Are you an ambitious entrepreneur? If yes then this article is for you. Let's talk about being innovative. How can we forget the UK which is the hub of innovation who attracts individuals with a strong desire to do business in a growing sector? Due to this reason, the Innovator Visa was introduced in March 2019 but in April 2023, the UK government renamed this route as the UK Innovator Founder Visa to make it more alluring and appealing to new entrepreneurs. You will get to know the basics of this visa, its eligibility requirements, and other feasible immigration options, like Self-Sponsorship Visa UK route, which is offered by us.
What is the UK Innovator Founder Visa?
This Visa is especially designed for skilled entrepreneurs who want to demonstrate an advanced, feasible, and extensible business in the UK. Individuals who are really true to their unique business ideas, novel to their concepts which are not executed anywhere before. The main aim is encouraging innovation in many other sectors, from technology to sustainable energy solutions which play an important role in the economic growth of the UK economic growth. For the people who are looking for more easy, affordable, and flexible options, the Self-Sponsorship UK Visa route is the best-chosen option. As this route permits individuals to set up their business without the external endorsements or innovative criteria, it offers good control over business while cost-effective also which makes it more efficient for entrepreneurs to settle in the UK.
Find out with us who fulfills the criteria for the UK Innovator Founder Visa?
You must meet the following eligibility requirements for applying for the UK Innovator Founder Visa :
Endorsement by an Approved Body: The endorsing body in the UK must approve your business idea whether it is unique, economical, or flexible.
Genuine Business Intent: Individuals must prove that they are sincerely planning to start and manage the business in the UK and playing an active role in its day-to-day operations.
English Language Requirement: You must demonstrate your English proficiency by meeting the set standards ( e.g. passing the English proficiency test or hold a degree taught in English)
Sufficient Maintenance Funds: As there is no specific requirement, you need to prove that you have satisfactory funds to support yourself in the UK.
No Previous Rejection: Due to fraud or other deceptive activity a person must not have a history of visa refusals due to any fraudulent practices.
Business Activity in Line with the Endorsement: The business which you set up must match with the endorsement plan which you have submitted during the process of application.
Who is eligible to apply for a UK Innovator Founder Visa?
The UK Innovator Founder Visa is for:
Knowledgeable entrepreneurs with unique business ideas.
People who are looking to settle their ideal business idea in England which has never been implemented before in the market globally.
Individuals who wish to do full-time work on their endorsed business and deliberately accelerate the growth and development.
Who Cannot Apply for a UK Innovator Founder Visa?
You might not meet the criteria for this visa if :
The idea of your business is not innovative and scalable.
You do not gain an endorsement from the recognised authority.
You do not fulfill the English language standard or financial conditions.
You have a past criminal history involving to immigration offenses.
The Innovator Visa: A Route No Longer in Operation
The Innovator Visa acted as the main route for entrepreneurs before the Innovator Founder Visa was introduced. Henceforth it has faced rigorous disapproval due to the investment of £50,000 which obstructed many laborious entrepreneurs. With the shift to the Innovator Founder Visa, the UK government targets this route to make it more comprehensive and adaptable, by focusing more on the quality of business not on supporting financial capacity.
An Alternative Route: The Self-Sponsorship Visa UK Route
For people who do not meet the desired criteria of the Innovator Founder Visa or who want a different path for them, the Self-Sponsorship Visa UK route is the best alternative. We at A Y & J Solicitors guide you with this popular and unique visa option.
What is the Self-Sponsorship Visa UK Route?
The people who want to work in the UK and open their own business, they need to sponsor themselves for a Skilled Worker Visa. As the Self-Sponsorship Visa UK Route is flexible with no external endorsements which makes this option more attractive with controllable business plans.
Eligibility Requirements for the Self-Sponsorship Visa
If you are applying for the Self-Sponsorship Visa, you should:
Establish a UK Company: You must set up a UK-based company that has the capacity to sponsor skilled workers.
Obtain a Sponsor Licence: Your company must request and acquire permission from the UK Home Office. This involves showing that your business is active in its operations and capable of meeting the responsibility with sponsoring skilled workers..
Meet the Skilled Worker Criteria: Your role under the business must be capable of qualifying the criteria which comes under the Skilled Worker Visa.
Show Sufficient Funds: You must show up that you have enough finance and resources to start and run your business altogether hence to meet your daily maintenance cost also.
Prove English Language Proficiency: Same as the Innovator Founder Visa, you must qualify the English language requirement.
Why Choose the Self-Sponsorship Visa Route?
Flexibility: There are no criteria or set standards to meet the external endorsements as it is followed in the Innovator Founder Visa.
Control Over Your Business: There are no strict rules to operate the business or any restricted implying situations from an endorsed body. You are your own ‘BOSS’
Broader Eligibility: This route welcomes the individuals with innovative business ideas that have never been done before in the market.
Family Inclusion: This Visa allows you to Self Sponsor yourself and also to bring your family to the UK, including your family.
Path to Settlement: This option can qualify for permanent residency to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) in the UK after satisfying the residency requirements.
Why Work with A Y & J Solicitors?
It can be challenging to navigate the complexity of UK immigration particularly while choosing between the visa options. At A Y & J we have great experience in managing the Self-Sponsorship Visa UK route, and making sure the clients are receiving tailored assistance and support throughout the process, from obtaining the registered license to applying for your Worker Visa.
Conclusion
The Self -Sponsorship Visa Route offers an optional route for those who value change and individuality while The UK Innovator Founder Visa offers an encouraging opportunity for entrepreneurs with new and original and expandable business ideas, while the Self-Sponsorship Visa UK route provides an alternative for those who value flexibility and independence.
At A Y & J Solicitors, we expertise in guiding clients with the Self-Sponsorship Visa UK Route making them aware through every step of the process from establishing their business to achieving their immigration goals. We are here just one call away from you. Contact us today!