The Innovator Founder visa is for individuals looking to establish and run an innovative business in the UK. The business must be endorsed by an approved endorsing body and demonstrate innovation, viability, and scalability. You do not need to show a minimum investment amount, and this route can lead to settlement after three years. Dependants can join you.

The Innovator Founder visa is for entrepreneurs who wish to establish and manage a new, innovative business in the UK. Applicants must have a business idea that is innovative, viable, and scalable and must be endorsed by a Home Office-approved endorsing body. This route replaces the previous Innovator and Start-up visas, combining elements of both to streamline access for genuine business founders.

Successful applicants are granted a 3-year visa and may apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after this period. There is no minimum investment requirement.

To apply for an Innovator Founder visa, you must:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Have an innovative, viable, and scalable business idea
• Obtain endorsement from a UK-approved endorsing body
• Meet the English language requirement (at least B2 level CEFR)
• Have sufficient funds to support yourself and any dependants

Your business proposal must be assessed and approved by an authorised endorsing body. The endorsing body must be satisfied that your idea is genuinely innovative, has the potential for growth, and can be successfully implemented in the UK.

We work closely with professional partners who prepare expert business plans tailored to the requirements of endorsing bodies. This is a crucial part of the application process and can significantly improve the likelihood of receiving an endorsement.

You must submit at least four supporting documents with your application to prove that your organisation is genuine and trading in the UK. The exact documents required depend on the type and size of your organisation (e.g. company, charity, public body).

Mandatory documents may include business bank statements, VAT and PAYE registration, proof of premises, and professional accreditations. We provide clear guidance on which documents are required for your specific situation.

You must demonstrate English language ability at B2 level on the CEFR scale through:

• An approved Secure English Language Test (SELT)
• A degree taught in English (with Ecctis confirmation if awarded outside the UK)
• GCSE, A-level, or Scottish National Qualification in English gained at a UK school

To qualify for an extension, you must:

• Obtain a renewed endorsement from the same authorised body that issued your initial endorsement
• Show that your business is still active, trading, and progressing against the business plan
• Continue to be involved in the day-to-day management and development of the business

We can help you determine if you qualify for settlement and assist in preparing your application to ensure it meets all the necessary business and immigration requirements.

In addition, you must:

• Still meet the English language and Life in the UK requirements
• Have no breaches of immigration conditions
  1. Investment – You have invested at least £50,000 into the business.
  2. Customer Base – The business has significantly increased its customer base and gained traction.
  3. Research and Development – You have engaged in significant research and development activity and applied for intellectual property protection in the UK.
  4. Gross Revenue – The business has generated at least £1 million in revenue in the last full year.
  5. Job Creation – The business has created at least 10 full-time jobs for settled workers in the UK.
  6. Wage and Job Creation – The business has created at least 5 full-time jobs for settled workers, each paying at least £25,000 per year.
  7. Market Expansion – The business is actively operating in international markets or has maintained significant overseas customer engagement.

You must:

• Have been endorsed for settlement by an authorised endorsing body
• Show that you have met at least two of the following seven criteria:

After holding the Innovator Founder visa for 3 years, you may be eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), provided you meet the following criteria:

Yes. You can bring:

• Your partner (spouse or unmarried partner)
• Children under 18 (including those born in the UK during your visa stay)

Dependants are allowed to work and study in the UK

We provide comprehensive legal assistance throughout the Innovator Founder visa process. We:

• Assess your eligibility and readiness for endorsement
• Connect you with experienced business planning partners to prepare professional business plans
• Liaise with endorsing bodies and support you through the endorsement process
• Guide you through the visa application and help prepare supporting documentation
• Draft a detailed legal representation letter demonstrating how your application meets immigration requirements

Our support is designed to maximise your chances of success from concept to visa approval.