If you have an excellent business idea and can raise the
finance this could be a way for you to gain entry to the UK.
The innovator scheme is now a permanent scheme since 16 September 2002. It was originally introduced as a two year pilot scheme from 4 September 2000 to 4 September 2002.
This category should only be used if you have a business idea that will bring
very considerable economic benefits to the UK and is tailored to those in the
new industries of information technology and telecommunication sectors, although
is open to those from other industries as well.
This scheme was introduced for the entry of entrepreneurs with an exceptional
business idea, but with little capital. Some of the requirements for the scheme
are as follows:
Your business idea must be new and innovative.
You must bring exceptional economic benefit to the UK.
You must have sufficient funding in place or agreed in principle.
You must create employment for at least two people.
You must have significant business experience.
You must have at least a five percent ownership in the proposed business.
If you do not meet the requirements of this category, please go to the
entrepreneurs page for details of entry under another
category. If you are a citizen of one of Bulgaria or Romania you can come
under the EU Association Agreement which is more straightforward than entry as an innovator.
Please see our “Visas for Business” page for details of other categories.
Do I qualify to come to the UK as an Innovator?
This category is very different from other UK visa categories as it is based
on a points system. The points system covers a number of criteria and is clearly
targeting highly innovative businesses creating employment and bringing new
skills and technology to the UK. The main features of the points system are to
grant points under the following criteria (this is a simplified version):
Section 1: Personal Characteristics - Minimum Score 15
Business Experience:
Business or Management Experience: Maximum of 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.
Experience in the UK or in exporting to the UK: Up to 5 points.
Experience in starting up new businesses: Up to 15 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.
The above is only an outline of the points system, and if you would like us
to evaluate your case further please complete our online application form.
What do I need to show 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 do I need to support this?
Financial references or evidence of available personal or family funding
Report from recognised 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, eg publications, patents
What about My Family?
You may apply for your spouse and children to accompany you as your
dependants.
Education
Your children entering the UK as your dependants are entitled to the same
free education as British children. You may choose to send your children to a
private school if you wish.
Health care
You and your family are eligible to free health care provided by the National
Health Service. You are not required to take out private health insurance.
Work
Your spouse and dependents are entitled to take up any lawful employment.
What about extending my visa?
Your initial visa is granted for a period of 18 months. It will be based on
you meeting the requirements of the points system. The business does not need to
start until you have entered the UK.
At the end of your first 18 months in the UK, you may apply for your visa to
be extended for a maximum period of four years. This application should be
successful if you meet the following requirements:
You and your dependants have been able to support yourselves during this
period without needing public funds. Also, you have not had to take other
employment during this time (your dependants are free to take whatever
employment they desire).
You have created at least two full-time jobs in the first twelve months of
trading.
You can demonstrate at least a five percent ownership in the UK business.
Your business continues to exist, and has sufficient funds to continue
trading.
You can apply for the innovator at the relevant British Embassy outside the
UK and in some cases an application from within the UK.
You will need to provide documentary evidence 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 contact us directly.
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