The Tier 1 Innovator visa is aimed at those who can demonstrate relevant experience in business. It requires an individual to set up or run an existing business in the UK. The applicant must be at least 18 years of age and have at least GBP 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. The funding can come from any source.
Before one applies, one needs to have one’s business or business idea assessed by a Home Office–approved endorsing body. They will assess the viability of the business or business idea and, if approved, provide an endorsement letter to submit with the application.
The immigration rules distinguish between applicants who apply under the ‘new business’ criteria and those who apply under the ‘same business’ criteria. Individuals who go to the UK for the first time will need to apply under the ‘new business’ requirement.
Successful innovators are granted leave for three years at a time and can bring their family members to the UK. After three years, innovators can apply to extend their stay for a further three years or to settle permanently in the UK under indefinite leave to remain (ILR). Each of these three stages (initial application, extension, settlement) requires endorsement from an endorsing body. To qualify for ILR under the Tier 1 Innovator visa category, applicants are required to meet certain criteria, detailed in the downloadable UK Innovator Program factsheet.
You can apply for an Innovator visa if:
⦁ you want to set up or run a business in the UK
⦁ you’re from outside the ⦁ European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland
⦁ you meet the other ⦁ eligibility requirements
⦁ your business or business idea has been endorsed by ⦁ an approved body
Funds you’ll need
You must have at least £50,000 in investment funds if you want to set up a new business. You do not need funds if either:
⦁ your business is already established and has been endorsed for an earlier visa
⦁ you’ve changed your business and already agreed it with your endorsing body
Getting endorsed
You must be able to show that your business idea is:
⦁ new – you cannot join or invest in a business that is already trading
⦁ innovative – you must have an original business idea which is different from anything else on the market
⦁ viable, with potential for growth
Read the endorsing bodies list – you should only approach ones that are suitable for your business idea.
How long it takes to get a visa
The earliest you can apply is 3 months before you travel.
Fees
How much you pay for an Innovator visa depends on your situation and where you apply from.
Healthcare surcharge
You’ll also have to pay the healthcare surcharge as part of your application.
How long you can stay
You can stay for 3 years if you:
⦁ come to the UK on an Innovator visa
⦁ switch to this visa from another visa
You can apply to extend for another 3 years when your visa is due to expire. There’s no limit on the number of times you can extend.
You may be able to apply for settlement (known as ‘indefinite leave to remain’) once you’ve been in the UK for 3 years.
What you can and cannot do
You can:
⦁ set up a business or several businesses
⦁ work for your business – this includes being employed as a director, or self-employed as a member of a business partnership
⦁ bring family members with you
You cannot:
⦁ do any work outside your business, for example work where you’re employed by another business
⦁ work as a doctor or dentist in training
⦁ work as a professional sportsperson, for example a sports coach
⦁ get public funds
The UK is a top destination for athletes and sporting professionals in a diverse range of disciplines. Whether you are a sportsperson, coach or club, Sport Immigration Services is well versed in the full range of UK visas available to sportspersons who wish to visit, or work in, the UK.
There are several visa options for sports professionals in the UK. Different visas will have different requirements, choosing the correct visa will depend on what you want to do in the UK and how long you wish to stay.
If you want to work as a sportsperson, undertaking sporting activities in the UK, you will normally need to have a visa under one of the tiers of the points-based system. The points-based system has special categories and rules for those in the sporting industry, both professional and amateur. In most categories you will have to be sponsored by an employer. However, if you are going to be in the UK briefly, or for a single event or activity, one of the visitor visas may be appropriate.
The Immigration Rules varies for sportspeople and coaches depending on what they will be doing whilst in the UK, whether they are professional or amateurs, and the sport itself. Sport Immigration Services is able to assist with all aspects of sports immigration.
Due to the complexity it is best to contact us to discuss your requirements in the first instance.