The New Innovator Route is Open

The Tier 1 Entrepreneur category no longer exists. The Immigration Minister said that the Entrepreneur route has a long tail of low-quality projects. In place of the Entrepreneur Visa comes the Innovator Visa. The Innovator category is intended for more experienced business people. Applicants will need £50,000 to invest in their business from any legitimate source. The endorsing body must confirm that the applicant’s business idea is innovative, viable and scalable and the organisation must be able to keep in contact with the applicant throughout their leave, report to the Home Office as required, and withdraw support from the applicant if certain triggers are met.

In order for the individual to extend their leave in this category they will need to show that they have made significant achievements in relation to their businesses in comparison to their business plan.