England Innovator Visa: Application Guidelines
If you are an entrepreneur with a new or innovative business idea, England’s Innovator Visa provides a great opportunity for you to develop and grow your business in the UK. The Innovator Visa enables entrepreneurs from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland to establish a business in the UK, subject to meeting certain criteria.
Eligibility requirements for England Innovator Visa
Before submitting an application, it is important to ensure that you meet the eligibility requirements. To qualify for an Innovator Visa, you must meet the following criteria:
1. Innovator endorsement
You must have a business idea that has been endorsed by an approved endorsing body. The endorsing bodies assess your business idea and the viability of your proposed business plan. They will look at your business idea and whether it is innovative, viable, and scalable. If your business idea has been endorsed, you will receive a letter of endorsement.
2. Investment funds
You must have at least £50,000 available to invest in your business. This investment can be made by yourself or by a third party, such as a venture capital firm. You must also show that you are able to support yourself and any family members who accompany you to the UK.
3. English language proficiency
You must be able to speak, read, write and understand English to an acceptable level. You can demonstrate your English language ability by passing an approved English language test or by having a qualification taught in English.
4. Maintenance requirements
You must be able to maintain yourself and any dependents in the UK. The amount you need to show for maintenance depends on your circumstances, but for a single applicant, it is currently set at £945 for a period of 90 days.
How to apply for an Innovator Visa
Once you have received an endorsement, you can apply for an Innovator Visa. The application process is online, and you will need to provide the following documentation:
- Your endorsement letter
- Your business plan
- Your investment funds
- Your English language test certificate or qualification
- Your passport or travel document
- Your tuberculosis test results (if required)
FAQs about England Innovator Visa
1. Can I switch to an Innovator Visa from a Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) Visa?
Yes, if you are currently in the UK on a Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) Visa, you can switch to an Innovator Visa as long as you meet the eligibility requirements.
2. Can I bring my family to the UK with me?
Yes, you can bring your family members with you to the UK, including your spouse or partner and any children under the age of 18. You will need to show that you can support them financially without relying on public funds.
3. How long can I stay in the UK on an Innovator Visa?
You can stay in the UK for up to 3 years on an Innovator Visa. After this time, you can apply to extend your visa for a further 3 years or apply for settlement (also known as “indefinite leave to remain”) in the UK.
4. Can I work for another company while on an Innovator Visa?
No, you cannot work for another company while on an Innovator Visa. You must be actively working on developing your business idea in order to meet the conditions of the visa.
5. Can I apply for citizenship after being on an Innovator Visa?
Yes, if you meet the eligibility requirements, you can apply for British citizenship after being on an Innovator Visa for a certain length of time. The amount of time required depends on your individual circumstances.