What makes Lawyery different from other UK immigration lawyers?

Lawyery Limited is a digital-first immigration law firm that combines traditional legal expertise with modern technology. We are SRA regulated (No: 8001894), members of The Law Society and ILPA, and offer online booking, video consultations, and AI-powered tools. We specialise in Filipino community services with Tagalog and Illocano-speaking lawyers, provide LGBTQ+ friendly services, and maintain transparent fixed-fee pricing with no hidden costs.

Is Lawyery regulated and authorised?

Yes. Lawyery Limited is fully authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA Authorisation Number: 8001894). All our solicitors are members of The Law Society of England and Wales and the Immigration Law Practitioners Association (ILPA). Your communications with us are protected by legal professional privilege.

What are your fees for immigration services?

We offer transparent fixed-fee pricing. Initial consultations range from £150 (30 minutes) to £500 (2 hours). Sponsor licence applications start from £3,000 + VAT. Skilled Worker visas from £1,500 + VAT. Partner visas from £2,000 + VAT. Settlement (ILR) from £2,500 + VAT. British citizenship from £1,500 + VAT. All fees exclude Home Office application fees. Visit our pricing page for complete details.

Do you have Filipino-speaking immigration lawyers?

Yes. We have multiple Filipino immigration lawyers who speak Tagalog and Illocano fluently. Our Filipino solicitors specialise in Philippine divorce recognition in England and Wales, healthcare worker visas, family reunification, and settlement applications. We understand Filipino culture and provide culturally sensitive legal services to the Filipino community throughout the UK.

Can you help my business hire international workers?

Yes. We specialise in business immigration services including sponsor licence applications (Worker and Temporary Worker routes), Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) assignments, Skilled Worker visas, Global Business Mobility visas, and sponsor compliance management. We provide SMS training, right to work check guidance, and ongoing compliance support. Our fixed-fee packages include everything your business needs to hire international talent legally.

How quickly can I get a consultation?

We typically offer appointments within 48 hours of booking. Same-day emergency consultations are available for urgent immigration matters. You can book online 24/7 through our Acuity scheduling system at https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule/0aea335c or call us on +44 (0) 20 3576 1275 during office hours.

Do you offer remote consultations?

Yes. We offer phone and video consultations nationwide across England and Wales. As a digital-first law firm, we provide secure online document sharing, video meetings via Zoom or Microsoft Teams, and comprehensive remote support. In-person appointments are also available at our London office by arrangement.

What is a sponsor licence and does my business need one?

A sponsor licence is a legal authorisation from the UK Home Office that allows UK employers to hire international workers on Skilled Worker visas, Health and Care Worker visas, and other work-based immigration routes. If you want to employ workers from outside the UK (excluding Irish citizens), you need a sponsor licence. The application process takes 8-12 weeks and requires demonstrating HR systems, compliance procedures, and genuine vacancy needs. We handle the entire application including SMS training for key personnel.

Can you help with Philippine divorce recognition in the UK?

Yes. We are specialists in obtaining recognition of Philippine divorces in England and Wales. Since the Philippines does not allow divorce for Filipino citizens, many Filipinos obtain divorce abroad. We can help you get your foreign divorce recognised in England and Wales, allowing you to remarry without the lengthy annulment process. This service is particularly important for Filipinos wanting to bring new partners to the UK or apply for British citizenship.

What is the difference between settlement and British citizenship?

Settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain or ILR) gives you the right to live and work in the UK permanently without time restrictions. British citizenship goes further, giving you a UK passport, voting rights, and the right to pass citizenship to your children. Generally, you must have ILR for at least 12 months before applying for citizenship. The citizenship application also requires passing the Life in the UK test and meeting English language requirements. We can guide you through both processes.

Do you handle immigration appeals and visa refusals?

Yes. We have extensive experience with immigration appeals, administrative reviews, and judicial review proceedings. If your visa application has been refused, we can assess the refusal, advise on your options, and represent you in First-tier Tribunal appeals or judicial review in the High Court. Time limits are strict (typically 14 days for administrative review), so contact us immediately if you receive a refusal.

What is your success rate for immigration applications?

We maintain a high success rate across all immigration categories. Our success stems from thorough preparation, detailed evidence gathering, comprehensive legal submissions, and proactive communication with the Home Office. While we cannot guarantee success in any individual case due to the complexity of immigration law and changing Home Office policies, our expertise and attention to detail maximize your chances of approval.

Why should I choose Lawyery for my Innovator Founder Visa application?

Chris Dias, our founder and expert in Innovator Founder visas, has developed specialist knowledge in this area and created innovative tools to support applicants. He has spoken publicly about the Innovator Founder route and developed an AI-powered pre-assessment tool to help entrepreneurs evaluate their eligibility. Our team provides comprehensive support from business plan development through to endorsement and visa approval, significantly increasing your probability of success with transparent fixed-fee pricing.

