Innovator Visa UK: A New Era Begins 29 March 2019
With the statement of changes on March 7, the UK will open applications for the innovator visa on March 29, 2019. The start-up visa is designed for emerging entrepreneurs, while the innovator visa targets experienced businesspeople aiming to establish an innovative, viable, and scalable business in the UK with support from an endorsing body. Applicants generally require a minimum investment of £50,000. The visa allows for a 3-year stay, with the possibility of applying for settlement (ILR) under Appendix W of the Immigration Rules afterward.
Transitioning from Tier 1 Entrepreneur to Innovator Visa
The innovator visa category within Appendix W will supersede the Tier 1 Entrepreneur route from March 29, 2019. Extensions and ILR applications for Tier 1 Entrepreneur will remain open until April 5, 2023, and April 5, 2025, respectively. Successful applicants from abroad will receive an extension of 2 years and 4 months.
Innovator Visa: A Reinvention Not Just Replacement
The innovator visa is not merely a new route but an evolution of the PBS Tier 1 entrepreneur, reflecting the UK’s commitment to fostering business innovation.
Eligibility for the Innovator Visa
Meeting the requirements under Parts W3 and W6 of Appendix W is crucial. The endorsement criteria for “new business,” “same business,” and “settlement” are particularly pivotal for success. For assistance, consult a specialist innovator visa solicitor.
Further Reading:
Navigating the intricacies of UK visa applications and requirements can be daunting. The following collection of articles aims to shed light on various specialized visa categories and key immigration concepts, providing readers with valuable insights and guidance for their specific circumstances.
- Tier 1 Entrepreneur Refusal Grounds: Unveils the common reasons behind the refusal of Tier 1 Entrepreneur Visa applications, helping applicants to better prepare their submissions.
- Continuous Residence Requirement in the UK: Elucidates the concept of continuous residence and its critical role in the path to settlement in the UK.
- Switching Visa in the UK: Offers essential information for those looking to change their visa status while within the UK’s borders.
- UK Visit Visa Extension: Discusses how visitors can extend their stay in the UK, ensuring they remain compliant with immigration rules.
- Intra Company Transfer Visa UK: Explains the visa process for employees of multinational companies who are being transferred to the UK branch.
- Job at an Appropriate Level Requirements: Breaks down the skill level criteria for occupations under the Skilled Worker Visa scheme.
- Scale up Visa UK: Introduces the UK Scale up Visa, designed to support rapidly growing businesses in attracting global talent.
- High Potential Individual Visa UK: Guides highly skilled individuals on securing a visa under the High Potential Individual category.
- Global Business Mobility Visa: Offers insights into the visa options for international business professionals looking to engage with the UK market.
- Salary Skilled Worker Visa UK: Details the salary thresholds and compensation structures for Skilled Worker Visa applicants.
These articles serve as a gateway to understanding the complex tapestry of UK immigration policy. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a skilled professional, or a global business strategist, staying informed can significantly impact the success of your visa application and your future in the UK.
For detailed insights on other visa types and immigration advice, visit the UK Visa Blog.
