Astons

Innovator visa extension

Decades of UK immigration expertise. Expert legal advice in the processing of UK visa applications, extensions and advice for UK settlement options.

The Innovator visa route is aimed at experienced entrepreneurs seeking to set up or run a business in the UK. The initial Innovator visa grants entry for 3 years which can be extended for another 3 years with no maximum time limit in the category. After applicants have been in the UK for a continuous period of 3 years, they can apply for permission to permanently settle in the UK.


On 29th March 2019, the Innovator visa opened as a replacement for the Tier 1 Entrepreneur visa category. This new category aims to encourage the development of and investments in viable, innovative and scalable businesses in the United Kingdom in order to drive economic growth.
 

The initial visa granted is for 3 years and can be extended for a further 3 years, with no maximum time in this category.  

 

Applicants can apply to extend their visa if both of the following apply:

 

  • They meet the eligibility requirements;
  • They’re still running a business in the UK or want to set up a new one;

 

Applicants must have £50,000 in investment funds if they want to set up a new business. They do not need funds if their business is already established and has been endorsed for an earlier visa.
 

Applicants need to have their business or business idea assessed by a Home Office approved endorsing body when they extend their visa.
 

Applicants should include any dependents who are on their current visa on their application to extend - including children who have turned 18 during their stay.
 

 

For a New Business:

 

Applicants must obtain an endorsement letter from an approved endorsement body.

 

For a new business, the endorsing body will decide if the business plan and required documentation meets the endorsement criteria of innovation, viability and scalability and is genuine and credible. If so, the information will be provided to the Home Office in the endorsement letter. The Home Office guidance sets out what should be included in this letter for it to meet the requirements.

 

Innovation - The applicant must have a genuine, original business plan that is in line with new or existing market needs and/or has a competitive advantage.

 

Viability - The applicant is actively developing or already has the required skills, knowledge, experience and market awareness to run their business successfully.

 

Scalability - There needs to be evidence of structured planning and of job creation prospects as well as potential to grow into national markets.

 

 

Eligibility Criteria

 

Applicants need to:

 

  • Still be running a business in the UK or want to set up a new one;
  • Have an already established business and be endorsed for an earlier visa;
  • Have access to £50,000 in investment funds if they want to set up a new business, and their business or business idea should be assessed by an approved body;
  • Have enough money to support themselves without recourse to public funds;
  • Apply before their visa expires;
  • Include any dependents who are on their current visa on their application to extend - including children who have turned 18 during their stay.

 

 

Applicants can:

 

  • Set up a business or several businesses;
  • Work for their business - this includes being employed as a director, or self-employed as a member of a business partnership;
  • Bring their dependent family members with them to the UK;
  • Apply to settle in the UK after they’ve been there for 3 years;
  • Extend their visa multiple times.

 

 

Applicants cannot:

 

  • Do any work outside their business, for example work where they’re employed by another business;
  • Work as a doctor or dentist in training;
  • Work as a professional sportsperson, for example a sports coach;
  • Have access to public funds.

 

There are also other conditions which may apply, depending on your country of nationality.

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UK Visas and Immigration

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Our experts have decades of experience and a proven track record in successfully delivering expert legal advice and representation in all aspects of UK immigration, throughout the entire immigration process.

We will prepare your application for submission to the Home Office and guide you through the whole process. Our dedicated Immigration lawyers have an established reputation in providing expert, effective and efficient legal support for a full range of services to suit your individual needs, including visa/entry clearance and extension applications, indefinite leave to remain (ILR) and British passport and citizenship applications.

We have a wealth of experience advising on all aspects of Tier 1 (Investor), Start-up and Innovator visa applications, as well as providing end-to-end immigration assistance on businesses and on the development of strategic immigration plans. We provide complete support, from sponsor licence applications and management and compliance training and audit services, to full support helping to obtain initial Skilled Worker visa for employees and further extensions.

Immigration.UK is a qualified and experienced immigration firm, fully regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA). We deliver the highest quality industry services for both corporate and private clients.

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