- Sponsorship
- UK Innovator Founder Visa
UK Innovator Founder Visa
You can apply for a Skilled Worker visa to work in the UK in an eligible job with an employer licenced as a sponsor by the UK government.
Can I apply for the UK Skilled Worker visa?
We can help you. It’s what we do.
Overview
You can apply for a Skilled Worker visa to work in the UK in an eligible job with an employer licenced as a sponsor by the UK government. This UK work visa has replaced the Tier 2 (General) work visa. This category is for all foreign nationals who have been offered a skilled job to fill a gap in the workforce which cannot be filled by an already settled worker in the UK. There are a number of complex scenarios which should be discussed and explored in detail before you can apply.
You can apply for a Skilled Worker visa to work in the UK in an eligible job with an employer licenced as a sponsor by the UK government. This UK work visa has replaced the Tier 2 (General) work visa. This category is for all foreign nationals who have been offered a skilled job to fill a gap in the workforce which cannot be filled by an already settled worker in the UK. There are a number of complex scenarios which should be discussed and explored in detail before you can apply.
International Sportspersons visa
This category is for highly skilled sportspersons who must be recognised by a governing body as an elite sports person or a sports coach. The applicant must demonstrate that their employment in the UK will encourage the sport to become more elite and prominent in the UK.
To apply for ILR you must have spent continuous period of 5 years in the UK and must have spent no more than 180 days outside the UK in any 12 months. You must also meet the English language requirement, pass the Life in the UK test and meet the salary threshold requirement of at least £35,800.
Indefinite leave to remain
The skilled worker visa lasts for up to five years. If you want to stay longer, you can apply to extend your, as long as you still meet the eligibility requirements. After five years, you may also be entitled to apply for indefinite leave to remain, which gives you the right to live, work and study in the UK for as long as you like. You must apply to extend or update your skilled work visa UK if you change jobs or employer.
To apply for ILR you must have spent continuous period of five years in the UK and must have spent no more than 180 days outside the UK in any 12 months. You must also meet the English language requirement, pass the Life in the UK test and meet the salary threshold requirement of at least £25,600 per year.
What is the UK Innovator Founder Visa?
The UK Innovator Founder Visa is a pathway for talented entrepreneurs who want to establish an innovative, viable, and scalable business in the UK for the first time. This visa category replaces the previous Innovator Visa and aims to provide more flexibility for individuals with genuine proposals. The Innovator Founder visa also removes the minimum investment funds requirement of £50,000 and allows for entrepreneurs to seek supplementary employment if they need to.
With this visa, your initial visa will be valid for up to three years, after which you can apply for a further three-year extension, or settlement which is also known as indefinite leave to remain. This is one of the most attractive features of the Innovator Founder visa, the ability to apply for ILR in as little as three years. This is shorter than the normal five years required for indefinite leave to remain under other categories.
What are the requirements?
To qualify for a UK Innovator Founder visa, you must meet the following eligibility criteria:
- You must be at least 18 years old;
- Your business idea must be endorsed by an approved endorsing body and you can provide a letter confirming the required endorsement information
- You are competent in the English language to at least Level B2
- You must have sufficient funds to support yourself and any dependents during your stay in the UK
- You have provided a TB Certificate, if this is required
- Your application does not fall for refusal on general grounds for refusal
Who is eligible for a UK Innovator visa?
The Innovator Founder Visa is best suited for aspiring entrepreneurs and experienced businesspeople, who intend to establish a genuine business in the UK. Typically, you would need to have a different business concept, and the business itself should not already be operational/trading. However, you can join a business that has already been registered with Companies House, if the business has not started trading. In this scenario, you would need to demonstrate you have made a substantial contribution to the business plan and that you have not joined an existing plan solely to facilitate investment.
The business concept can be in any sector, as long as it demonstrates sufficient innovation, viability, and scalability, and is supported by a comprehensive business plan and endorsement letter.
