• Do you have an extraordinary business idea?
• Do you wish for a bigger market to pitch your idea ?
• Do you wish to move overseas for your business?

The UK is known for its appreciative and encouraging approach towards newer and more innovative business ideas. This is the reason why, apart from the UK work visa, there is another visa program. 

This program is specifically designed for new innovators who wish to bring their innovative business ideas to the UK. 

If yes, the UK Innovator Visa is your answer.

 Read along and find out how you can apply for the Innovator visa program and its difference from the UK tier 2 visa.

Are You Looking For A Professional UK Innovator Visa Program?

If yes, then it is best to consult the professional visa services. They will help you to get your visa approved without having to go through numerous corrections at the visa office. 

If your visa application is accepted, you can stay for a period of 3 years. However, if you want to stay back, you will have to apply for an extension before your current visa expires. There is no limit to the number of times an extension can be requested.

Any other information required will be provided when you apply for the innovator visa via your preferred visa consultants. 

If you do not qualify for the innovator visa, you can always apply for different UK visa types regarding which you will be helped by these services as well.

Now that you know who can help you to get your innovator visa done, let us take a look at what the innovator visa is and how you can get it.  

What Is The Innovator Visa Program Offered By The UK?

It is a different type of visa that can be availed by businessmen who have an innovative business idea yet to be executed by anyone else. The first and foremost condition for applying for this visa is that the idea needs to be completely new and different from other businesses. 

The success and the refusal rate of this visa is about 85% and 15%, respectively, indicating that the visa program is beneficial, thus, having a better chance of being accepted.

The UK Innovator Visa Program Is Subjected To Certain Conditions: 

1. You wish to set up a new innovative business:

Plain and simple, the first category is for anyone and everyone around the globe. If you have a good idea and can prove that it has not been implemented by anyone else, you can easily apply for the Innovator program of the UK visa process.

You will need to prove your identity and financial stability just like the other UK work visa requirements, but the primary goal is to get your idea accepted and approved. 

2. You have an endorsement for your idea:

If your business idea has been endorsed by a viable and registered endorsing body in the UK, on that basis, you can apply for an innovator program. There is a list of organizations that can provide endorsements on the UK government's website where you can search  whether  your endorsing organization is there on the list. If so, you will be eligible to apply for this visa. 

Once your idea has been proven unique and your endorsement is approved, you can easily get through the UK visa applications. However, if, due to some reason, your endorsing body withdraws its endorsement, you will have to apply for another endorsement before your current visa limit expires. 

How Do I Know If I Am Eligible For The Innovator Visa?

Primarily, there are 3 main eligibility criteria for the innovator visa of the UK. Further instructions will be provided once you apply. You will also be notified if you need an appointment. 

• You should be able to prove that your idea is new, unique and has  growth potential. For that, you will need to do extensive research on the UK market in order to find out whether your idea will be picked up and grow substantially or not.
• You must have a good command and fluency in the English language. 
• You can prove your English fluency by securing a B2 level on the Common European Framework of Reference of Languages [CEFR] scale. Also, you can prove that your qualification degree is equivalent to a bachelor's or master's degree in the UK.

If you do not fit these criteria, you may want to explore other ways in order to apply for a UK visa.

How Do I Apply For The Visa When Eligible?

If you fit the eligibility criteria, here is how you can apply for the innovator visa:

• First, you will have to apply online. The process and documentation thus required, depends on from where you are applying.

1. Application from outside the UK to set up a business:

In this case, you will have to prove your identity through documentation. Further requisites will be provided after your application.

2. Application for the extension of the current visa:

If your business is established, running and has been endorsed earlier, you can apply for an extension. Also, you can apply if you have a different business and your endorsing body approves of  it. Your spouse and children will need to apply differently.

3. Application  to switch from one type to another type of visa. 

[Ex. Switching from UK tier 2 visa to innovator visa.]: If you fit the eligibility criteria for the innovator visa, you can apply to switch your visa type.

• You can include your spouse or children to stay with you. The process for their application is also mentioned on the website of the UK government. You can also consult any UK visa services to provide you with the  information regarding the process. 

How Long Does An Application Take To Process?

Once your identity is proved and your documents are approved, you will get the decision within 3 weeks if you live outside the UK, and around 8 weeks if you live in the UK. 

How Much Does It Cost To Apply For An Innovator Visa?

Just like the innovator of the UK visa application process, the charge of this process also depends on where you are applying from i.e., whether you are going to the UK for the first time, or  you are applying for an extension or switch.

• If you are applying from outside the UK, your charges would be £1,036.
• If your family is applying with you, the charge is  £1,036 for each member.
• If you are applying for a switch or extension, your charges would be £1,292.
• If your family wishes to apply too, the charges will be £1,292 for each person.

Collaborate With Professions To Get Your Application Approved

If your visa application is accepted, you can stay for a period of 3 years. However, if you want to stay back, you will have to apply for an extension before your current visa expires. 

There is no limit to the number of times an extension can be requested.

Any other information required will be provided when you apply for the innovator visa. If you do not qualify for the innovator visa, you can always apply for different UK visa types.

Now that you have all the information you need, think of a great business idea and head towards  the big market platforms in the UK!