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Fri, 22/8/2008

Innovators

The Innovator category is a scheme for innovators or entrepreneurs who wish to go to the UK to set up an innovative business and in the process bring exceptional economic benefit to the UK.

How do I qualify for this kind of visa/permit?

  • You will need to show that you have entrepreneurial ability.
  • You will need to show that you have excellent technical skills and a business plan that will develop e-commerce or other new technologies in the UK.
  • An assessment will be done on your application, based on a points score if the following four minimum requirements have been met:
    • The proposed business will create at least two full-time jobs or a number of part-time jobs for people settled in the UK.
    • At least 5% of the shares must be held by or be in the name of the applicant.
    • You will be able to support yourself and dependants without recourse to public funds or having to do other work, until the business generates an income for yourself.
    • You must have enough money to finance the business for the first six months after your arrival in the UK.
  • The points score will be done in categories such as your personal characteristics, your general business plan and the economic benefits of your business plan.

How do I apply and do I need entry clearance?

You will need to apply at the British High Commission in your home country as an Innovator. An assessment on your application, which will be in the form of a points score will be done to determine whether you qualify. You can apply to switch your status to an innovator whilst you are in the UK, but not if you are in the UK as a visitor.

You will need to apply for entry clearance before you travel to the UK.

As this can be an extremely complicated category it will be well advisable to contact Breytenbachs if you want to apply under this category.

Some Rules and Restrictions on an Innovator:

  • You may apply for your dependants to accompany or join you in the UK.
  • You will have to support and accommodate yourself and your dependants without recourse to public funds.
  • If you are successful with your application, you will obtain permission to stay for 18 months in the UK; after that period you will have to apply to extend your stay for a further three and a half years.

Does this visa lead to indefinite leave to remain?

Yes, after five years in the UK as an innovator, you can apply for indefinite leave to remain.

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