Innovative Founder (IF) Visa

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Hello,

I am contemplating an application for Global Tech Talent (GTT) sometime in the next few months, and wondering if anyone on this forum has applied for the Innovative Founder Visa either before, in conjunction with, or as a result of not getting a GTT endorsement. I realize the GTT offers more freedom especially when applying for ILR, but wondering if the IF is more likely, less competitive, etc? I do have a good start at a business plan to apply with, and wondering which visa path makes more sense to start with. I am also interested in hearing from folks that have successfully transitioned from IF to GTT.

Thanks in advance for any insight,
Kyle

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Hi @kyjohnso I had both endorsements and chose to get the visa for GTV.

You can switch visas anytime but an IF endorsement has no meaning in the GTV application as the guidelines are completely different and an IF visa status is irrelevant for GTV endorsement.

Feel free to DM or reach out on LinkedIn if you need professional help with either.

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Hi Kyjohnso, the IF visa has several limitations. You have to reapply and show progress every year. Additionally, you can’t earn any additional income. Hence, your income sources get highly limited. Do your research before making a decision.

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