Why was Innovator Visa created by the Home Office?
Following a statement of changes to UK immigration rules issued on 7 March 2019, the Tier 1 Entrepreneur Visa programme was closed to new applicants on 29 March 2019. This has been replaced by the new UK Innovator visa scheme. The Tier 1 Entrepreneur Visa category allowed businesspeople with £200,000 in funds available for investment to enter the UK to establish or take over a UK business. Under this visa category applicants were allowed to set up a traditional business which is the major difference from the Innovator visa route. The Innovator visa route was created for experienced tech entrepreneurs with the aim to attract the best talents and technology to the UK from all over the world and build the new economy in the UK.
How long I can stay on Innovator Visa in the UK?
The UK Innovator visa is valid for 3 years, then you can apply for settlement (ILR) if your business has demonstrated significant growth.
Can I work for a company and run the business under UK Innovator visa category?
As an innovator, you must work on the development of your main business idea approved by the Endorsement Body and Home Office. However, you can also set up or join other businesses. You will not be allowed to work for other business as an employee.
Can I set up and run more than 1 company in the UK?
Yes, you are allowed to set up multiple businesses in the UK. However, only your main business (approved by the Endorsement body) will be evaluated by the Endorsement Body and the Home Office.
Does the the business have to be trading (active) or not at the time of the submission of the UK visa application and during preparation process?
The general rule is that to be approved the business must not have started trading (making any profits) at the time of the Innovator Visa application. It is allowed for an individual to have joined a business after it was registered with Companies House, providing the business had not already commenced trading. Where this occurs, it must be evident that the applicant made a significant contribution to the business plan and has not been added to an existing business plan primarily for the purpose of facilitating investment. If the applicant is switching to the Innovator visa route from the Start-up visa route ‘same business’ requirement will apply in this case. The endorsing body must be satisfied that the applicant’s business is active, trading, sustainable and demonstrates significant achievements against the most recently agreed business plan.
What happens if your endorsement is withdrawn?
The endorsing body can withdraw their endorsement at any time, including during the application process or after the application is approved. Your visa may be cut short if your endorsement is withdrawn. If you want to stay longer, you must re-apply and receive a new endorsement before your current visa expires. You may have to demonstrate that you have £50,000 of funds available, this is upon discretion of the endorsing body and depends on the business’ circumstances.
Can I apply for UK Innovator visa with existing business in the UK?
It is allowed for an individual to have joined a business after it was registered with Companies House, providing the business had not already commenced trading. Where this occurs, it must be evident that the applicant made a significant contribution to the business plan and has not been added to an existing business plan primarily for the purpose of facilitating investment. If any of the funds have already been invested in the applicant’s business, the applicant must provide either of the following, showing the amount that has been invested:
-business accounts, showing the name of the accountant and the date they were produced; or
-business bank statements.
Do I have to execute the business idea that I used in my visa application?
Yes, under this visa route you must have a genuine business idea that you are willing to execute. This is the most important condition of the visa.
Is there a residence requirement should I wish to apply for UK Settlement (ILR)?
Yes, if you are considering applying for ILR you will need to have spent not more than 180 days outside the UK in any rolling 12-month period during the 3 years prior to the date of application.
How can I obtain British Citizenship via UK Innovator Visa?
You can apply for British citizenship after you receive your ILR (Indefinite Leave to Remain). Please note, that you have to be a permanent resident in the UK for at least 5 years, including 1 year on ILR. An applicant must have good reputation. Criminal and administrative offences are unacceptable. In 5 years prior to applying for citizenship, you cannot spend more than 450 days outside the UK and in the year preceding the application for naturalisation, you cannot leave UK for more than 90 days. You will also have to pass a Life in the UK test and provide proof of your English level (B1 or higher).
Can I switch from other visa categories in the UK or overseas?
You can switch to this visa inside the UK if you hold a UK residence permit (BRP), for example, if you are currently on a Start-up visa, Global Talent visa, General work visa, etc.
You cannot switch to this visa if you have one of the following:
• a visit visa
• a short-term student visa
• a Parent of a Child Student visa
• a seasonal worker visa
• a domestic worker in a private household visa
• immigration bail
• permission to stay outside the immigration rules, for example on compassionate grounds
You should apply before your current visa expires.
How can Mann’s Solutions help you in obtaining UK Innovator Visa and British passport?
