At Lexus Law, we recognise the potential that business, industry and trade in the UK presents to overseas businesspeople. If you have a business idea that has been assessed and approved for its innovation, scalability and viability by a UK endorsing body, we can help you to apply for either a Start-up or Innovator Visa. Deciding which visa to apply for will depend on whether you have previously started businesses in the UK and how much capital you have available to invest into your new business.
HOW CAN LEXUS LAW HELP?
- Before preparing your application, we will help you decide which immigration route is most suitable to your circumstances. We will then make sure meet all criteria stipulated by UKVI for the relevant visa category.
- We can provide guidance in obtaining an endorsement letter for your business idea from an endorsement body approved by the Home Office.
- We will help you gather the required documentation and assist with the submission of your visa application.
Speak to our team
Start your journey towards your business ambitions with one-to-one advice on applying for UK Start-up and Innovator visas from leading immigration lawyers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the requirements for the UK Start-up and Innovator visas?
Applicants for either of these immigration routes must meet the following requirements:
- You must be at least 18 years old
- Your business idea must have been endorsed for its innovation, scalability and viability by an approved body
- Your application must be made within three months of the date on your endorsement letter.
- Your English language level should be a minimum of B2 (CEFR) or 5.5 (IELTS).
- You must have at least £1,270 to support yourself if applying from outside the UK, or from within the UK if you’ve been in the country for less than 12 months.
To be eligible for a UK Start-up visa, you must not have established a business in the UK previously (unless this was under the Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur visa).
Individuals applying for the UK Innovator visa must have invested or be able to invest at least £50,000 in their UK business, unless switching from the Start-up visa category to pursue the same venture.
How long can I stay in the UK?
UK Start-up visas are valid for two years, after which you will need to switch to a different visa category (such as the Innovator visa) if you wish to continue developing your business in the UK. The Start-up category does not provide a direct route to settlement in the UK.
If you are issued an Innovator visa, you will have leave to stay in the UK for up to three years. After three years of continuous residence in the UK, you may be eligible to apply for settlement, providing your business meets a number of conditions set out by the Home Office.
Our Process
01.
Contact us to book your complimentary consultation.
If you need trustworthy legal advice regarding immigration in the UK, we would be pleased to help. Fill in our contact form with a brief overview of your situation and we will be in touch as soon as possible to schedule a free consultation with our immigration law experts.
02.
Let us review your circumstances and provide a quotation.
During your free consultation, we will provide guidance on how we can support you with your immigration needs. Once we have assessed your current situation and objectives, we will advise on the best course of action and will supply a quotation for our recommended services.
03.
Leave the complex legal matters to our dedicated immigration lawyers.
Once you have approved the quote, we will supply you with our full terms of business. After the terms have been agreed to, we will work closely with you (or on your behalf where appropriate) to achieve your immediate and long-term UK immigration goals.