UK Start-up Legacy Route
UK Start-up Legacy Route
Are you currently holding a Legacy Start-Up Visa and looking to elevate your entrepreneurial journey to new heights? Whether you’re continuing with your existing business or venturing into a new endeavor, we’re here to provide expert guidance and support every step of the way. Let’s explore the seamless transition process and unlock exciting opportunities for your business growth and success.
Visio Consultants can help you with the process of transitioning from the Start-Up route to the Innovator Founder route, whether you’re continuing with the same business or starting a new venture.
Switching on the Basis of the Same Business
If you’ve previously had a business endorsed for the Start-Up route and wish to switch to the Innovator Founder route with the same business, you’re in luck. You can use your existing endorsed business for the switch, eliminating the need to come up with a new innovative, viable, and scalable business idea. This means you won’t have to apply for a new endorsement from a different Innovator Founder Endorsing Body.
Requirements for Endorsement Letters
When switching to the Innovator Founder route with the same business, endorsement letters from Legacy Endorsing Bodies must meet specific criteria. These include being dated no earlier than 3 months before the date of application, confirming that the applicant’s business was previously assessed by an Endorsing Body or Legacy Endorsing Body while on the Start-Up route, and verifying the fulfillment of criteria such as registration with Companies House.
Settlement as an Innovator Founder
It’s important to note that time spent in the Start-Up route does not count towards the 3-year continuous residence period required to obtain Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) status in the UK. Therefore, applicants must spend a full 3 years in the Innovator Founder category and meet the ILR criteria before being eligible to settle in the UK. For more detailed information on the Innovator Founder route and ILR requirements, please refer to our UK Innovator Founder Visa section.
Ready to make the switch and take your entrepreneurial journey to the next level?
Contact us today to learn more about how we can assist you in transitioning seamlessly to the Innovator Founder route and achieving your long-term immigration goals.
Innovator Visa Legacy Route
Starting a journey from the Innovator route to the Innovator Founder route opens new avenues for experienced entrepreneurs and business leaders seeking settlement in the UK. Introduced on April 13, 2023, the Innovator Founder route merges aspects of the now-closed Start-up Visa route with the Innovator Visa route, offering a streamlined pathway for individuals with entrepreneurial aspirations. With the removal of the £50,000 investment requirement and enhanced flexibility in employment opportunities, transitioning to the Innovator Founder route presents an enticing opportunity for those looking to establish and grow their businesses in the UK while pursuing settlement.
Introducing the Innovator Founder Visa route, a pathway to settlement tailored for seasoned entrepreneurs and business professionals eager to establish themselves in the vibrant landscape of the UK. Rolled out on April 13, 2023, this innovative visa route seamlessly blends elements from two existing immigration pathways: the now-closed Start-up Visa route and the established Innovator Visa route.
Previously, Innovators could extend their stay in the UK beyond the initial three-year period, provided they met the requirements for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). However, with the replacement of the Innovator route, applicants seeking to prolong their stay must now transition to the Innovator Founder status. Alternatively, individuals wishing to remain in the UK but not under the Innovator Founder category may explore the option of switching to the Skilled Worker Visa route, which includes the potential for self-sponsorship.
Innovator to Founder Transition
We can help switching from the Innovator route to the Innovator Founder route, focusing specifically on businesses that garnered endorsement under the Innovator route (“same business”). Notably, applicants endorsed under the previous Innovator route do not need to seek a fresh endorsement from a different Innovator Founder Endorsing Body. Instead, they can leverage their existing endorsed business and obtain a new letter of endorsement from a Legacy Endorsing Body, streamlining the transition process.
The eligibility criteria for relying on the same business are clear and precise. Applicants must demonstrate the active, trading, and sustainable nature of their business, along with significant achievements aligned with their business plan. Additionally, registration with Companies House, active involvement in the day-to-day management and development of the business, and a documented track record of directorship or membership within the business are essential requirements for a successful transition.
Additional Requirements for Endorsement Letters
Endorsement letters from Legacy Endorsing Bodies must satisfy several specific criteria, including:
- Adhering to the general requirements applicable to all letters, such as being dated no more than 3 months before the application date for switching into the Innovator Founder route;
- Confirmation that the applicant's business underwent assessment by an Endorsing Body or Legacy Endorsing Body during the applicant's tenure as an Innovator Founder (formerly known as an Innovator);
- Verification that the applicant participated in regular checkpoint assessments with their Legacy Endorsing Body, typically occurring at 6, 12, and 24-month intervals for those previously on the Innovator route;
- Affirmation that the applicant will engage in at least two contact point meetings with the Endorsing Body at regular intervals throughout their leave period, specifically at the 12 and 24-month marks;
- Confirmation of compliance with each criterion outlined for the same business, including registration with Companies House and fulfillment of other relevant criteria as detailed previously.
Do Applicants Switching From the Innovator Route to the Innovator Founder Route Still Need to Show Access to £50,000?
No, the Innovator Founder route eliminates the requirement to demonstrate access to £50,000 for investment in a business. Nevertheless, some applicants may have already invested this amount in their business by the time they seek to switch, and can provide evidence of the investment. However, during the assessment of an applicant’s business sustainability, they may be asked to illustrate how the business will continue to be funded and maintained as an active trading entity.
Will Applicants Switching Into the Innovator Founder Route Still Be Limited to Working Only for the Businesses They Established in the UK?
No, the Innovator Founder route offers greater flexibility compared to the Innovator route. Innovator Founders have the opportunity to work for other businesses alongside their own, provided the role requires a skill level of at least RQF Level 3, equivalent to A-levels. Additionally, individuals can pursue studies in the UK, subject to Appendix ATAS.
Application Process to Switch from an Innovator Visa to an Innovator Founder Visa
Innovators seeking to switch to the Innovator Founder route must apply from within the UK before the expiration of their current visa. The application fee is £1,292 per applicant, along with the Immigration Health Surcharge fee, which amounts to £624 per year of grant for applicants aged 18 and above, and £470 for dependants under 18 at the time of application. Upon successful application, applicants will receive a visa valid for 3 years.
Settlement as an Innovator Founder
Time spent in the Innovator route counts towards the 3-year continuous residence period required to obtain Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) status in the UK. Applicants can combine the duration of time spent as an Innovator when applying for settlement, provided they meet the necessary criteria at the time of application.
Ready to make the transition from the Innovator route to the Innovator Founder route and unlock new possibilities for your business journey in the UK?
Our expert team is here to guide you through every step of the process. Whether you’re seeking clarity on visa application procedures, understanding the documentation requirements, or strategizing your pathway to settlement, we’re dedicated to providing comprehensive support tailored to your needs. Take the next step towards realizing your entrepreneurial vision and reach out to us today to Start this transformative journey with confidence.
*Information above is based on the published guidelines and requirements on UKVI and endorsing body websites. It does not constitute legal advice, immigration or related services.