You have the option to work independently as sole founders or collaboratively as an integral member of a founding team.
How do I apply for an Innovator Founder Visa?
Applications are submitted online and usually from your country of residence or from a country that you are a national of. Once the application is submitted, you would then need to submit your supporting evidence and book an appointment at a visa application centre to provide your biometric information. We can handle the entire process on your behalf.
It usually takes 3 weeks to get a decision but a fast-track option may be available at your visa application centre. We can advise on this once we submit your application.
How do I get endorsement for the Innovator Founder visa?
In addition to the above, you must meet the endorsement criteria. They will assess the viability, innovation, scalability, and potential for growth and job creation. Each endorsing body may have its own specific requirements and focus areas, so it’s crucial to choose the right endorsing body aligned with your industry and vision. For a successful application consider the following:
- Business Plan: Prepare a detailed business plan, demonstrating your innovative and scalable business idea. The plan should outline your role in executing the idea and your contribution to the success of the business.
- Innovation and Viability: Your business venture must be genuinely innovative, meeting new or existing market needs and creating a competitive advantage. It should be realistic, achievable, and based on the resources available to you. The plan should showcase structured planning and the potential for job creation in the UK for settled workers.
- Scalability: The business needs to show potential for growth and highlight potential success in national and international markets.
- Endorsement Letter: You need to obtain an endorsement letter from your chosen endorsing body. This letter confirms that your business plan satisfies the requirements and that you possess the necessary skills, knowledge, and experience to successfully run the business.
Only organisations authorised by the Home Office can provide the required endorsement. These organisations, as listed on the Home Office website, are:
- Envestors Limited
- UK Endorsing Services
- Innovator International
- The Global Entrepreneurs Programme (GEP)
Investment Funds Requirement:
Unlike the previous Innovator route, the Innovator Founder Visa does not have a minimum investment funds requirement. This change allows talented entrepreneurs with genuine proposals to focus on the viability and potential of their business idea rather than a specific investment amount. However, you should still ensure you have access to investment funds relative to your business idea so if your business needs £100,000 in start-up costs, then your business plan must account for this amount.
English Language Requirement:
As part of the visa application, you need to demonstrate English language proficiency at CEFR level B2 or higher. This includes reading, writing, speaking, and listening components. Exemptions may apply in certain cases. This requirement ensures that you can effectively communicate and operate your business in an English-speaking environment.
UK Innovator Founder Visa Financial Maintenance Requirement:
In addition to meeting the business and endorsement criteria, you must show that you have at least £1,270 in personal funds held for a 28-day period prior to your application. This financial requirement demonstrates your ability to support yourself during your stay in the UK.
How much does it cost to get a UK Innovator Founder visa?
The fee for applying for entry clearance with a UK Innovator Founder is £516 per applicant. In addition to the visa application fee, you will also need to pay the Immigration Healthcare Surcharge (IHS) as part of your application. This allows you to access the National Health Service (NHS) once you are living in the UK. The IHS is calculated based on the duration of leave granted, at a rate of £624 per year for an adult applicant and £470 per year for children.
Can I work in another job with the Innovator Founder visa?
The simple answer is yes you can work in another role. As an innovator founder visa holder, you’ll be permitted to work for the business that you have established, and undertake additional employment, if employment is in a role that requires a skill level of not less than RQF Level 3, which is equivalent to UK A Levels.
Can my dependants be included as part of my Innovator visa?
Yes, you are permitted to bring certain family members to live with you in the UK. This includes your unmarried partner, spouse, civil partner, and dependent minor children who are under the age of 18. They will usually be granted the same length of stay as the main visa applicant and will also have the right to work and study in the UK.
To have your dependant family members apply with you, you must demonstrate the following:
- You can arrange adequate accommodation for both you and your partner (and children if included), without relying on public funds, which you either own or exclusively occupy.
