If you hold an Innovator Founder visa or an Innovator visa, you may be eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), also known as settlement. The Innovator Founder visa has replaced the Innovator visa, but both visa holders can apply for ILR if they meet the necessary requirements. Achieving ILR allows you to live, work, and study in the UK indefinitely and provides eligibility for public benefits and British citizenship.
Eligibility Criteria for ILR
- To qualify for ILR, you must have resided in the UK for at least three years on an Innovator Founder or Innovator visa. This period must be continuous, with no more than 180 days spent outside the UK in any 12 months. Additionally, you must obtain a new endorsement demonstrating that you have met the business growth requirements.
How to Meet Continuous Residence Requirements?
- Continuous residence is crucial for ILR eligibility. You must prove that you have spent no more than 180 days outside the UK in any 12-month period during your three-year qualifying period. This ensures that your residency is considered continuous and uninterrupted.
Understanding the Life in the UK Test
- Applicants between the ages of 18 and 64 must pass the Life in the UK Test to demonstrate their knowledge of British culture, laws, and history. This requirement ensures that applicants are well-integrated into UK society.
When Should You Apply for ILR?
- The earliest you can apply for ILR is 28 days before completing the required three-year residency period. Applying too early may result in your application being refused. Additionally, you must ensure that your current visa does not expire before you apply for ILR. If it does, you will need to renew it before submitting your ILR application.
Fees and Processing Times for ILR Applications
- The fee for an ILR application is £2,885 per person. Eligible family members, including partners and children, can be included in the same application. Typically, decisions are made within six months using the standard service. For faster processing, you can opt for the priority service, which costs an additional £500 and provides a decision within five working days, or the super priority service, costing an extra £1,000, which offers a decision by the end of the next working day after submitting your biometric information.
How to Obtain an Endorsement for ILR?
- Before applying for ILR, you must demonstrate that you have successfully grown your business. This involves obtaining an endorsement from an approved body, which confirms your business achievements. Once you receive this endorsement letter, you must apply for ILR within three months. You do not need to use the same body that endorsed your initial visa application.
Essential Endorsement Criteria for Innovator Founder and Innovator Visa Holders
- To qualify for an endorsement, you must actively manage and develop your business, holding a key role within the company. Your business needs to be registered with Companies House, where you must be listed as either a director or a member. The business should be actively trading and projected to continue operations for at least the next 12 months. Additionally, the business must meet at least two specific criteria: securing an investment of £50,000 for business development, doubling its customer base in the last three years surpassing the average growth for similar businesses, applying for intellectual property protection in the UK, achieving a revenue of £1 million in the last full year of accounts, generating a revenue of £500,000 in the last full year with at least £100,000 from exports, creating the equivalent of ten full-time jobs that have lasted for at least 12 months, or creating the equivalent of five full-time jobs lasting at least 12 months with an average salary of £25,000 per year.
Including Family Members in Your ILR Application
- Your partner and children can be included in your ILR application if they meet the eligibility criteria. Your partner must have lived in the UK with you as a dependent for at least five continuous years, have a genuine relationship with you, and pass the Life in the UK Test and meet English language requirements. Children can be included if they are dependent on you, not married or in a civil partnership, and live with you without relying on public funds. Additional documentation is required for children over 16 to prove their residence and financial support.
Benefits of Approved ILR Applications
- Upon approval of your ILR application, you gain several privileges. You can work and run a business without restrictions, pursue further education, and access public services like healthcare and education. You also become eligible to apply for public funds, including benefits and pensions. After a minimum of 12 months following your settlement, you can apply for British citizenship, provided you have lived in the UK for at least five years.
How to Get a Decision on Your ILR Application?
- Standard ILR applications typically receive a decision within six months. However, if you opt for the priority or super priority services, you can receive a decision within five working days or two working days, respectively, for an additional fee.
