The UK Innovator Founder Visa, launched in April 2023, is specifically designed for non-UK residents aiming to establish innovative businesses in the UK. This visa replaced the Innovator and Start-up visa categories and has become the primary visa option for international entrepreneurs looking to start a business in the UK. Beyond just business opportunities, holders of the Innovator Founder Visa can also work their way toward British citizenship.
In this article, we break down the process of obtaining British citizenship through the UK Innovator Founder Visa. We start by looking at the visa’s eligibility requirements, including the need for endorsement from an approved body. Next, we’ll cover the route to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) and British citizenship, focusing on the requirements for achieving ILR after three years, including business success and active involvement. Finally, we’ll walk you through the steps from ILR to British citizenship.
Securing the UK Innovator Founder Visa
Criteria for a Strong Business Plan:
Before we dive into the pathway to British citizenship, it’s essential to understand the requirements for securing the UK Innovator Founder Visa, starting with the endorsement process.
A crucial step is crafting a solid business plan, which is key to gaining an endorsement from an approved body. A well-thought-out business plan will increase your chances of securing this vital endorsement.
Here are the criteria for a strong business plan:
- Innovation: Your business idea should introduce something unique and difficult to replicate in the UK market. This could include any patents or R&D strategies you’ve planned.
- Viability: You need to show that your business is feasible, with market analysis and expertise to back up your claims.
- Scalability: Your plan should demonstrate your business’s potential for growth, job creation, and market expansion, both locally and internationally.
The Endorsement Process for the UK Innovator Founder Visa:
A successful business plan leads to an endorsement from a UK-approved body. This endorsement affirms that your business is innovative, viable, and holds promise, paving the way for your visa application and eventual British citizenship.
From the UK Innovator Founder Visa to Permanent Residency
What is Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)?
Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) is a critical milestone on the road to British citizenship. It’s often referred to as permanent residency and allows you to live, work, and study in the UK without restrictions. Once you hold ILR, you can apply for British citizenship.
How to Apply for ILR after Securing the UK Innovator Founder Visa
Eligibility Criteria:
To be eligible for ILR under the UK Innovator Founder Visa, you need to meet these criteria:
- A new endorsement confirming your business’s growth.
- You must have lived in the UK for three years on the Innovator Founder or Innovator Visa (time spent on other visas doesn’t count).
- You must pass the Life in the UK Test if you are between 18 and 64 years old.
- You must not have been outside the UK for more than 180 days in any 12-month period.
- You can apply for ILR 28 days before you’re eligible, but be cautious not to apply too early, as it may lead to refusal.
Detailed Overview of Meeting Eligibility:
- Endorsement: You need to show that you’ve actively managed and developed your business. It should be registered with Companies House, and you must be a director or a member. Your business must be trading and continue doing so for at least another 12 months.
- Business Criteria: Your business must meet at least two of the following:
- Invested £50,000 in business development.
- Doubled its customer base in the last three years.
- Applied for intellectual property protection in the UK.
- Generated £1 million in revenue in the last financial year.
- Created 10 full-time jobs or 5 jobs paying an average salary of £25,000 for 12 months.
If you meet these criteria, the endorsing body will provide an endorsement letter confirming your eligibility. You can then apply for ILR within three months of receiving this letter.
Calculating Your Continuous Residence in the UK:
To prove continuous UK residence, you’ll need long-term documents, such as:
- Yearly accounts if self-employed.
- Mortgage or rental statements.
- Bank statements, P60 forms, or council tax bills.
Avoid using personal references or photographs as proof of residence.
Fees: The ILR application costs £2,885 per person, and biometric information (fingerprints and photo) will be required at no extra charge. The decision usually takes up to six months.
From ILR to British Citizenship
Differences Between ILR and British Citizenship:
While both ILR and British citizenship allow you to reside in the UK and access public services, British citizenship offers additional benefits, such as the right to vote, hold public office, and apply for a UK passport. Unlike ILR, which can be revoked if you leave the UK for more than two years, British citizenship is permanent.
Eligibility for British Citizenship:
After holding ILR for 12 months, you can apply for British citizenship after living in the UK for five years.
Residency Requirements:
- You must have been in the UK for at least five years before applying.
- You shouldn’t have spent more than 450 days outside the UK during the five years before your application, and no more than 90 days in the last 12 months.
Good Character Requirement: You must demonstrate good character by adhering to UK laws and respecting the rights of UK citizens.
Application Costs: The application fee for British citizenship is £1,580, not including the biometric fee.
Dual Nationality Considerations:
Before applying for British citizenship, ensure that your home country allows dual nationality, as some countries may require you to give up your original citizenship.
Decision Timeline:
Expect a decision within several months, depending on your application’s complexity.
Applying for a British Passport
Once you’ve received British citizenship, the next step is to apply for a British passport. The process typically takes around 10 weeks, and you can apply online or via a paper form.
Passport Fees:
- Adult (16 and over) Standard 34-page Passport:
- Online: £82.50
- Paper Form: £93
- Adult 50-page Frequent Traveller Passport:
- Online: £93.50
- Paper Form: £104
This route provides a clear pathway for Nigerians and other international entrepreneurs who wish to build a business and settle in the UK. Whether you’re looking to grow your business or become a British citizen, the UK Innovator Founder Visa offers an exciting opportunity to make that dream a reality.
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