Existing Start up visa and new Innovator Founder Visa

[daniboi]

Hey guys i have friend who has already received endorsement under start up visa via one of the legacy endorsement bodies. He wants to change his business plan and add me as his partner on this new business idea we are working together. And i am currently under T2 work visa. My question is, will it be possible to ask the legacy endorsing body to:

a) Change the business idea
b) Add me as a CTO/business partner
c) Get the endorsement for innovator founder visa under existing legacy body (business partner already has an endorsement just need to update it)

Also without using an immigration lawyer due to high fees, is it possible to do due diligence checks which is required for the application.

[CR001]

Do you plan to switch to the same visa as your friend?

The immigration rules make no mention or indication that this visa allows a partnership etc from what I can see and understand. Note that this visa cannot be combined with your Tier 2 time to make up 5 years for ILR, based on my understanding.

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/immigration ... or-founder

Your previous post, you were advised what your best course of action will be, find another Skilled Worker sponsor to qualify for ILR at the end of the year.

indefinite-leave-to-remain/ilr-success- ... l#p2106652

[daniboi]

Thanks for giving me a reply CR001.
And yes i do plan to get the same as my friend. We both want to switch to a innovator founder visa route. I am also aware under this route my time with T2 work visa wont be counted and i will have to stay for another 3 years before i can apply for ILR, under the innovator visa route.

However, i will be completing my 10 years and can apply for ILR via long residence route, which i will achieve 2 years into the innovator founder visa.

I am currently struggling to find skilled worker sponsor, so exploring my options.