The Innovator Founder Visa is one of the United Kingdom’s most forward-looking immigration routes for entrepreneurs. Designed to attract individuals with original, high-potential business ideas, this visa enables founders to establish, develop and manage innovative ventures in the UK.
Replacing the former Innovator Visa, it offers greater flexibility and provides a clear pathway to permanent settlement after just three years, making it a preferred choice for ambitious entrepreneurs.
Who Can Apply for the Innovator Founder Visa?
You can apply for an Innovator Founder Visa if you intend to establish and run an innovative business that is distinct from anything else currently on the UK market.
To qualify, your business proposal must meet four essential criteria:
- New: You must be creating a new venture, not joining an existing trading business.
- Innovative: Your idea must demonstrate originality and address a gap or need in the market.
- Viable: You must show that your business has genuine potential for success and sustainability.
- Scalable: Your plan should outline a credible strategy for growth, job creation, and international reach.
Crucially, your idea must be assessed and endorsed by an approved endorsing body before you can apply for the visa.
What Is the Endorsement Process?
Before applying, your business must be endorsed by an approved endorsing body. This independent organisation will evaluate your proposal to ensure it meets the required innovation, viability and scalability standards.
You’ll receive an endorsement letter if your business satisfies these criteria. The process involves:
- A £1,000 endorsement fee, payable directly to the endorsing body.
- Two mandatory progress meetings at 12 and 24 months.
It is essential to maintain regular engagement with your endorsing body, as your visa may be shortened if the endorsement is withdrawn.
What Are the English Language and Financial Requirements?
Applicants must demonstrate proficiency in English at level B2 on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). You can prove this by:
- Passing a Secure English Language Test (SELT) from an approved provider.
- Holding a UK qualification such as GCSE, A Level, or Scottish Higher in English, gained through study before turning 18.
- Possessing a degree taught in English, verified through Ecctis if awarded outside the UK.
To support yourself, you must have at least £1,270 in your personal bank account for 28 consecutive days before applying. This cannot include investment funds or earnings from unlawful employment.
If your business has been previously endorsed, or if you are continuing an approved venture, you are not required to show investment capital.
How Long Can You Stay in the UK on This Visa?
The Innovator Founder Visa allows you to stay in the UK for three years. This applies whether you are:
- Entering the UK for the first time, or
- Switching from another visa category while already in the UK.
You may apply to extend your stay for an additional three years, with no limit on the number of extensions, as long as your business continues to meet endorsement requirements.
Importantly, you may qualify for indefinite leave to remain (ILR) after three years if your business demonstrates substantial growth and impact.
What Can You Do While on an Innovator Founder Visa?
This visa offers considerable flexibility. You can:
- Set up one or more businesses in the UK.
- Work for your own business as a director or self-employed partner.
- Undertake additional work outside your business, provided it requires at least a Level 3 qualification.
- Bring your partner and children (dependants) with you.
- Travel freely in and out of the UK.
- Apply for permanent residence after three years if eligible.
However, there are restrictions. You cannot:
- Access most public funds or benefits.
- Work as a professional sportsperson or sports coach.
What is the standard processing time for an Innovator Founder Visa?
The standard decision times are:
- 3 weeks for applications made outside the UK.
- 8 weeks for applications made within the UK.
Applicants may choose to pay for a priority service to receive a faster decision.
How Much Does It Cost to Apply?
The application fees are as follows:
- £1,274 per person if applying from outside the UK.
- £1,590 per person if applying to extend or switch within the UK.
Additional costs include:
- The Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), which grants access to the National Health Service (NHS).
- Endorsement fees payable to your endorsing body.
What Are the Common Mistakes to Avoid?
Many otherwise strong applications are refused due to preventable errors. Below are key pitfalls to avoid:
1. Submitting a Generic or Weak Business Plan
Your proposal must clearly demonstrate innovation, market understanding and scalability. Vague or generic plans without a defined growth strategy are likely to fail endorsement.
2. Ignoring Financial Evidence Requirements
Applicants often fail to maintain the required £1,270 balance for 28 continuous days. Even minor discrepancies can lead to refusal.
3. Poor Preparation for Endorsement Interviews
Endorsing bodies may interview you to assess your business knowledge. Inadequate preparation or limited understanding of your own proposal can damage your credibility.
4. Failing to Provide Acceptable English Language Proof
Only tests from approved providers are accepted. Submitting invalid certificates or outdated test results is a common cause of delay.
5. Losing Endorsement After Visa Approval
You must meet your endorsing body twice during your stay. If you fail to attend or cannot demonstrate progress, your endorsement may be withdrawn and your visa shortened.
Why Is the Innovator Founder Visa a Valuable Route for Entrepreneurs?
The Innovator Founder Visa presents a compelling opportunity for individuals with the drive and creativity to establish a business that can grow within the UK and internationally. Its combination of flexibility, scalability and a direct path to settlement makes it ideal for entrepreneurs with a long-term vision.
With over 20 years of experience and a steadfast commitment to excellence, Morgan Smith Immigration is your trusted partner for all UK immigration matters. If you are ready to turn your innovative idea into a successful UK-based enterprise, contact our team today for tailored advice and end-to-end application support. For any enquiries or assistance, call us at 0203 959 3335 or email [email protected].