What is the AI pre-assessment tool?

Chris Dias has created an AI-powered Innovator Founder pre-assessment tool available on this website that helps you evaluate whether your business idea is likely to meet the innovation, viability, and scalability criteria required for endorsement. This free tool provides personalised feedback on your business concept and helps you understand what endorsing bodies are looking for, allowing you to refine your proposal before making formal applications.

How much does the Innovator Founder Visa cost with Lawyery?

Our legal fees are transparent and fixed: Endorsement Support £2,500, Visa Application Assistance £2,500, Family Visa Support £1,500 per dependent, and Indefinite Leave to Remain £3,000 (including re-endorsement). All packages include a free consultation. Additionally, you will need to pay Home Office fees (£1,191-£1,486), Immigration Health Surcharge (£1,035 per year), endorsing body fees (£1,000-£3,000), and demonstrate access to investment funds.

What are the key eligibility requirements for the Innovator Founder Visa?

You must: (1) be at least 18 years old; (2) have a genuine, innovative, viable, and scalable business idea; (3) secure an endorsement from an approved endorsing body; (4) invest a minimum of £50,000 over 3 years in your business to achieve one of the ILR targets required for settlement; (5) meet English language requirements at CEFR Level B2; (6) have sufficient maintenance funds (£1,270 for at least 28 consecutive days); and (7) pass tuberculosis testing if applicable.

How do I get an endorsement from an endorsing body?

You must apply to one of the Home Office-approved endorsing bodies such as Innovator International, The Global Entrepreneurs Programme, or Envestors. Chris Dias and our team help you identify the most suitable endorsing body for your specific business type, prepare a compelling business plan that demonstrates innovation, viability, and scalability, and guide you through the endorsement application process. We have extensive experience working with all major endorsing bodies and understand their individual assessment criteria.

What does "innovative, viable, and scalable" mean?

Innovative means your business idea must be genuinely original and offer something different to what is already available in the UK market, demonstrating a competitive advantage. Viable means there is a genuine intention and ability to establish and run a successful business, with realistic planning and sufficient market understanding. Scalable means the business has potential for significant growth and job creation, with a clear plan for national or international expansion beyond the initial local customer base.

Can I bring my family with me on the Innovator Founder Visa?

Yes, you can bring your partner (spouse, civil partner, unmarried partner, or same-sex partner) and children under 18 as dependants. They will need to apply separately and pay their own visa fees and Immigration Health Surcharge. Dependants have full work and study rights in the UK. Our Family Visa Support service (£1,500 per dependent) includes all application assistance and documentation preparation for your family members.

How long does the Innovator Founder Visa last and when can I get settlement?

The initial visa is granted for 3 years. After 3 years (not 5 years like most other routes), you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (settlement) if you meet specific requirements including having your business active and trading, demonstrating you have made significant achievements as assessed by your endorsing body, investing at least £50,000 in your business, and meeting continuous residence requirements. You can also extend for another 3 years if needed.

What happens if my business fails?

If your business fails, you may face difficulties extending your visa or applying for settlement. The Home Office and endorsing bodies expect you to demonstrate continuous progress and engagement with your business. If circumstances genuinely outside your control caused the failure, you may be able to secure a new endorsement for a different business idea. Chris Dias and our team can advise on switching to alternative visa routes such as Skilled Worker if you secure sponsorship, or developing a new business concept for fresh endorsement.

How long does the application process take?

The endorsement process typically takes 6-12 weeks depending on the endorsing body and complexity of your business proposal. Once you have your endorsement letter, visa processing takes approximately 3 weeks for applications made outside the UK, or 8 weeks for applications made inside the UK. Priority and super priority services are available for faster processing at additional cost. We recommend allowing 3-6 months for the entire process from initial consultation to visa approval.

Can I apply for Innovator Founder if I am already in the UK?

Yes, you can apply to switch to Innovator Founder from within the UK if you currently hold valid permission to stay, such as Skilled Worker, Graduate visa, Student visa, or other work/business visas. You cannot switch from Visitor visa, Short-term Student visa, Parent of a Child Student visa, seasonal worker visa, domestic worker in a private household visa, or if you are on immigration bail or have been granted leave outside the Immigration Rules.

What contact points do I need to establish with the endorsing body?

You must maintain regular "contact points" (check-ins) with your endorsing body to monitor your business progress. Initial contact is at 6 months and 12 months after your visa is granted. Further contact points are required at 24 months and before any extension or settlement application. The endorsing body assesses whether your business is progressing as planned, whether you are actively involved, and whether you are meeting key milestones. Missing contact points or failing to demonstrate progress can jeopardise extensions or settlement applications.

