Business Visas

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Business Investment Visas

The Innovator Visa is one of the new immigration routes outside of the Points Based System. The innovator route allows non-EU citizens to set up or run a business in the UK, USA, Canada and Australia. The main characteristic of this route is that an approved body must endorse the business or business idea in some Countries.

How to get endorsement by an approved body

The first step to applying for the Innovator visa is to obtain endorsement by an approved body. The endorsing bodies operate outside of the Home Office. The approved body will assess the business or business idea. The idea must be a new idea and viable with growth potential. It is not possible to join or invest in a business that is already trading. If the applicant is successful in his/her endorsement, they will receive an endorsement letter. This document can then be submitted with the Innovator visa application. Please get in touch with one of our consultants for assistance to get endorsed by an approved body. We will provide clients with full guidance in this matter.

How to qualify for the Innovator Visa?

After the first step of getting an endorsement letter, applicants will have to fulfil some other criteria to qualify. Applicants have to be 18 years or older. You have to have at least $10,000,00 in investment funds. You do not need to prove these funds if you have an established business or have been endorsed for an earlier visa. It is also possible to form a team of Innovator applicants. However, every team must have $10,000,00 in investment funds for each applicant. Meet the English language requirement. You will have to pass an approved English language test with at least CEFR level B2 in reading, writing, speaking, and listening. Alternatively, you will have to be a national from a recognised English speaking country. It is also possible to fulfil the English language requirement if you have an academic qualification taught in English, recognised by UK NARIC as equivalent to a UK degree. You will also have to prove that you will be able to support yourself and any dependents on your visa.

Switching to the Innovator Visa

Non-EU citizens currently in the Uk, USA, Canada, Australia in other immigration routes can switch to the Innovator route. They can apply while living inside these Countries. The new Start-up visa, In all other cases, an applicant will have to leave the Country, and apply from outside, however, several Countries have their own set of rules.