If an innovator visa holder does not qualify for the criteria for ILR (indefinite leave to remain) it is possible to apply for an extension of the Innovator visa for periods of 3 years at a time, subjecting to being re-endorsed each time. There is no maximum time limit in the Innovator category.
Innovator Visa Extension Requirements
An endorsement letter is required at both extension and settlement stages. The following requirements must be met in order to apply for an extension of stay:
- Applicants must remain running a UK business or intend to incorporate a new business
- Applicants must have an existing established business accompanied by a relevant endorsement for the earlier visa
- Applicants must have at least £50,000 in investment funds in order to start a new business venture, and the new business model must be assessed by an Approved Endorsing Body
- Applicants must have sufficient funds to support themselves without reliance on public funding
- Applicants may include any dependents included within their current visa on the application to extend, including children who have reached 18 years of age during their stay in the UK
For a New Business:
Applicants must obtain an endorsement letter from an approved endorsement body.
For a new business, the endorsing body will decide if the business plan and required documentation meet the endorsement criteria of innovation, viability and scalability and are genuine and credible. If so, the information will be provided to the Home Office in the endorsement letter. The Home Office guidance sets out what should be included in this letter for it to meet the requirements.
Applicants can:
- Set up a business or several businesses;
- Work for their business – this includes being employed as a director, or self-employed as a member of a business partnership;
- Bring their dependent family members with them to the UK;
- Apply to settle in the UK after they’ve been there for 3 years;
- Extend their visa multiple times.
Applicants cannot:
- Do any work outside their business, for example, work where they’re employed by another business;
- Work as a doctor or dentist in training;
- Work as a professional sportsperson, for example, a sports coach;
- Have access to public funds.
There are also other conditions which may apply, depending on your country of nationality.
Need assistance for Innovator Visa Extension?
Our team of immigration advisers has experience in assisting all types of innovative entrepreneurs and their businesses. Our immigration advisers are experts in the options for innovators and will guide you through the complex Home Office rules and policies.
Disclaimer:
The information in this blog is for general information purposes only and does not purport to be comprehensive or to provide legal advice. Whilst every effort is made to ensure the information and law is current as of the date of publication it should be stressed that, due to the passage of time, this does not necessarily reflect the present legal position. Cartier Enterprises and authors accept no responsibility for loss that may arise from accessing or reliance on information contained in this blog. For formal advice on the current law please don’t hesitate to contact Cartier Enterprises. Legal advice is only provided pursuant to a written agreement, identified as such, and signed by the client and by or on behalf of Cartier Enterprises.