INNOVATOR FOUNDER VISA

Turn Your Innovative Business Ideas into UK Success Stories

FREE ASSESSMENT BOOK CONSULTATION CONTACT US

WHAT IS THE INNOVATOR FOUNDER VISA?

The Innovator Founder Visa is the UK's premier route for experienced entrepreneurs looking to establish innovative, viable, and scalable businesses in the United Kingdom. Launched on 13 April 2023, this visa route replaced the previous Innovator and Start-up visas, creating a unified pathway for business founders.

This route is designed for individuals with genuine entrepreneurial experience and innovative business ideas that will contribute to the UK economy. Unlike employee-based visa routes, the Innovator Founder Visa gives you the freedom to be your own boss and build a business that could transform industries.

3 Years

Initial visa duration with settlement route

£50,000

Investment requirement (can be waived)

Settlement

After 3 years (faster than most routes)

KEY BENEFITS

Why Choose the Innovator Founder Route?

Fast Track to Settlement

Achieve Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after just 3 years, faster than most other visa routes which require 5 years.

Bring Your Family

Your partner and children under 18 can join you with full work and study rights in the UK.

Work Flexibility

Focus on your business whilst being allowed to take supplementary employment for up to 20 hours per week.

No Sponsor Needed

Be your own boss - no need for a UK employer to sponsor you. Build and control your own business destiny.

Flexible Investment

Minimum investment of £50,000 over 3 years to achieve one of the ILR targets.

Access UK Market

Establish your business in one of the world's leading financial centres with access to European markets.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

Meet these criteria to qualify for the Innovator Founder Visa

Age Requirement

You must be at least 18 years old at the time of application.

Endorsement from Approved Body

You must obtain an endorsement letter from a Home Office-approved endorsing body confirming your business idea is innovative, viable, and scalable. Approved endorsing bodies include:

Innovator International
The Global Entrepreneurs Programme
Envestors Limited

Investment Funds

You must invest a minimum of £50,000 over 3 years in your business to achieve one of the ILR (Indefinite Leave to Remain) targets required for settlement.

English Language

You must demonstrate English language ability at CEFR Level B2 (equivalent to IELTS 5.5 in reading, writing, speaking, and listening). You can prove this through:

A SELT (Secure English Language Test) from an approved provider
A degree taught in English (must be verified by ECCTIS)
Being a national of a majority English-speaking country

Maintenance Funds

You must have at least £1,270 in personal savings, held for a minimum of 28 consecutive days before your application date. The balance must not drop below this amount during the 28-day period.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Your step-by-step journey to the Innovator Founder Visa

Step 1

Initial Consultation & Strategy

We assess your business idea, review eligibility, identify the most suitable endorsing body, and develop a comprehensive application strategy tailored to your circumstances.

Step 2

Business Plan Development

We help you refine and structure your business plan to demonstrate innovation, viability, and scalability. This includes market analysis, financial projections, competitive advantages, and growth strategy.

Step 3

Investment Funds Verification

We help you arrange and document the required investment funds (or exemption evidence), ensuring all financial requirements are properly evidenced according to Home Office standards.

Step 4

Endorsement Application

We guide you through the endorsement application process, prepare supporting documentation, and liaise with the endorsing body on your behalf to secure approval.

Step 5

Visa Application Submission

We prepare your complete visa application, compile all supporting documents, complete online forms, and guide you through the biometrics appointment and submission process.

Step 6

Post-Approval Support

After visa approval, we provide ongoing support including contact point preparation, compliance guidance, extension applications, and settlement planning.

INNOVATION, VIABILITY & SCALABILITY

Understanding the core assessment criteria

Innovative

Your business must offer something genuinely new or significantly different to what already exists in the UK market.

Novel technology, process, or business model
Clear competitive advantage
Demonstrable market differentiation

Viable

Your business must have realistic prospects of success based on sound planning and market understanding.

Comprehensive market research
Realistic financial projections
Clear route to profitability

Scalable

Your business must have potential for significant growth and job creation beyond the local customer base.

National or international expansion potential
Credible growth strategy
Job creation potential

COSTS & FEES

Transparent pricing for your Innovator Founder journey

Home Office Fees

Visa application (outside UK)£1,191

Visa application (inside UK)£1,486

Immigration Health Surcharge (per year)£1,035

IHS for 3 years£3,105

Additional Costs

Endorsing body fee£1,000-£3,000

English language test£150-£200

Investment funds (if applicable)£50,000

Maintenance funds (min.)£1,270

IMPORTANT: All Home Office fees and additional costs listed above are indicative only and subject to change by the relevant authorities. We do not accept liability for any changes to these fees. Please verify current fees with the Home Office and relevant service providers before making any financial commitments.

