Innovator Founder Visa
The Innovator Founder visa is designed for seasoned founders and technology entrepreneurs looking to establish a business in the UK. Applicants must present an innovative, viable, and scalable business idea that is endorsed and supported by a qualifying endorsing body.
About UK Innovator Founder Visa
The Innovator Founder visa enables skilled entrepreneurs to come to the UK and setup or run their own business. Applicants must be able to demonstrate an innovative, scalable, and viable business model to apply. Their proposal must also be approved by a supported endorsing body for the application’s success. This visa route grants applicants 3 years within the UK. The Innovator Founder visa also offers a pathway to settlement in the UK, as after three years, innovators can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain, allowing them to stay in the UK for as long as they wish.
Key criteria
Description
How to prove eligibility
Purpose
You want to set up and run an innovative business in the UK
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Business characteristics
Your business must be innovative, viable, and scalable, which should be confirmed by an endorsement by an approved body, also known as an endorsing body
Each endorsing body has different requirements. For most of them, these are (1) a business plan and financial model with certain requirements, (2) CV, and (3) interview with the endorsing body
Level of English
At least B2 level of English
Test with an approved provider (usually people take IELTS), or
Having UK school exams passed before or having a university degree from an English-speaking programme
Personal savings
You have enough personal savings to support yourself while you’re in the UK
Bank statement showing at least £1,270 in your bank account for 28 consecutive days before the application, and additionally £285 for your partner, £315 for one child, and £200 for each additional child
Availability of investment funds
You must have sufficient funds to fund your business before it breaks even to apply for an Innovator Founder visa
Bank statement or legally binding sponsor letter from an investor proving the availability of funds
Eligibility for
UK Innovator Founder Visa
- You have at least 1 year business experience in related field
- You possess proficiency in the English language, reaching at least CEFR Level B2 (comparable to an IELTS score of 5.5 in reading, writing, listening, and speaking).
- Your application is not subject to rejection on general grounds
- The endorsement letter must be issued within three months prior to the date of your Innovator visa application.
- Your business plan should show the innovation, viability and scalability of your business
What is
UK Endorsement ?
Endorsement refers to a formal approval or support from a specified endorsing body. For certain visa categories, such as the Innovator Visa, the applicant needs to secure an endorsement from a recognized organization or institution. This endorsement confirms that the business idea or venture proposed by the applicant is innovative, viable, and meets the criteria set by the endorsing body and the UK immigration authorities. The endorsement is a crucial step in the visa application process, demonstrating that the applicant’s plans align with the requirements of the visa category.
What you Can Do with this visa
You can:
Set up a business or several businesses; work for this business as a director, or self-employed as a member of a business partnership
Be employed outside of your business (as long as it is a skilled work – requiring at least Level 3 qualification and as long as the applicant has enough time to develop their own business and it shows progress as well)
Bring your partner (husband/wife or unmarried partner if you lived together for at least 2 years prior to application) and children with you as your ‘dependants’, if they’re eligible; partner receives the right to be work in the UK
Travel abroad and return to the UK
Apply to settle permanently in the UK (also known as ‘indefinite leave to remain’) if you’ve lived in the UK for 3 years and meet the other eligibility requirements (see the right-hand side of the page)
What you Can not Do with this visa
Apply for most benefits (public funds), or the State Pension
(as a person; your business can well receive grants or other forms of support from the government)
Innovator Founder advantages
Family
The visa allows for dependent family members to accompany the main applicant to the UK
Fast Route to ILR
Successful entrepreneurs can explore fast-track options for settlement in the UK, allowing for a more streamlined process to establish permanent residency
No Investment Amount Requirement
Innovator Founder Visa doesn't have a specific investment amount requirement. This allows flexibility for entrepreneurs with varied business models and capital needs.
Employment
You will be allowed to engage in employment outside the running of your business
Healthcare and education
Get full access to the UK healthcare and education benefits
No minimal salary
We consider each case individually and offer the best personalised solution for every single client
Innovator Founder Visa UK Process
Stage 1. Business Proposal
In this phase, our team will develop a business plan centered around your business idea to submit to the endorsing body.
Stage 2. Endorsement
Once the business plan is ready, our team will help you to prepare for the interviews with endorsing bodies selected according to the applicant’s business industry, expertise, and professional background. It is essential for each applicant to have all required documents—CV, business plan, and education certificates—prepared before the interview. In this phase, the endorsing body evaluates the applicant’s skills, abilities, and achievements.
Our responsibilities on this stage include:
- Preparing you for the endorsing body interview
- Gathering all necessary documents
- Managing all communication with the endorsing body
Stage 3. Visa
Upon obtaining the Endorsement Letter from the endorsing body, our legal partners will proceed to finalize your case. This involves compiling all necessary additional documents and submitting the completed online application form to the Home Office. During this phase, the Home Office evaluates immigration aspects, including the potential application of general grounds for refusal and, for applicants already in the UK, the possibility of switching into the specified category.
Our services include:
- Finalizing your case and preparing all requisite documents for submission to the Home Office.
- Completing the online application form on your behalf.
- Facilitating the payment of all government immigration fees, either through our assistance or your own arrangement.
- Uploading all necessary documents and scheduling your appointment at the authorized visa center in your country for biometrics and photo provision.
FAQ
The information provided in this FAQ section is for general guidance purposes only. Each individual’s circumstances may vary, and it is recommended to seek personalized advice from our legal partners for accurate and up-to-date information specific to your situation.
Services for your Dependants
- Right to work.
Main applicant and dependent receive right to work (or set up their own business or be self- employed) in the UK, effectively having the same rights as local labour force
- Education
Children dependents are eligible for education in state- funded schools free of charge
- Healthcare
• Public healthcare services (provided by NHS) are covered by the healthcare surcharge
• UK healthcare covers 100% costs for all the medical needs approved by the GP (local therapist), from medicines to high-tech treatment in case of serious illness
Additional Services
Business Consulting
Business consultations (strategy, monetisation, cost effectiveness, etc.)
Financial model
Deck for investors
Business plan
Can add or remove
volume/documents upon request
Case check before submission
A team of experienced professionals will carefully review your case to identify potential issues and suggest improvements
- You will get personalized feedback regarding your case
get in touch
Want to reach out to us directly?
Take the first step towards realizing your entrepreneurial dreams by contacting us today. Our team is available to answer any questions you may have and schedule a consultation to discuss your specific needs. Let us be your trusted partner in navigating the intricacies of the Innovator Founder Visa and unlocking opportunities for your business in the UK.
Disclaimer: We do not offer legal or immigration guidance. Our area of expertise lies in tech and business applications for non-governmental organizations. Should you need immigration advice, we can direct you to our OISC-regulated partners.
