The Tier 1 Innovator and Tier 1 Start-up visas were designed for businesspersons who are looking to establish a business in the UK. Both of these visas are extremely similar to the former Tier 1 Entrepreneur route. Migrants with a new innovative idea may wish to apply for an Innovator visa as long as their proposed business is an original business idea, which is different from anything else on the market.
What is the Tier 1 Innovator visa?
The Tier 1 Innovator visa is a business visa, which allows migrants to establish a business in the UK. The Tier 1 Innovator visa has replaced the Tier 1 Entrepreneur visa. This relatively new visa is for experienced business people seeking to establish a business in the United Kingdom. The key point to note is that the proposed business must be a new innovative idea with the potential for success and growth. Applicants must have an original business idea, which is different from anything else on the market. Applicants are required to have at least £50,000 available to invest in their idea. The Home Office is flexible when it comes to the investment funds as they allow Applicants to invest their own funds or from any other legal source such as an endorsing body. Successful Innovators will be granted an initial visa for 3 years and they can apply for their family members to join them. Applicants must obtain an endorsement from an approved endorsement body prior to the UK Visas and immigration application.
Can you switch to Tier 1 Innovator visa?
The simple answer is yes. This is the most frequent question asked by our new or existing clients. However, it should be noted that you can only switch into an Innovator visa if were last granted valid leave on any of the following:
- Tier 1 Start-up migrant;
- Tier 1 (Graduate Entrepreneur) migrant;
- Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) migrant;
- Tier 2 work permit migrant; or
- A visitor who has been undertaking permitted activities as a prospective entrepreneur.
If you were not last granted leave in any of the above you will need to apply for entry clearance from your home country or any other country where you have valid immigration status.
Can you apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain under the Tier 1 Innovator route?
Appendix W of the Immigration Rules allows Tier 1 Innovators to apply for indefinite leave to remain if they can meet the requirements. Applicants must provide a letter from an approved endorsement body and must meet the success criteria. The updated letter must follow the recommended format and include each of the bullet points under Part W6 of the Appendix W. The letter must confirm key details such as your involvement in the day-to-day running of the business and whether the business appears to be sustainable for at least the following 12 months based on its assets and expected income. All the other standard indefinite leave to requirements such as continuous residence, maintenance, and the English language must also be met.
Tier 1 Innovator versus Tier 1 Start-up?
Although the Tier 1 Innovator and Tier 1 Start-up visas share many similarities there are noteworthy differences.
- The Start-up visa does not require an initial minimum investment;
- Migrants applying for a Tier 1 Start-up visa must obtain an endorsement from a UK higher education institution or a business organisation with a history of supporting UK entrepreneurs;
- The Start-up visa only costs £363 (entry clearance) and £493 (switch in the UK); and
- On the Tier 1 Start-up visa, you can stay in the UK for a period of 2 years and you cannot apply to extend the visa.
Ultimately when deciding what visa to peruse Applicants must take into consideration their long term aims and objectives. Our Immigration Solicitors in London regularly advise migrants on the best business visa route for their proposed business. We also assist our clients in ensuring their business plan is well prepared. We have a number of affiliated partner businesses that can prepare Home Office compliant business plans.
How our immigration solicitors can help with a Tier 1 Innovator visa application?
Our immigration solicitors in London specialise in Innovator visa applications and prepare applications to the highest standard. We have an impeccable track history of submitting successful business visa applications for a range of different businesses. The key to submitting successful applications is being aware of the relevant Immigration Rules and obtaining an endorsement from a Home Office approved endorsement body. Our immigration solicitors in London guide Applicants through the requirements and prepare detailed legal submissions in support of the application. In addition to the legal representations, our team of solicitors also provide multiple substantial reviews of the application bundle to ensure that the correct documentary evidence is submitted. We also prepare and assist with the submission of the application.
Using our Immigration Solicitors in London to submit a successful Tier 1 Innovator Visa application
Legal representatives, such as our specialist immigration and visa law firm, are qualified to advise you on immigration law and your immigration matter. You can instruct one of our immigration and visa legal representatives to successfully assist you with an application to apply for a Tier 1 Innovator Visa. Our solicitors and Barristers will help you comply with the Home Office’s requirements and meet the Immigration Rules.
Caseworkers at the Home Office are trained to reject applications, which are improperly prepared, for example by failing to provide the correct supporting evidence. In order to ensure your UK Innovator application succeeds, our solicitors and barristers will ensure all specified documents must be provided.
The UK Immigration Rules are complex and a legal representative can help ensure that your application meets the Immigration Rules.
Successful Tier 1 Innovator Visa applications with our Immigration Solicitors in London
Our team of solicitors and barristers are specialist immigration lawyers who act in your best interest. We offer a client-tailored approach from the outset. From the very first meeting, we will be able to advise you in respect of your prospects of submitting a UK Innovator Visa application before your application even reaches the Home Office UK Visa & Immigration department. We can assist you with the preparation and submission of a Tier 1 Innovator Visa application and ensure that you get all the necessary points under the Points Based System.
We are based in the legal epicentre of London, just across the road from the Royal Courts of Justice in order to ensure we get the best results for our clients. We are minutes away from the Immigration and Asylum Tribunal, the Royal Courts of Justice and other central London courts.
Preparation is the key to successful immigration applications. Our UK immigration and visa solicitors are here to guide you through the complex immigration rules and requirements. If you wish to meet one of our lawyers, please call our Immigration Team so we can assess your case and arrange your legal consultation to discuss a Tier 1 Innovator Visa application.
Contact our London immigration solicitors on 02030110276 or complete our contact form.