Innovator Founder Visa

What is a UK Innovator Founder Visa?

The Innovator Founder visa is a type of visa for people who want to set up and run an innovative business in the UK, with an endorsement from an approved body. This Visa category replaced the Start-Up and the Innovator Visa.

Who is eligible to apply for the UK Innovator Visa?

To be eligible to apply for the UK Innovator Founder Visa, you must meet the following requirements:

  • having a new, innovative, viable and scalable business idea that is endorsed by an approved body
  • being able to speak, read, write and understand English1
  • having enough money to support yourself and your dependants in the UK
  • paying the application fee and the healthcare surcharge

How long can you stay in the UK with the Innovator Founder visa?

You can stay in the UK for 3 years with the Innovator Founder visa, and you can apply to extend your stay for another 3 years if you meet the criteria. You may also be able to apply for settlement after 3 years if you meet the requirements.

What can you do on the Innovator Founder visa?

Innovator Founder visa, you can:

  • set up and work for your own business or several businesses
  • do work outside your business if it is skilled work
  • bring your partner and children with you as your dependants, if they are eligible
  • travel abroad and return to the UK
  • apply for settlement if you qualify

What are the restrictions on the Innovator Founder Visa?

You are not allowed to do the following on the Innovator Founder Visa:

  • work as a professional sportsperson
  • apply for most benefits or the State Pension

What are the main requirements for the Innovator Founder visa?

The main requirements are:

  • Having a business or business idea assessed and endorsed by an approved body
  • Meeting the English language requirement
  • Being at least 18 years old
  • Having enough personal savings to support yourself in the UK

Apply now for your Innovator Founder Visa with help from Morgan Smith Immigration

Morgan Smith Immigration has successfully assisted several clients with their Innovator Founder Visas. We review each case on an individual basis and offer tailored immigration advice. Request a Call back by filling the form below for a quick assessment of your case.

Send an Enquiry

Name
Phone
Email
Message
Thank you for contacting Morgan Smith Immigration, our Lawyers will be in touch shortly.
There has been some error while submitting the form. Please verify your details and submit the form again.

How much funding do I need for an Innovator Founder Visa?

Since April 2023, the Home Office has removed the requirement for the funding as both visas the Start-Up and the Innovator Visa are now merged together into the Innovator Founder Visa.

How Much money is required as part of Maintenance for the Innovator Founder Visa?

As an Innovator Visa applicant you:

  • must have at least £1,270 in their bank account for 28 consecutive days before applying or renewing their visa
  • cannot use the following sources of money to support themselves:
    • Their investment funds for their business
    • Their income from illegal work in the UK

What are the English language requirements for the Innovator Founder visa?

You can prove the knowledge of English by passing a Secure English Language Test (SELT) from an approved provider at Level B2, by having a UK qualification in English, or having a degree-level qualification that was taught in English

What are the approved Endorsement bodies in the UK?

The following organisations are currently approved by the Home Office to issue endorsements for Innovator Founder visas:

  • UK Endorsing Services
  • Innovator International
  • Envestors Limited
  • The Global Entrepreneurs Programme (GEP)1.

How can I apply for the Endorsement for the Innovator Founder Visa?

At Morgan Smith Immigration our Lawyers have worked with both the new endorsement bodies as well as the legacy ones. We will assist our Clients with their Innovative idea and help them nourish on their plan to secure a successful endorsement. If you have an Innovative idea or a Business, we will be very happy to assist you with your Endorsement application and eventually your 3 years of Innovator Founder Visa.

How can Morgan Smith Immigration help me with Innovator founder Visa?

Innovator founder Visa requires endorsement as well as detailed organisational structure. Our team of Lawyer has successfully assisted many candidates with their Innovator Visa. We also assist our clients with the endorsement criteria along with a full review and submission of the application. Morgan Smith Immigration offer regulated immigration advice on all UK Visa Immigration categories.

How can Morgan Smith Immigration Help?

Book an Assessment

Scroll to Top