UK Innovator Visa

The Home Office introduced the UK Innovator visa in March 2019 to replace the Tier 1 Entrepreneur visa. This visa category is aimed at entrepreneurs who will need an innovative business plan to apply for a UK Innovator visa, with a minimum investment of £50,000, and who wish to bring a new inventive business into the UK’s market.

It is obligatory that a government-authorised Endorsing Body endorses the applicant’s business idea for them to be considered for a UK Innovator visa. And for this, a great business plan is essential for completing the Innovator visa application procedure, impressing the endorsing authority, and obtaining the Leave to Enter in the UK.

A great business plan must strongly demonstrate these 3 characteristics –

Innovative

An original business plan that meets new or existing market needs and/or creates a competitive advantage. The business idea must truly be unique and not just a variation of an existing business concept. However, gaining a competitive edge by producing a similar product in a more cost-effective method could be considered an innovative company idea.

Viable

The business owner must take an active part in developing the business and must possess the necessary skills, knowledge, experience, and market awareness to run the business successfully. This does not necessarily imply that the applicant has previously run the same or similar type of business, but they should have transferable skills from previous employment or education that are applicable to the current business plan.

Scalable

The business plan has the potential to create employment (jobs) for the citizens of the UK and a development edge in national and international markets, along with systematic planning.