The United Kingdom (UK) has become a desirable destination for immigrants, rivaling the popularity of the United States. However, obtaining a UK visa has historically posed challenges due to strict immigration rules. Fortunately, in recent years, various avenues have opened up, offering alternative visa routes for entrepreneurs, innovators, investors, and skilled workers.
UK Innovator Founder Visa
The UK government introduced the UK Innovator Founder Visa in April, replacing the previous Innovator and Start-up visas. This visa category provides several benefits, including no minimum investment requirement, reduced check-ins with endorsing bodies, permission for secondary employment, and a direct path to UK settlement. To qualify, applicants must have an innovative, viable, and scalable business idea that they have either generated or significantly contributed to. Once approved, applicants can come to the UK to implement their business plans and work for the established business. Initially, a three-year permission is granted, after which applicants can apply for indefinite leave to remain. Dependents of the innovative founder can also join them in the UK. Applicants must obtain an endorsement letter from an authorized body, which is then submitted with the online application and required documentation. The application fee for the Innovator Founder route is £1036, and applicants must also pay the immigration health surcharge.
Permitted Paid Engagement (PPE) Visit
The PPE Visit visa is specifically designed for professionals and experts seeking temporary visits to the UK for engagements within their field. This visa is commonly used by individuals in professions such as artists, entertainers, musicians, sportspersons, examiners, lecturers, and lawyers. The visa grants access for up to a month and is suitable for individuals aged 18 and above. To be eligible, applicants must have a pre-arranged permitted paid engagement supported by a formal invitation from a UK-based organization or client in their area of expertise. It is crucial that applicants do not engage in prohibited activities and have sufficient funds to cover their visit expenses without relying on employment or public funds. The current application fee for a PPE Visit visa stands at £100.
UK Expansion Worker Visa
Part of the Global Business Mobility (GBM) visa program, the UK Expansion Worker visa replaces the Sole Representative Visa. It allows employees of established overseas businesses to come to the UK and establish their first branch or subsidiary. Applicants must be at least 18 years old and employed by the overseas business, which will fully own the subsidiary being established. Generally, applicants should have worked for the business for a minimum period, with certain exceptions. This visa can only be utilized if the subsidiary hasn’t commenced trading in the UK. The UK Expansion Worker visa is granted for 12 months after the start date of the job on the sponsorship certificate or 14 days after the end date of that job, whichever is shorter. The maximum time an individual can stay in the UK on a UK Expansion Worker visa is 2 years.
Global Talent Visa
The Global Talent visa is designed for individuals classified as leaders or potential leaders in academia or research, culture, and digital technology. It caters to professionals at various stages of their careers in fields such as science, engineering, technology, medicine, art, and humanities, without the need for a job offer. This visa category replaced the Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent) visa in 2020. Applicants must meet several requirements and, unless they hold an international prize like a Nobel prize, they need to be endorsed by one of six bodies based in the UK. Global Talent visa holders can work for an employer, be self-employed, or become a director of a company within the field for which they have been endorsed. Studying is also permitted, subject to conditions. Qualifying dependents can accompany Global Talent visa holders.