Our business advisors and immigration lawyers will be responsible for the full case management. During the first stage Mann’s Team will prepare a business plan based on your business idea for submission to endorsing body. After the business plan is prepared Mann’s Team arranges interviews with the selected endorsing bodies based on the applicant’s business industry, expertise & professional background. Our business experts will also provide assistance in preparing the applicant for the interview by carrying out mock interview where the applicant’s business idea will be discussed in detail. Each applicant must have all necessary documents ready before the interview (CV, business plan, education certificates). During this stage an endorsing body assesses applicant’s skills, abilities and achievements, and advises the Home Office whether he or she can be endorsed. Once we obtain the Endorsement Letter from endorsement body we will finalise your case, attach all additional documents and submit the online application form to the Home Office. When submitting the online application form all government immigration fees must be paid, then we upload all the required documents and book your appointment at the authorised visa centre in your country to provide biometrics and photos. In order to assess your chances for UK Innovator Visa Approval, kindly complete our tailored Eligibility Test and book a preferable date for free consultation. Our business advisors and immigration lawyers will then perform full assessment during the consultation. You can contact us in 3 years’ time so we can assess your chances of getting ILR and British passport. We will onboard you and provide you with full support you may need when preparing your settlement (ILR) application and obtaining a British passport.
What is the difference between UK Start-up visa and UK Innovator visa?
Start-up visa is designed for early-stage entrepreneurs who are either recent university graduates or have no more than 1-3 years’ work experience at a junior or middle level position. The required standards for the contents of the business plan are normally lower. Innovator visa is designed for experienced entrepreneurs who can demonstrate solid business expertise or work experience on senior level position and can present a more crystallised business idea.
How can I switch from UK Start-up visa to UK Innovator visa?
You can switch from UK Start-up visa to UK Innovator visa after 2 years, if you can demonstrate significant achievements of your business. The business must be sustainable for at least the following 12 months, based on its assets and expected income, weighed against its current and planned expenses. The applicant must also demonstrate an active key role in the day-to-day management and development of the business. Applicants do not need to show evidence of funding (£50,000) when switching from Start-up visa.
What are the Innovator Visa requirements?
You must present an innovative, viable & scalable business idea. You must be able to invest at least £50,000 into a new business. Your business idea must receive an endorsement. You have to demonstrate that your knowledge of English is at Level B2.
Can I apply for an Innovator Visa as a team?
Yes, you are allowed to apply as a part of an innovator team. Each applicant must receive their own individual endorsement from an approved endorsing body. Each team member must have investment funds of at least 50,000 GBP each. However, please note, that the maximum number of team members (co-founders) is no more than 2 or 3, depending on the business idea.
Can I join an existing business as co-founder under Innovator Visa category?
Applicants under Innovator Visa Route are expected to start a new innovative business that does not already exist in the UK. If you wish to join an existing business, it should not have started trading.
Can I bring my family to the UK? What rights are they going to have?
Yes, you can bring your spouse/partner and children under 18 to the UK. They will have the right to live, work and study in the UK.
Can I bring my staff members to the UK on this visa?
You can only bring your family as dependents. However, if you get a sponsorship license for your company in the UK you may be able to sponsor your staff members under General work visa.
What is an endorsing body?
Endorsing bodies are existing successful companies that have been chosen by the government to help decide which Innovator Visa applications from non-UK entrepreneurs have the greatest potential. Endorsing bodies are usually business accelerators, Venture capital and private equity firms. Upon receipt of the endorsement from one of the designated endorsing bodies, the applicant will commit to fulfilling the terms and conditions offered by the endorsing body. These can include mandatory payments, workshops, and other commitments that are meant to be mutually beneficial. The link to the approved list can be found here.
How do I choose the Endorsing Body? Are there any industry-specific endorsement bodies?
The choice of endorsing body depends on your profile, the industry you want to establish a business in and any other support that your business may need. It’s advisable to research and contact an Endorsing Body that has experience in a similar field to your potential business. This will allow your business plan to be seen in its full potential as the Endorsing Body will understand the area of business and market you’re looking to move into.
What is the role of Endorsing Body once I received an endorsement?
Your endorsing body plays a major role during your stay in the UK after getting your innovator visa. You will need to stay in contact with your endorsing body as they will monitor your progress at 6 months, 12 months, and 24 months checkpoints. If they are unhappy, they may withdraw your endorsement. What services does Endorsement Body normally provide: Corporate service support; Corporate finance support; Endorsement support; Growth & management support; Networking opportunities and links to tech entrepreneurs/investors.
How long it will take to prepare for the endorsement process and btain the endorsement letter?
The business plan preparation normally takes around 1-2 weeks. Once the business plan is ready and other documents are prepared the applicant’s file can be sent to the selected endorsing body for consideration. After successful initial review the endorsing body will propose slots for the interview where the applicant’s business plan and previous experience will be assessed.
How long is the process of obtaining the Innovator Visa?
The whole process normally takes around 1-4 months. Application process consists of 2 stages. Stage 1 – Application for Endorsement where an applicant must submit a business plan and receive and endorsement. Stage 2 – Visa Application (once endorsement letter is received).
What if my Innovator Visa application is refused?