OUR LEGAL FEES

Endorsement Support

£2,500

Fixed fee package

Tailored business plan development
Market analysis and financial forecasts
Endorsing body collaboration
Due diligence preparation and support

✓ Free consultation included

Visa Application Assistance

£2,500

Fixed fee package

Online form expertise and guidance
Points-scoring mastery (70 points required)
Document preparation and review
Application submission support

✓ Free consultation included

Family Visa Support

£1,500

Per dependent application

Partner and children visa applications
Eligibility assessment and documentation
Family reunion planning
Ongoing compliance support

✓ Free consultation included

Indefinite Leave to Remain

£3,000

Including re-endorsement

Re-endorsement strategy development
Continuous residence guidance
Settlement application support
Life in the UK Test preparation

✓ Free consultation included

BOOK CONSULTATION VIEW ALL PRICING

UK INNOVATOR ONLINE - YOUR PLANNING RESOURCE

Lawyery and LegalAid have teamed up to create UK Innovator Online, a comprehensive resource designed to help aspiring Innovator Founders understand the visa requirements and develop strong business plans.

This platform provides essential guidance on what the endorsing bodies are looking for in a successful application. It helps you focus your business plans, understand the innovation, viability, and scalability criteria, and prepare documentation that meets the exacting standards required for endorsement.

UK Innovator Online has proven to be an invaluable resource that has helped our clients structure their business concepts effectively and align their applications with endorsing body expectations, significantly improving their chances of success.

WATCH: Chris Dias & Shivika Pratap discuss UK Innovator Online

Watch on YouTube

VISIT UK INNOVATOR ONLINE

WHY CHOOSE LAWYERY?

Expert guidance for your entrepreneurial journey to the UK

Award-Winning Experts

Winner of Immigration Law Firm of the Year (2024/25) - Corporate Livewire Global Legal Awards, Small Law Firm of the Year (2023) - Greater London Awards, and Boutique Legal Firm of the Year (2023). Our award-winning immigration lawyers have extensive experience in business immigration and endorsement applications.

Proven Track Record

Our expertise significantly increases your probability of success. We have successfully secured endorsements and visas for entrepreneurs across diverse industries and nationalities.

Dedicated Personal Service

You will have a dedicated solicitor throughout your application journey, providing personalised attention and strategic guidance tailored to your business.

SRA Regulated

We are fully regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA No: 8001894), members of the Law Society and ILPA, giving you complete peace of mind.

COMMON PITFALLS TO AVOID

Insufficient Market Research

Many applications fail because the business plan lacks thorough market analysis or demonstrates inadequate understanding of the UK market landscape.

Unclear Competitive Advantage

Failing to clearly articulate what makes your business innovative and different from existing competitors will result in endorsement rejection.

Unrealistic Financial Projections

Overly optimistic revenue forecasts or vague financial planning can undermine the viability assessment of your business proposal.

Poor Evidence of Investment Funds

Inadequate documentation proving access to investment funds is a common reason for visa refusal, even after securing endorsement.

Missing Contact Points

Failing to maintain regular contact points with your endorsing body after visa approval can jeopardise extensions and settlement applications.

Let us help you avoid these pitfalls and maximise your chances of success

COMPREHENSIVE GUIDES

Deep-dive resources for your Innovator Founder journey

Endorsing Bodies Guide

Complete comparison of all UK endorsing bodies, fees, assessment criteria, and how to choose the right one for your business.

Business Plan Requirements

Detailed guide to creating a winning business plan that demonstrates innovation, viability, and scalability.

Settlement (ILR) After 3 Years

Complete guide to achieving Indefinite Leave to Remain and the fast track to British citizenship.

INDUSTRY-SPECIFIC GUIDES

Tailored guidance for specific startup types

Can My Startup Qualify?

Self-assessment guide to determine if your business meets innovation criteria with qualifying and non-qualifying examples.

ASSESS ELIGIBILITY

AI Startup Guide

Specific guidance for artificial intelligence and machine learning startups, including technical innovation requirements.

AI STARTUP INFO

SaaS Startup Guide

Complete guide for Software as a Service businesses, covering innovation criteria and SaaS-specific requirements.

SAAS INFO

Expert Professional Guidance

Choosing the right legal support for your Innovator Founder visa application

Best Innovator Founder Solicitor

How to choose the right solicitor for your Innovator Founder visa. Essential qualities, questions to ask, and what to expect.

CHOOSING A SOLICITOR

Lawyer vs Consultant

Understanding the critical differences between solicitors and consultants, including regulation, protection, and expertise.

COMPARE OPTIONS