UK Innovator Founder Visa
A Step to Establishing a Successful UK Venture
Nexus Law Firm is a distinguished immigration law firm specializing in the Innovator Founder Visa process. Recognizing the unique needs of entrepreneurs and seasoned business professionals, the firm provides expert legal guidance to those seeking to establish businesses in the UK. Nexus Law Firm assists clients in navigating the intricacies of the Innovator Founder Visa application, emphasizing the importance of presenting innovative, viable, and scalable business ideas supported by endorsed business plans. The firm’s seasoned immigration attorneys work closely with clients, ensuring they have played a significant role in their business ideas and are poised for active involvement in day-to-day management. Nexus Law Firm is dedicated to facilitating a smooth visa process, allowing Innovator Founders to pursue their entrepreneurial endeavors with confidence in the UK.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Your business must be new; joining an already trading business is not allowed.
- The business idea must be innovative and original, setting it apart from existing market offerings.
- It should be viable, demonstrating potential for growth.
- Scalability is crucial, requiring evidence of a well-planned strategy that includes job creation and expansion into national and international markets.
- An endorsing body must assess and confirm that your business idea meets the specified requirements.
Benefits of the UK Innovator Founder Visa
- Initiate and manage one or multiple businesses within the UK.
- Take on roles within your business, whether as a director or as a self-employed member of a business partnership.
- Participate in skilled work outside your business, encompassing roles specified in the Skilled Worker eligible occupations or those necessitating a minimum level 3 qualification.
- Include your partner and eligible children as dependents during your stay.
- Enjoy the flexibility to travel internationally and return to the UK without constraints.
- Apply for indefinite leave to remain (permanent settlement) in the UK after a three-year residency, meeting all other qualifying criteria.
Knowledge of English
- English Proficiency Requirement: Applicants must exhibit competence in reading, writing, speaking, and understanding English, meeting a minimum proficiency level of B2 on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) scale.
Duration of Stay:
- You can stay in the UK for an initial period of 3 years if you either enter the country on an Innovator Founder visa or switch to this visa category from another visa while already in the UK.
- After 12 months and 24 months, you are required to meet with your endorsing body to demonstrate progress in your business venture.
- The validity of your visa may be curtailed if the endorsing body withdraws their endorsement.
- If you wish to extend your stay beyond the initial 3 years, you must re-apply for the visa with a new endorsement before the expiration of your current visa.
Route to the Settlement
- After residing in the UK for 3 years, meet eligibility criteria, including successful progress and ongoing endorsement, to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain, granting permanent settlement.
Processing Time:
- Outside the UK: Expect a decision within 3 weeks after applying online.
- Inside the UK: Anticipate a decision within 8 weeks after the online application.
- Expedited Decision Option: If needed, expedited decisions may be available by paying an additional fee. The process varies based on whether you are outside or inside the UK.
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FAQ's
01. What is the Innovator Founder Visa, and who is eligible to apply?
The Innovator Founder Visa is designed for entrepreneurs and experienced businesspersons seeking to establish innovative and scalable businesses in the UK. Eligibility criteria include presenting an original business idea and securing endorsement from an endorsing body.
02. What are the key requirements for the Innovator Founder Visa application?
Requirements include demonstrating an innovative, viable, and scalable business idea, obtaining endorsement from a recognized body, and proving proficiency in English at a minimum B2 level on the CEFR scale.
03. Can I bring my family with me on the Innovator Founder Visa, and what are the eligibility criteria for dependents?
Yes, you can bring your partner and children under 18 as dependents, provided they meet eligibility criteria. The Innovator Founder must have a key role in the day-to-day management of the business.
04. What is the endorsing body, and how does it play a role in the visa application process?
The endorsing body is an organization that assesses and endorses the viability of your business idea. This endorsement is a crucial part of the application process and helps validate the innovative nature of your business.
05. Are there specific financial criteria or investment thresholds for the Innovator Founder Visa?
No specific financial thresholds are required, but the business idea must be viable. The endorsing body assesses the business plan, and applicants must contribute significantly to or have generated the business idea.
06. How long does the Innovator Founder Visa allow me to stay in the UK, and what is the process for extension or settlement?
The initial visa allows a 3-year stay. Extension is possible by reapplying with a new endorsement before the current visa expires. Settlement (indefinite leave to remain) is attainable after three years, meeting all eligibility requirements.
07.Is it possible to work outside my business while on the Innovator Founder Visa, and what kind of work is considered 'skilled'?
Yes, you can engage in skilled work outside your business, such as roles on the Skilled Worker eligible occupations list or positions requiring at least a level 3 qualification.
08. What language proficiency requirements are necessary for the visa application?
Applicants must demonstrate proficiency in English at a minimum level B2 on the CEFR scale. This can be proven through a Secure English Language Test (SELT) or other approved methods.
09. Can I switch to the Innovator Founder Visa from another visa category while already in the UK?
Yes, it is possible to switch to the Innovator Founder Visa from another visa category while in the UK, provided you meet the eligibility criteria and have the endorsement.
10. Are there expedited processing options available for the Innovator Founder Visa, and how does that work?
Expedited processing may be available by paying an additional fee. The process varies depending on whether you are outside or inside the UK, and details can be found during the application process.
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