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UPDATE: MAY 2023
In the past year the UK Immigration System has introduced a number of innovative visa routes suited for individuals wishing to open or continue operating their businesses in the UK.
INNOVATOR FOUNDER VISA
The Innovator Founder pathway has eliminated the £50,000 minimum investment funds requirement, providing flexibility for those with a genuine and innovative business proposal. Applications for this route must be accompanied by a letter from an endorsing body.
To qualify, applicants must earn a total of 70 points: 30 points for meeting the business plan requirement, 20 points for demonstrating an innovative, viable, and scalable business venture, and 10 points for meeting the English language requirement. Additionally, applicants must fulfill the maintenance requirement, which entails holding at least £1,270 in personal funds for a 28-day period prior to the application date. Innovator Founder visas are valid for three years, and eligible applicants can apply for settlement after this period, provided they meet the necessary requirements.
INVESTOR VISA
Even though you no longer can apply for Investor visa the existing migrants that still hold investor visa are able to complete their route and apply for extension and ILR.
Extension
To extend the visa, the conditions of the previous stay must remain unchanged, meaning there should be no breaches of immigration rules, such as criminal or civil penalties. The investment level funds must have been maintained throughout the qualifying period. If the investment level has risen during the last qualifying period, for example, from £2 million to £5 million, the qualifying period for ILR based on the £5 million investment will commence up to three months before the increase in investment. Applications for extension must be submitted before February 17, 2026.
Indefinite Leave to Remain
Although the Investor visa is no longer available for new applications, current migrants holding the Investor visa can still complete their pathway and apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). This option is contingent upon meeting specific criteria. Applications must be submitted before February 17, 2028, and applicants must present adequate evidence demonstrating that their investment levels were maintained throughout the qualifying period. To be eligible, applicants need to obtain a minimum of 75 points under the Immigration Rules. The applicant will also need to meet Life in The UK test and English language requirements.
The logistics of switching visas or moving to the UK for business purposes can be complex. We are here to guide you through the procedure and get the outcome you need. Our Business Immigration services include visas for individuals unconnected with employment as well as employment-linked visas (Skilled Worker, Representative of an Overseas Business visa). We also have experience with in-country applications, such as Indefinite Leave to Remain and Partner visas.
SKILLED WORKER
One of the common ways of labour migration to the UK is through the Skilled Worker visa. Skilled worker prior to Brexit implementation was called Tier 2 (General) visa. The visa requirements apply to EU and non-EU nationals. Skilled Worker status enables you to work in the UK for your employer, in the role specified, for the period as stated on your Certificate of Sponsorship and corresponding visa.
Right to Work Check
Your sponsor will require sight of your immigration permission, as they will need to conduct and retain a Right to Work check before you start work with your new or extended visa. Be aware that the Immigration Rules are subject to regular change and you should check your continued eligibility on the Home Office website in advance of your visa expiry date if you intend to make further UK immigration applications.
Police Registration
As of 4 August 2022, the UK police registration scheme has ended. If you applied for a visa from outside the UK or if you already have permission to stay longer, you no longer need to register with the police. If you were previously told to register, you no longer need to do so. Even if you have an appointment to register with the police, you do not need to attend or pay the registration fee. If you have already paid the fee, you will not receive a refund. You do not need to update the police with any changes to your personal details, but you still need to inform the Home Office. If you have a police registration certificate, you should destroy it by shredding or cutting it into pieces before throwing it away. – https://www.gov.uk/register-with-the-police