Business Visa

UK Innovator Visa

Innovative, Scalable and Viable UK startup opportunities

The UK Innovator Visa scheme

The UK innovator visa (along with the startup visa) was introduced in the spring of 2019 to replace the replace the Tier 1 Entrepreneur visa. The Innovator visa route represents a great opportunity for anyone looking to either start an innovative business in the UK or join a team to develop an innovative business. The business must show the ability to be able to scale and clearly be able to show that it is an idea that is new and that the applicant has shown a valuable input into the business plan as well as being an integral part of the business for it to succeed.

Evaluation of whether the business is innovative, scalable and viable is done by one of the officially appointed endorsing bodies of which Geo Solutions has worked with a number and can work with you to secure.

As an Innovator the main applicant must focus on their business idea whilst in the UK and whilst they are able to open multiple businesses they are unable to work on a payroll for any other company for the duration of the visa (3 years).

Eligibility

In order to be eligible for the Innovator visa route the main applicant must be able to show that they have a minimum B2 (IELTS 5.5) level of English in reading, writing and listening. In addition, the applicant also needs to demonstrate that they are an integral part of their business idea and have at least £50,000 to invest in their project. Each applicant is also required to show that they meet the maintenance funds requirements under the visa.

Documents

At Geo Solutions we will work with you to ensure that all of your documents are in order when applying for your innovator visa. This includes your endorsement letter, bank statements showing availability of funds both for investment and maintenance as well as the correct IELTS certificate and passport copies. Depending on your location and circumstances additional documentation may be required and will ensure that all applicants comply as is required.

Family members

The spouse and children under the age of 18 are able to join the main applicant in the UK with the spouse being free to work and the children being eligible for schooling as is required.

Settlement

Settlement for the whole family is achieved after 3 years if the business is able to show success which is measured by way of a points based system in relation to either turnover, employment or the business applying for intellectual property.

To obtain ILR (settlement or indefinite leave to remain) each applicant must also not spend more than the allotted 180 days outside of the country in each year of the visa ( 3 years).

The applicants may apply for a UK passport after holding ILR for at least 1 year and after a total of 5 years. In order to be eligible for a UK passport applicants must also be able to demonstrate that they have not spent more than 450 days outside of the UK in the last 5 years.