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The Innovator visa route replaced the Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) visa and in March 2019. The new route requires a lower investment, but the individual will have to secure endorsement from an approved organisation before an application can be made to the Home Office.
The Innovator route is aimed at entrepreneurs that can demonstrate a credible business idea and their credibility in business. The route will be open to those who have already secured endorsement from an approved governing body.
The credibility of your business idea will be assessed during the initial application process by both the Home Office and your endorsing body. This will involve assessment of documentary evidence, including your business plan, and could include an interview.
You may be eligible to switch to an Innovator visa if you are currently in the UK and do not have leave in one of the following categories:
The criteria for the Innovator category differ significantly from the previous Entrepreneur rules. Key criteria include:
Unlike the Entrepreneur route, there are no maximum time limits set for an applicant’s stay in the UK, but applicants will be required to confirm endorsement if they apply for an extension, and must meet strict additional criteria when seeking settlement in the UK.
Prior to applying for the Innovator visa, you will need to gain endorsement from a relevant body; these are likely to include Chambers of Commerce and other business organisations.
Applicants will be expected to create a thorough business plan when applying for endorsement, alongside any other relevant supporting documentation to prove you satisfy the Innovator route requirements:
The expert solicitors at Latitude Law can provide expert advice on all aspects of UK Innovator visa applications. We can provide detailed guidance about the requirements, or prepare the entire application alongside a detailed representation document explaining how the relevant rules are met. Our experts can also provide assistance in applications to switch to the Innovator route from another category, extend your leave or apply for settlement.
Latitude Law has extensive knowledge in all aspects of immigration, human rights, and nationality law. Our experienced solicitors have assisted clients with some of the most complex issues that can arise from visa applications, extensions and switching into other categories.
We have the largest immigration team in the North West and work tirelessly to ensure all of the necessary steps are completed to the highest standard. We are recognised as a Tier 1 immigration law firm by the Legal 500.
You may be eligible to switch to an Innovator visa if you are currently in the UK in one of the following categories:
There is a job creation requirement for the Innovator category; this is measured at settlement stage and can be either:
Note there are alternative ways to measure business success, including:
You must work full-time developing the business in the UK and your endorsing body must be reasonably satisfied that you will spend your entire working time in the UK focussing on the business progression. You can also form a team in the UK, but each member of the team must have access to at least £50,000 to be eligible.
You can apply for settlement / indefinite leave to remain after 3 years’ continuous residence in the Innovator category. You will also need to pass a Life in the UK test at the point of applying for residence.
If you require assistance applying for a Graduate Entrepreneur visa, Latitude Law's immigration solicitors have extensive experience in such cases.
If you need help extending your Entrepreneur visa, Latitude Law's immigration solicitors can guide you through the strict eligibility and specified evidence requirements.
If you need help securing a visa through the investor route, the immigration solicitors at Latitude Law are here to help. We can help you through the application process and provide legal advice and guidance on complex matters, such as appeals.
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A good friend of ours once said: "People do not employ lawyers because they help; they employ them because they make a difference".
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All content on this page was reviewed by Latitude Law and is accurate as of 15/07/2021