New Worker Route
Start Ups
The Start-up category is for early-stage but high potential entrepreneurs who are starting a business in the UK for the first time.
Applicants do not need any funds to invest in their business at this stage. It offers a one-off, 2-year visa, during which applicants will spend the majority of their time developing their businesses but can also take on other work outside of their businesses, to support themselves.
Successful applicants can bring their family members (spouses/partners and children under 18) to the UK. At the end of 2 years, they can switch into the Innovator category to extend their stay and develop their businesses in the UK.
The Home Office credibility assessment is applicable to this route.
The applicant must be 18 years old, must not fall for refusal under the general grounds for refusal.
The applicant must an English language qualification at B2 or be a national of a majority English speaking country or has a degree taught in English.
The applicant must have at least £945 for maintenance funds.
Innovator
The Innovator category is for more experienced business people seeking to establish a business in the UK.
Applicants will usually need a minimum £50,000 funding available to invest in their business (This does not have to come from their endorsing body, although some endorsing bodies may choose to offer this funding).
Innovators must work entirely on developing their business ventures and may not take on other employment outside their business. This includes anything which effectively amounts to employment, such as using their own business to hire out their labour to another employer.
Successful Innovators are granted leave for 3 years at a time and can bring their family members to the UK. After 3 years, Innovators can apply to extend their stay for a further 3 years or to settle permanently in the UK. Each of these 3 stages (initial application, extension, settlement) requires endorsement from an endorsing body.
The Home Office credibility assessment is applicable to this route.
The applicant must be 18 years old, must not fall for refusal under the general grounds for refusal.
The applicant must an English language qualification at B2 or be a national of a majority English speaking country or has a degree taught in English.
The applicant must have at least £945 for maintenance funds.