UK Immigration for Innovators

Introduction

You may well have a great business idea and if you are in a position to raise the finance this could be just one of the many ways to gain entry into The UK.

Since the 16th of September 2002 the innovator scheme has been operational. It was first seen as a pilot scheme for a two year period from 4th September 2000 – to 4th September 2002. And since then there have been over one hundred innovator applications approved for these fortunate people bringing their new talents into The UK. This particular category should only be considered if you think that your business idea will bring considerable economic benefits to The UK and is best suited to those in industries such as i.e. information technology and telecommunications, however it is also available to all those from other industries too.

The scheme was set up in order to encourage entrepreneurs to gain entry into The UK with an outstanding business idea, but with hardly any funds. Below you will see some of the requirements:

You must have at least a five percent ownership in the proposed business.
Your business must be new and innovative.
You must have sufficient business experience
You must bring exceptional economic benefit to the UK.
You will have to bring employment for at least two people.

If it is the case that you feel you don’t meet the criteria set out in this category, please take a look at our entrepreneur’s page for more information about entry under another category. If you are a citizen of Bulgaria or Romania, you will be allowed to gain entry under the EC Association Agreement and your find the process is less complicated compared to gaining entry as an innovator.

Take a look at our (visas for entrepreneurs page for more details of other categories.

Do I qualify to come to The UK as an innovator?

This is some what different from other UK visa categories as it is based on a points system and it takes in a certain number of criteria and is no doubt targeting innovative businesses which are bringing new skills and technology into the UK. The main Idea for the points system is to award points under the following criteria. What follows is a (simplified version).

Section 1: personal characteristics- minimum score 15

Business Experience:

Business or management experience: up to 15 points
Experience in the UK or in exporting to the UK: up to 5 points.
Experience in starting up a new business: up to 15 points.
Experience in proposed business area: 5 points for one year or more.
Work or research experience in the chosen field up to 10 points.

Qualifications and/or relevant references:

Qualifications: Maximum of 10 points.
Relevant Reference: 5 points

Section 2: Business Plan - Viability - Minimum Score 15

Financial Viability:

Start up capital available for the business: Up to 15 points.
References from experts in area of business: Up to 10 points.

Commercial and technical viability and management plan:

Market research or contact with potential Clients: 5 points.
Positive commercial reference from expert in relevant field: 5 points
Positive technical reference from expert in relevant field: Up to 10 points
Details of management team: 5 points
Confirmation that you will own at least 5 percent of the proposed business.

Section 3: Economic Benefit to the UK - Minimum Score 30

Jobs and skills:

Full-time jobs created in the first twelve months: Up to 25 points.
Number of science/technology graduates who will be employed in the business: Up to 15 points.

Innovation:

Introduction of new technology, processes or products to the UK or to a specific industry. 25 points
Intellectual property rights to be used in the business: 25 points
Investment in research and development in the first twelve months: Up to ten points for GBP100K.
If the business is primarily internet based: 25 points.
If the business will increase the level of e-commerce activity in the UK: 25 points.

What has to be shown in my business plan?

Detail of business proposal
Proposals for the establishment of a management team
Numbers and skill levels of jobs to be created
Innovative aspects of your proposals (eg will it introduce a new technology, process or product to the UK or to the sector).
How much you will spend on R&D
Cash flow forecast
Assessment of main sources of risk
Description of actual or intended sources of funding and intended financing structure
Marketing plan
Legal structure of company
The business plan must cover at least 18 months

What evidence will be required to support this?

Financial references or evidence of available personal or family funding
Report from recognized third party on viability of proposals
Evidence of market research
Evidence of R&D already carried out (if appropriate)
Appropriate technical/scientific documentation and reference
Commercial reference
Copies of correspondence with potential customers, agents and distributors

What should my curriculum vitae show?

Details of positions with previous employers, including responsibilities and achievements
Previous entrepreneurial experience
Experience in relevant market sectors
Degree level qualifications (or equivalent)
Post-graduate business qualifications
Post-graduate or professional qualifications in relevant area
R&D experience
Membership of relevant innovation network

What evidence do I need to support this?

Previous employer references
Registered accounts/trading records of own business
Copies of professional/academic certificates
Evidence of network memberships
Research output, i.e. publications, patents

What about My Family?

You may make an application for your spouse and children to go with you as your dependents. Your spouse / partner and dependent children may work providing that they have permission to stay in The UK.

Education

Your children are entitled to the same education as British citizens and you may wish to send your children to a private school.

Health care

You and your family will be entitled to free health care with the NHS (National Health Service). You are not acquired to take out private health insurance, however you may do so if you so wish.

Work

Your spouse is entitled to take up any lawful employment.

What about extending my visa?

At first you will receive a visa valid for 18 months, you will be able to apply for an extension after this period, however during this period you will need to have made the full investment and created the required jobs. The extension application must be accompanied by all documents which should show how the progress is based on your investment. The Home office will grant a three year extension if they see your business interests remains viable. After 4 years in the UK you can apply for indefinite leave to remain (permanent Residence).

How do I Apply?

It is possible to make an application for the innovator at the relevant British Embassy outside the UK and in some cases an application from within the UK.

You must provide documentary proof showing your qualifications, work experience, funding for the proposed business, etc. We can assist you in all aspects of your application. If you are interested in taking this further please don’t hesitate in completing our assessment form.