─── UNITED KINGDOM ───
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
I UK RESDENCY LAW
The UK offers a Tier 1 (Investor) visa for non-EU nationals who make a significant financial investment in the country. To qualify, applicants must invest at least £2 million in the UK, typically in government bonds, share capital, or loan capital in active and trading UK businesses. The visa is initially granted for 3 years and can be extended for an additional 2 years. After 5 years of continuous residency, applicants may apply for indefinite leave to remain (ILR), with an option to apply for British citizenship after 6 years. Higher investments may lead to faster pathways to settlement: £5 million for 3 years, and £10 million for 2 years
APPLICATION PROCESS AND TIMELINE
PREPARATION AND SUBMISSION
- Applicant contacts I VISA SERVICES for guidance on the Golden Visa application
process.
- I VISA SERVICES assesses the applicant’s eligibility and provides an overview of
requirements.
- Applicant gathers necessary documents such as passport, financial statements, criminal
record checks, etc.
- I VISA SERVICES reviews and verifies the documents to ensure they meet UK visa
requirements.
- I VISA SERVICES assists the applicant in completing the online visa application form.
- Application, along with supporting documents, is submitted to the UK Visas and
Immigration (UKVI).
PROCESSING AND DECISION
- Applicant attends a biometric appointment to provide fingerprints and photograph.
- I VISA SERVICES schedules the appointment and provides guidance on what to
except.
- UKVI processes the visa application and conducts necessary checks.
- I VISA SERVICES maintains communication with UKVI to ensure timely processing
and address any queries.
- Applicant receives a decision on their visa application from UKV.
- I VISA SERVICES notifies the applicant and provides guidance on next steps, whether
it’s approval or any additional requirements.
- If the visa is approved, I VISA SERVICES assists the applicant in planning their
relocation to the UK.
- This may include advice on accommodation, schooling (if applicable), healthcare
registration, etc.
ELEGIBILTY REQUIRMENTS
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
╸ Inside the UK and switching from a different visa (if you’re already in the UK on a different type of visa)
- Start-Up or Innovator permission to stay
╸ Outside the UK and are going to the UK
- Must obtain a biometric residence permit (BRP) at a visa application centre
- Identity document must be scanned via the UK Immigration: ID Check’ app
- Applicant must Create and Sign in to the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account. You will be informed whether you need an appointment or not
- Start-Up or Innovator Visa Form
╸ Documents required of all applicants, including children
Documentation related to investment option:
- Endorsement Letter from an authorised organisation
Financial documentation:
- Original bank statements for the previous 12 months.
- Authentic bank reference letter from a globally recognised bank to ensure the authenticity of the application.
FAQ
╸ Who is eligible for the UK Innovator Founder Visa?
To be eligible, the main applicant must be at least 18 years old and can include their partner (husband, wife, civil partner, or unmarried partner) and dependent children 18 and below (Above 18 if they are currently in the UK).
╸ What is the UK Innovator Founder Visa?
The Innovator Founder Visa is for a person seeking to establish a business in the UK based on an innovative, viable and scalable business idea they have generated or to which they have significantly contributed. The applicant must have a business or business idea approved by a Home Office–approved endorsing body.
╸ What are the benefits of the UK Innovator Founder Visa?
The UK Innovator Founder Visa offers applicants several benefits, including: being eligible for settlement after 3 years in the UK as an Innovator Founder (also known as ‘indefinite leave to remain or ILR’), being eligible for British Citizenship after 5 years of ILR, spouse, civil or unmarried partner and dependent children 18 and below (Above 18 if they are currently in the UK) are included, access to a superior standard of education, and access to one of the best healthcare systems in the world.
╸ What are the requirements for the UK Innovator Founder Visa?
To meet the eligibility requirements for the UK Innovator Founder Visa, applicants must satisfy the following criteria:
The visa is available for new businesses or business ideas that have received endorsement from an authorised organization specialising in Innovator Founder and Scale-up visas. The endorsement letter should be obtained no more than three months prior to the visa application. Additionally, the main applicant must be at least 18 years old to be considered eligible for the visa. Furthermore, applicants are required to meet the English language requirement at a B2 level. This ensures they have the necessary language skills to communicate and conduct business in the UK effectively.
╸What are the requirements for the applicant's business venture to be considered innovative, viable, and scalable?
The applicant must have an innovative, viable and scalable business venture, and they must meet all the following requirements:
(a) the applicant must have a genuine, original business plan that meets new or existing market needs and/or creates a competitive advantage; and (b) the applicant’s business plan must be realistic and achievable based on the applicant’s available resources; and (c) the applicant must have, or be actively developing, the necessary skills, knowledge, experience and market awareness to run the business successfully; and (d) there must be evidence of structured planning and potential for job creation and growth into national and international markets.
╸ How much funds must the applicant hold at the time of application if applying from outside the UK ?
The applicant is applying from outside the UK and has NOT been in the UK for more than 12 months, the applicant must hold the funds for at least 28 days at the time of application:
£ 1,270 Main Applicant
£ 285 Partner/Spouse
£315 for the first dependent child
£200 for each subsequent dependent
╸ Are UK Innovator Founder Visa holders allowed to work in the UK?
Holders of the UK Innovator Founder Visa can work for their business in the UK.
╸ Does the UK allow dual citizenship?
Yes, the UK permits dual citizenship.
╸ What are the costs of the UK Innovator Founder Visa?
The minimum investment cost for the UK Innovator Founder Visa is GBP 50,000. There are also additional fees depending on whether you are applying from outside or inside the UK.
╸What are the next steps if I am interested in the UK Innovator Founder Visa?
Contact I VISA SERVICES, sign the Retainer Agreement, and pay the first fee to start your application today.