If your Innovator Visa application has been refused, you may submit an appeal or you can re-apply as well.
How can Tech Nomads help you with online visa preparation and submission to Home Office?
In order to assess your chances for UK Innovator Visa Approval, kindly complete our tailored Eligibility Test and book a preferable date for free consultation. Our business advisors and immigration lawyers will then perform full assessment during the consultation. Tech Nomads will assist you with collecting all the required documents for the visa. Our immigration team will be responsible for completing the online application form, uploading the documents, and submitting the application. After submitting the application, we will book the visa appointment at the authorised visa application centre where you will provide biometrics.
What documents do I need to submit with my Innovator visa application?
a valid passport or other document that shows your identity and nationality; proof of maintenance funds – bank statements showing you’ve had at least £1,270 in savings in your bank account for 28 consecutive days before you apply; proof that you meet the English language requirement (B2); evidence of your investment funds (£50,000); your tuberculosis test results if you’re from a country where you have to take the test.
How can Tech Nomads help you with documents preparation?
Tech Nomads Team will assist with preparing all the required documents for the visa. Tech Nomads will provide document templates and carefully verify all your documents before submission.
Why was Global Talent Visa (IT) created by the Home Office?
The Tech Nation Visa (officially known as the Global Talent visa) was introduced in February 2020 to attract talented or promising individuals to the UK’s digital technology sector so they could contribute their cutting-edge expertise, creativity and innovation to maintaining the UK’s position at the forefront of the global digital economy.
How long I can stay on Global Talent Visa (IT) in the UK?
There are 2 sub-categories of the Global Talent Visa (IT): Exceptional Talent & Exceptional Promise. If you are qualified as an Exceptional Talent your visa will be granted for 3 years. If you are an Exceptional Promise your visa will be granted for 5 years.
Can I bring my family to the UK?
Yes, Global Talent migrants are permitted to bring dependent family members to the UK. Dependant family members include your partner and dependent children who are under 18 at the time of your first visa application.
Can I work for a company and run the business in the UK under Global Talent Visa (IT) category?
You can work for an employer, be the director of a company, or be self-employed in the field you were endorsed. Unlike the Skilled Worker visa route, there is no minimum salary threshold. This gives greater flexibility of roles you can apply for and for flexible (reduced hours) working options.
Can I apply for Global Talent Visa (IT) with existing business or employment in the UK?
Unlike the Skilled Worker visa route, there is no requirement to have an offer from the employer in order to be granted Global Talent Visa.
Is there a residence requirement should I wish to apply for UK Settlement (ILR)?
Yes, if you are considering applying for ILR you will need to have spent not more than 180 days outside the UK in any rolling 12-month period during the 3 years prior to the date of application.
How can I obtain British Citizenship via UK Global Talent Visa (IT)?
You can apply for British citizenship after 5 years in the UK. An applicant must have good reputation. Criminal and administrative offences are unacceptable. In 5 years prior to applying for citizenship, you cannot spend more than 450 days outside the UK and in the year preceding the application for Naturalisation, you cannot leave UK for more than 90 days. You will also have to pass a Life in the UK test and provide proof of your English level (B1 or higher).
Can I switch from other visa categories in the UK or overseas?
You can switch to this visa inside the UK if you hold a UK residence permit (BRP), for example, if you are currently on a Start-up visa, Innovator visa, General work visa, etc.
You cannot switch to this visa if you have one of the following:
• a visit visa
• a short-term student visa
• a Parent of a Child Student visa
• a seasonal worker visa
• a domestic worker in a private household visa
• immigration bail
• permission to stay outside the immigration rules, for example on compassionate grounds
You should apply before your current visa expires.
How can Tech Nomads help you in obtaining UK Global Talent Visa (IT) and British passport?
Tech Nomads’s team is responsible for the full case management. During the first stage we prepare your case by collecting all necessary documents including your CV, reference letters, professional certificates, publications, etc. to successfully receive the endorsement. During the second stage – Visa Application (Home Office) after you obtain the Endorsement Letter from endorsement body we will finalise your case, attach all additional documents and submit the online application form to the Home Office. When submitting the online application form all government immigration fees must be paid, then we upload all the required documents and book your appointment at the authorised visa centre in your country to provide biometrics and photos. In order to assess your chances for UK Global Talent Visa Approval, kindly complete our tailored Eligibility Test and book a preferable date for free consultation. Our business advisors and immigration lawyers will then perform full assessment during the consultation. You can contact us in 3- or 5-years’ time so we can assess your chances of getting ILR and British passport. We will onboard you and provide you with full support you may need when preparing your settlement (ILR) application and obtaining a British passport.
What is Tech Nation?
Tech Nation is the growth platform for tech companies and leaders. Tech Nation fuels the growth of game-changing founders, leaders and scaling companies so they can positively transform societies and economies.
