UK.

The Innovator Visa is initially granted for a maximum period of two years allowing you to market your idea and attract a sponsor if appropriate. This visa is extendable, assuming all the further requirements are satisfied, and may eventually lead to permanent residence and British Nationality.

INNOVATOR VISA ENTITLEMENTS

Applicants applying for an Innovator Visa will be granted leave for up to a maximum period of two years. Subject to meeting certain criteria the Home Office may extend the applicant's stay for up to a further three years to make a total of five years. This category may lead to permanent residence and British Nationality.

Dependants such as your married partner or civil partner and/or children under the age of 18 may be able to accompany you on your application. They may also be able to work without any restrictions. You can work full time only in the business interest/company for which permission to enter the UK was sought.

INNOVATOR VISA PROCESSING TIME AND COSTS

INNOVATOR	OUTSIDE THE UK (ENTRY CLEARANCE)	INSIDE THE UK (FLR)
Government Application Fee	£200	£395
Advanced Migration Service	£199
Premium Migration Service	£999
PROCESSING TIMES	1-12 weeks	4-14 weeks
ADVANCED MIGRATION SERVICE Apply for this visa with help from a registered Migration Consultant. PREMIUM MIGRATION SERVICE Let a Migration Consultant manage your visa application for you.