- Your partner has no intention of staying in the UK beyond the period of the Innovator Visa granted to you as the primary visa applicant.
- Your partner does not fall under the general grounds for refusal – we can advise on what the general grounds for refusal are.
In addition to the above, if you are not married to your partner (unmarried partner route), there are additional requirements which include:
- The termination of any previous marriage, civil partnership, or similar relationship by either partner.
- No blood relationship between the partners.
- Living together in a relationship for a minimum of two years.
- Your relationship is genuine and subsisting and you intend to live together as partners during your stay in the UK.
How can I apply to include my dependants as part of my Innovator Visa?
When applying for entry clearance as the partner or dependent of an individual holding an Innovator Founder visa from outside the UK, you will need to complete the online application process. It is recommended that both you and your partner submit your applications simultaneously, to facilitate traveling together to the UK. However, your partner has the option to apply later to join you. If your partner is already in the UK, they can apply to switch their visa from a different category. However, it’s important to note that they are ineligible to apply if their most recent entry clearance was as a visitor or short-term student.
Like your process, as part of the application process for entry clearance and/or leave to remain, your partner and dependants will be required to attend a visa application appointment to provide them provide biometric information.
How can Bridge Partners Immigration help?
Our team of experts are well-versed in the intricacies of the UK Innovator Founder Visa and can provide comprehensive guidance and support throughout the application process. We understand the importance of meeting the endorsement and financial requirements while showcasing the innovation and viability of your business idea.
Take the first step towards establishing your innovative business in the United Kingdom. Contact us today to explore the Innovator Founder Visa further and learn how we can assist you in making your entrepreneurial dreams a reality.
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Frequently Asked Skilled Worker visa Application Questions
Someone can be eligible for a Skilled Worker visa if they have a job offer from a sponsoring company in the UK for a job that is on the list of skilled worker occupations. In addition, the skilled worker must have the required skills and experience to undergo the role in the company and have the required level of English language ability.
The minimum salary for the Skilled Worker visa is either £25,600 per year, £10.10 per hour or the “going rate” for the particular occupation code, whichever is highest. For each job on the Home Office occupation list, there is a “going rate” which details the recommended annual and hourly salary that an individual must earn for the role. The rates are based on a 39-hour week of work. Those applying for the Skilled Worker visa need 50 points to do so. These are gained from sponsorship, skill level and English language requirements. However, 20 further tradable points can be given to those that meet the minimum salary requirement.
You cannot move to the UK without a job offer from a company that has a UK sponsor licence, unless you apply for the Global Talent visa where this is not a requirement. When you are applying for a Skilled Worker visa you must provide a certificate of sponsorship reference number which proves that you have a job offer and therefore permission to work in the UK with a registered sponsor.
The general Skilled Worker visa requirements are that you must have a job offer from a company that is a UK-registered sponsor and have a certificate of sponsorship that confirms that you have permission to work in the UK within a specific job role. You must be paid the required minimum salary for the occupation, have the required skill level and English language ability to do the job and have enough funds to support yourself in the UK.
Once all the correct documentation has been submitted, it takes around 3 weeks for an application for a Skilled Worker visa to be processed by the Home Office when applying outside of the UK. For applications within the UK, the standard processing time is 8 weeks, although this can take around 9 weeks on average.
For the Skilled Worker visa, you will need to provide a valid passport and proof that you have a job in the UK with details about your job role, salary, and employer information. You will also need the reference number for your certificate of sponsorship which proves that you have an approved job offer with a registered UK sponsor. In addition, you will need to provide bank statements that show you are able to support yourself in the UK and proof of the required qualifications needed for the role such as an English language test and degree certificate.
Yes, you can study whilst on a Skilled Worker visa. There is no restriction on the number of hours you can study as long as it does not interfere with your work. Another requirement is that workers who study must first get an Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate for their studies and present it to the education provider.
Skilled Workers are not allowed to run their own businesses.