LS Legal News Bulletin
September Updates to Start-Up and Innovator Categories
Tuesday 24th September 2019
Published earlier this month, the statement of changes to the Immigration Rules is set to provide a few minor amendments to the Start-Up and Innovator visa categories. The amendments aim to simplify their application process and to clarify their requirements for individuals and endorsing bodies.
- Tier 4 (General) students with a pending Start-up application supported by an endorsing body will be able to commence their business activities whilst awaiting a decision.
- Doctorate extension scheme students on Tier 4 (General) will benefit from an exemption from the Start-Up category requirement not to have previously established a UK business.
- To obtain a status of an endorsing body, organisations will need to secure support from a core department led by a UK or devolved government minister, or a regionally-devolved authority led by a directly-elected mayor.
- Applications from organisations wishing to become an endorsing body may be refused on the grounds of "criminality or other actions or behaviour which are non-conducive to the public good" or due to conflicts of interest.
- No checkpoint between a Start-Up category applicant and their endorsing body will be required after 24 months. The requirement will remain for the purposes of the Innovator category.
The new changes are expected to come in force in October 2019
LS Legal Solicitors may assist you with your Start-Up and Innovator applications and ensure that you are up to date with the most recent immigration updates. Should you need assistance or guidance, please contact our firm on +44(0)2081445588, via email on info@LSLegaLUK.com or use the contact box to discuss your matter or make an appointment.
