Innovator Founder Visa

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What is an Innovator Founder Visa?

The UK Innovator Founder Visa is designed for entrepreneurs who wish to set up and run an innovative business in the UK. The business must be endorsed by an approved endorsing body and demonstrate innovation, viability, and scalability.

The visa is valid for 3 years and can be extended. After 3 years, successful applicants may be eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).

Key Points:

For entrepreneurs starting innovative UK businesses

Must be endorsed by an approved endorsing body

Valid for 3 years, extendable

Possible ILR after 3 years

Dependants (partner & children) can join

Our immigration advisors can guide you through your Innovator Founder Visa application, from endorsement to settlement. Contact us today for expert advice and a free consultation.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for the Innovator Founder Visa, applicants must:

Key Points:

Be at least 18 years old

Have an endorsed business idea (endorsing body must approve innovation, viability, scalability)

Meet the English language requirement (B2 CEFR)

Not rely on investment funds from illegal work in the UK

Multiple co-founders can apply for the same business

Business Proposal Requirements

The business idea must meet three criteria:

Key Points:

Innovation – genuine, original, and beneficial to UK market

Viability – applicant has skills, knowledge, and experience

Scalability – potential for job creation and growth

Cannot join or invest in an already trading business

Endorsing Bodies

Applicants must obtain endorsement from a recognised UK endorsing body before applying.

Key Points:

They review proposals and issue endorsement letters

Endorsement must not be withdrawn before Home Office decision

Financial Requirements

Applicants must prove financial stability.

Key Points:

£1,270 in savings for 28 consecutive days

Pay Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): £1,035 per year

Possible additional fees: endorsement, English test, TB test, biometrics

English Language Requirement

Applicants must demonstrate B2 CEFR level English.

Key Points:

Test in reading, writing, speaking & listening (if not exempt)

Exemptions:

Nationals of majority English-speaking countries (e.g. USA, Canada, Australia, etc.)

Degree taught in English (verified by UK ECCTIS)

Previous CEFR B2 qualification

Switching to Innovator Founder Visa

Applicants can switch from certain visas inside the UK.

Key Points:

Must still obtain endorsement

Student visa holders may switch if:

Course completed, or

Studied PhD for at least 24 months

Family Members (Dependants)

Dependants may join or remain with the applicant.

Key Points:

Eligible dependants: partner, children under 18, or children over 18 already in UK as dependants

Each dependant must pay visa fees & IHS

Dependants can switch visas to remain with main applicant

Application Process

The application can be submitted online once endorsement is secured.

Key Points:

Apply up to 3 months before travelling to UK

Provide biometrics (photo & fingerprints)

Processing time:

3 weeks (outside UK)

8 weeks (inside UK / dependants)

May take longer if documents need verification

Visa Fees

The cost depends on application type and location.

Key Points:

Main applicant: £1590 if inside the UK, £1274 if outside the UK

Each dependant: same fee as main applicant

IHS surcharge: £1,035 per adult, per year

Length of Stay & Settlement

The Innovator Founder Visa offers a clear path to settlement.

Key Points:

Valid for 3 years

Can extend for another 3 years

Eligible for ILR after 3 years (if criteria met)