Immigration Innovator

This category is for more experienced business people seeking to establish a business in the UK. You must prove that you want to set up or run a business in the UK, that you are from outside the EEA (European Economic Area) and Switzerland.

Along with satisfying the eligibility requirements, you must provide an endorsement from an endorsing body confirming you have an innovative, viable and scalable business idea.

Approved or endorsed bodies are leading business organisations and higher education providers that, based on the principle that they are best placed to identify and assess innovative business ideas and talent have to:

• Issue endorsements;
• Stay in contact;
• Update the government department if they feel a breach of visa conditions is taking place; and
• Issue further endorsements for settlement and extension applications.

Under this category applicants will have to evidence they have invested £50,000 into their business unless they are switching over from Tier 1 (Graduate Entrepreneur) category or a Start-up visa category.

Applicants would also be required to demonstrate that they are able to maintain themselves in the UK and that they have sufficient knowledge of the English language.

Individuals under the Innovator category have to work entirely on their business idea and cannot work for other employers. Their spouses/partners and children under 18 will be able to accompany or join them in the UK.

If successful in obtaining leave under this category, the applicant will be granted leave for a maximum of 3 years. Thereafter they can apply to extend their leave for a further period of 3 years or apply for indefinite leave to remain in the UK. In order to be granted further or indefinite leave to remain as an innovator, you would have to satisfy a number of criteria.

At Vestra Lawyers, we have the knowledge and expertise to help you with these types of applications. Contact us today to speak to our specialist solicitors by calling 0121 728 5999 / 0203 929 5999 or alternatively you can email us at info@vestralawyers.com.