The United Kingdom has remained a land of opportunities for various immigrants and so does for investors and entrepreneurs. The UK immigration authorities have opened their doors to business investors and entrepreneurs planning to establish their businesses in the United Kindom.
If you are also an entrepreneur or investor planning to establish a business or invest in an already existing one, this comprehensive guide is for you. This article will provide you with every detail about the UK Innovator Founder Visa Program.
What is the UK Innovator Founder Visa Program?
The UK government launched the Innovator Founder Visa in March 2019, primarily to nurture innovation and entrepreneurial skills. It targets anyone interested in a business that could be developed and run within the UK environment and considered new, scalable, and feasible.
This means that the proposed business idea should have growth potential and that the entrepreneur who presents it must also have all the relevant experience and skills to see it through to successful implementation.
This visa is distinct from the other business-related visas that exist in the UK, like the Start-up Visa, as it is for more experienced entrepreneurs. Applicants will be expected to have a better-developed business idea and ideally have already received support or backing from an approved endorsing body.
The Innovator Founder Visa is part of the UK's strategy to attract global talent and build an entrepreneurial ecosystem that drives economic growth.
Benefits of the UK Innovator Founder Visa Program
The UK Innovator Founder Visa Program comes with various benefits. Some of the key benefits of this visa program are given below:
Ability to Start a Business
The visa enables one to start and operate their business in the UK, therefore presenting a route to the successful fulfillment of entrepreneurial ambitions. One can start any kind of business regardless of the sector, be it tech and fintech, health or retail.
Access to International Market
The economy of the United Kingdom is among the largest in the world. An entrepreneur can reach a large consumer base, investors, and partners by establishing their business there. The country has a well-established business ecosystem, access to funding, and a skilled workforce, which means that it offers excellent growth opportunities.
Flexibility and Long-Term Residency
There is, of course, also room for flexibility as regards work opportunities. The holders may find employment in the venture developed by them; may put their money in another enterprise, etc.
In most cases, such visas are granted initially for 3 years, during which a second and third application is often successfully made for the indefinite Leave to Remain provided he maintains his business on a satisfactory scale.
Encouraging Innovation
The UK government supports significant innovation through various schemes and tax incentives, as well as access to funding from private investors, venture capitalists, and government-backed initiatives that can be tapped into by innovators to help grow their businesses and ultimately bring their ideas to life.
UK Innovator Founder Visa Program Requirements for Indians
To apply for the UK Innovator Founder Visa from India, you are required to meet the meet following requirements.
Ways to Apply for The UK Innovator Founder Visa
The application process for the Innovator Founder Visa involves several important steps:
Obtain an Endorsement
The first part of the application process involves obtaining an endorsement from an approved endorsing body. Entrepreneurs need to identify a suitable body and apply for support. This often involves submitting a detailed business proposal that outlines the business's innovation, scalability, and growth potential.
The endorsing body will assess the proposal and decide on whether to give their endorsement. If they feel that the business idea meets the criteria, they will issue a letter of endorsement, which is a very important part of the application.
Complete the Visa Application
Once the endorsement is received, one can go ahead with applying for the visa. This is done online via the official UK government website that deals with visas. Among the supporting documents to be availed include proof of endorsement, evidence of financial support, and proof of English language proficiency.
The application process will entail providing biometric information such as fingerprints and a photograph as part of the visa requirements.
Pay Fees
The application fee for the Innovator Founder Visa will be determined by the applicant's circumstances. However, if you are applying for the visa from outside the UK, you must pay £1,191, and if you are applying to switch the visa from within the UK, you must pay £1,486.
There may also be a healthcare surcharge that grants access to the UK's National Health Service (NHS).
Waiting for a Decision
After the application has been submitted, it will be processed by the UK Home Office. Depending on the applicant's circumstances and the intricacy of the application, this could take several weeks to months. Once a decision has been made, the applicant will be informed, and in case of success, they will be issued the Innovator Founder Visa.
How Province Immigration Can Help You?
At Province Immigration, we take pride in being one of the Best Immigration Consultants in Delhi for the UK Innovator Founder Visa. A focus on transparency, excellence, and unparalleled support gives us the commitment to a smooth experience for entrepreneurs looking to establish a business in the UK. Here’s how we can assist you:
Affordable and Success-Based Processing Fee
Our charges are competitive and result-based. You don't have to incur outrageous fees to achieve your dream of starting a business in the UK.
Dedicated Service Seven Days a Week
We work hard seven days a week to make sure that your application will be processed without delay and effectively.
Comprehensive, End-to-End Support
From initial consultation to post-landing services, we help at every step of the process. Be it an endorsement, document preparation, or compliance, we're at your side at each point.
100% Refund Guarantee
In every case where we try hard to succeed for our client and fail, we still make sure that we refund 100% of our processing fees in case of an unfavorable decision.
Complementary Services
We are aware that getting your visa is just one of the ways to get you into the UK. To guarantee your success in the UK, we offer extra services such as:
- Business Planning Assistance: Support in creating a persuasive, creative, and scalable business plan.
- IELTS Training: Assistance to meet the requirements for English language proficiency.
- Networking Support: Access to UK business networks and resources.
- Post-Landing Services: Support with setting up your business, meeting regulatory requirements, and much more.
High Success Rate
We take pride in our high success rate for Innovator Founder Visa applications, one of the highest in the market, due to our perfection and expert guidance.