What are the benefits of Tech Nation?
Once you are granted the Global Talent Visa (IT) you become a part of the community of talented tech entrepreneurs & specialists. Tech Nation provides them with the coaching, content and community they need for their journey in designing the future.
What does Tech Nation want to achieve?
Tech Nation’s mission is to unlock the growth potential of 1000 scaling tech leadership teams across the UK. They want to contribute to a future in which anyone with vision and drive can access the skills and support needed to succeed as a game-changing leader.
Do I need a job offer to be eligible?
No, you don’t. However, you will need to include a definite plan of what you’ll be doing once you are in the UK and how you intend to contribute to the growth of the UK’s digital economy.
Should I apply under Exceptional Talent or Exceptional Promise?
Applicants who choose to apply under the Exceptional Promise criteria are likely to be earlier in their career, typically with five years or less experience. If you have more than five years’ experience in the tech sector, you would likely be considered under the Exceptional Talent.
Eligibility criteria for Exceptional Talent applicants.
You will have to satisfy one mandatory and two optional criteria.
Mandatory criteria: you must demonstrate that you have been recognised as a leading talent in the digital technology sector in the last 5 years.
Optional criteria: you must choose 2 out of 4 criteria (innovation, recognition, contribution, academic).
-Innovation: you must demonstrate a proven track record for innovation as a founder or senior executive of a product-led digital technology company or as an employee working on a new digital field or concept.
-Recognition: you must demonstrate proof of recognition for work beyond your occupation that contributes to the advancement of the field.
-Contribution: you must demonstrate that you have made significant technical, commercial, or entrepreneurial contributions to the field as a founder, senior executive, board member or employee of a product-led digital technology company.
-Academic: you must demonstrate that you have exceptional ability in the field by academic contributions through research published or endorsed by an expert.
Eligibility criteria for Exceptional Promise applicants.
You will have to satisfy one mandatory and two optional criteria.
Mandatory criteria: you must demonstrate that you have been recognised as a leading talent in the digital technology sector in the last 5 years.
Optional criteria: you must choose 2 out of 4 criteria (innovation, recognition, contribution, academic).
-Innovation: at least 1 example of innovation as a founder of a product led digital technology company or as an employee working on a new digital field or concept.
– Recognition: at least 1 example of proof of recognition for work beyond the applicant’s occupation that contributes to the advancement of the field.
-Contribution: at least 1 example of significant technical, commercial or entrepreneurial contributions to the field as a founder or employee of a product-led digital technology company.
-Academic: at least 1 example of exceptional ability in the field by academic contributions through research endorsed by an expert.
How long is the application process for the Global Talent (IT) Visa?
Stage 1: Application for Endorsement. You must first Apply for Endorsement from Tech Nation. You will receive a decision within 3-8 weeks.
Stage 2: Application for the visa. You will receive a decision from Home Office within 3 weeks. You must apply on the official Global Talent website within 3 months of receiving your endorsement from Tech Nation.
What if my Global Talent visa application is refused?
If your Global Talent Visa application has been refused, you may submit an Appeal or you can re-apply (submit a new application).
How can Tech Nomads help you with documents preparation?
Tech Nomads’s Team will assist with preparing all the required documents for the visa. Tech Nomads will provide document templates and carefully verify all your documents before submission.
How can Tech Nomads help you with online visa preparation and submission to Home Office?
Tech Nomads will assist you with collecting all the required documents for the visa. Our immigration team will be responsible for completing the online application form, uploading the documents, and submitting the application. After submitting the application, we will book the visa appointment at the authorised visa application centre where you will provide biometrics. In order to assess your chances for UK Global Talent Visa Approval, kindly complete our tailored Eligibility Test and book a preferable date for free consultation.
What documents do I need to include in my application?
A completed Tech Nation Visa application form (online form) which includes Personal Statement; CV with any career and publication history included. 3 letters of recommendation from three different well-established organisations acknowledged as experts in the digital technology field; Up to 10 pieces of evidence in relation to the relevant Eligibility Criteria.
How do I choose my referees and how do I know if my referees are good enough?
It is important that the people you choose to act as your referees have worked with you directly and are therefore able to speak with authority and examples about your experience. You also need to ensure that your referees are recognisable figures in your field, in a senior leadership position and with a public facing profile, and whose comments on why you should be endorsed by Tech Nation will therefore be afforded significant weight.
How do I know what evidential documents to provide with my application?
The evidence you provide needs to help you satisfy the mandatory and optional criteria that you have chosen, and you need to be able to connect each document to at least one of the mandatory or optional criteria. The evidence you provide should also enable the Tech Nation assessor to measure you against the criteria, so should provide some form of tangible metric.
