How We Can Help
We provide expert support to help you secure the Innovator Founder visa with confidence. Our services include suitable Home Office-approved endorsing bodies and preparing your endorsement application, developing and refining your business plan to meet innovation, viability, and scalability criteria, compiling, reviewing, and submitting financial documents, visa forms and supporting evidence, preparing you for mandatory endorsing body meetings at 12 and 24 months with progress reports and strategizing to meet success criteria (e.g., job creation, revenue) for extensions and ILR after 3 years.
We will also help with ensuring full compliance with endorsing body obligations, Home Office rules, record-keeping, and active trading. With our detailed guidance and professional expertise, your Innovator Founder application will be thoroughly prepared for the best chance of success.
The Innovator Founder Visa is designed for entrepreneurs who want to establish and grow an innovative, scalable business in the UK. This route replaces the previous Innovator Visa and requires endorsement from a Home Office-approved body, which assesses your business plan for innovation, viability, and scalability.
Eligibility requirements
To be eligible for the Innovator Founder visa, you must meet the following criteria:
– Secure an endorsement from an approved body confirming your business idea is innovative, viable, and scalable.
– Take an active day-to-day role in running the business.
– Meet CEFR B2 English proficiency.
– Demonstrate £1,270 in maintenance funds held for 28 days.
– Be aged 18 or over at the time of application.
You must score 70 points – 30 for business plan, 20 for innovation/viability/scalability, 10 for English, and 10 for maintenance.
The Endorsement Process
To secure endorsement for the Innovator Founder visa, you must first identify and apply to an approved Home Office endorsing body. You must submit a detailed business plan, your CV, personal statement, and supporting evidence like market research or prototypes.
The body will rigorously evaluate:
- Innovation: Is your idea genuinely new and different from existing offerings?
- Viability: Does it have realistic market potential and a credible financial plan?
- Scalability: Can it expand significantly in the UK or international markets?
- Your suitability: Do you have the skills, experience, and commitment to lead day-to-day?
If successful, you’ll receive an endorsement letter with a unique 10-digit reference number, which will be valid for 3 months to use in your visa application.
Duration & Settlement (ILR)
Innovator Founder visa holders can stay initially for up to 3 years, with the option to extend for another 3 years (requiring a fresh endorsement). After 3 years, you may apply for settlement if you secure a new endorsement confirming business progress, maintain continuous UK residence (no more than 180 days’ absence in any 12-month period), play a key active role in a trading and registered business that’s sustainable for at least 12 months, and meet two ‘success criteria’ e.g., job creation or significant achievements.
Work rights
Innovator Visa holders can work outside their business, but your primary focus must remain the development of your business. You have broad rights to work, be self-employed, or direct any business (paid or unpaid), with no restrictions on job type, salary, or hours, although you cannot access most public funds or work as a sportsperson.
FAQs
Do I need investment funding?
No fixed investment amount is required. You must demonstrate sufficient funds to launch and support your business, plus prove your idea is credible, innovative, and scalable.
Can I set up multiple businesses?
Yes, you can establish and run one or more businesses in the UK on the Innovator Founder visa. There’s no limit on the number, as long as your primary endorsed business remains your main focus and meets ongoing endorsement checks.
Can I work outside my business?
Yes, you can take supplementary paid/unpaid work, be self-employed, or direct other businesses—but your primary focus must remain developing your endorsed business.
Will my business be monitored?
Yes, you cannot neglect your business—your endorsing body will regularly check progress through reports and updates. Failure to show development risks endorsement withdrawal and visa curtailment.
Can I bring my family?
Yes, you can bring your spouse/partner and children (under 18) as dependants. They can work (except as sportspersons) or study in the UK.
What do endorsing bodies require?
Submit a detailed business plan showing market need, competitive advantage, scalability, and job creation potential. The body assesses your idea and suitability, then monitors your UK progress via reports.
Can I study on this visa?
Yes, you can study any course at your own expense without needing an Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate. However, your primary focus must remain on developing your endorsed business.
Can I work as a sports person?
No, you cannot work as a professional sportsperson or coach (paid or unpaid). This restriction applies to competitive sports roles—other jobs are fine.
Can I switch from inside the UK?
Yes, most visa holders (e.g., Skilled Worker, Student)—except visitors, short-term, or immigration bail—can switch to the Innovator Founder route in-country.
What if my endorsement is withdrawn?
Your visa may be curtailed (typically 60 days’ notice). You’ll need a new endorsement from another body or switch to a different visa to stay.