Innovator Visas.

A replacement for Tier 1 Investor visas, innovator visas are available to anyone wishing to start a business in the UK, however you must meet a strict set of criteria.

There are also numerous application fees payable when applying for an innovator visa.

To apply for an innovator visa, as a minimum you must demonstrate:

• your business offers something different from anything else in the UK
• your business or the idea behind it has been endorsed by an approved body (endorsing body)
• that you meet the English language requirements
• you are at least 18 years old
• that you have enough personal savings to support yourself (and any dependants) in the UK
• that you have at least £50,000 in investment funds available to invest in the new business

There are other requirements beyond these that you must meet, however these requirements are specific to the innovator visa.

Knowledge of English

When applying, you must ensure that you can speak, read, write and understand English. There are a number of qualifications that prove you can do this, including GCSEs or degrees taught in English.

There are exceptions to who must demonstrate knowledge of English, which can be found on gov.uk. An overseas degree taught in English may not be sufficient proof of knowledge of English, unless it is confirmed through an organisation called ‘Ecctis’.

All applications for innovator visas must be made online, but they can be made from outside the UK, or from within. You can also extend an existing innovator visa, or switch from another visa type.

Due to the complexity of these visa applications, and to ensure your application’s best chances of success, we do require an initial consultation for anyone considering applying for an innovator visa.

There are several fees applicable when applying for an innovator visa, which vary depending on whether your application is made inside or outside the UK:

• The application fee – £1,036 – £1,292
• An additional application fee for your partner and dependants, if applicable – £1,036 – £1,292
• NHS health surcharge – £672 per year, or £1,872 for 3 years (the duration of the visa)

Please note that the NHS health surcharge above is for an individual only. If your partner and dependants are joining you, this number will increase.

Our legal fees for applying for innovator visas can be found on our immigration pricing page.

Any fees for translation and interpretation are separate to the fees above.

Innovator visas are typically granted relatively quickly. For applicants in the UK, the wait time is 8 weeks, and for applicants outside the UK it’s 3 weeks.

There are two premium services available on innovator visa applications which can shorten the decision-making process if applying from within the UK. You can pay £500 for a decision within 5 working days, or £800 for a decision by the end of the next working day.

If any additional information is required for your application, you may need to wait longer for a decision.

If your application is refused, you will receive a letter or email with the reason for refusal. Depending on what this reason is, you may request that an administrative review is undertaken, or you may appeal the decision.

We can advise you on your application and your chances of approval if your initial innovator visa was rejected.