Innovator Founder Visa

The Innovator Founder Visa is designed for entrepreneurs and experienced businesspersons aiming to establish innovative, viable, and scalable businesses in the UK. This visa category supports individuals who have a strong business idea and intend to play a pivotal role in managing and developing their venture.

Key Features

• Eligibility: Open to individuals aged 18 or over with an endorsement from a UK endorsing body, confirming the innovation, viability, and scalability of their business idea.

• Duration and Settlement: Valid for 3 years, with a pathway to indefinite leave to remain (ILR) in the UK at the end of this period.

• Dependents: Applicants can bring their partner and children under 18 to the UK.

Requirements

To qualify for an Innovator Founder Visa, you must satisfy UK Visas and Immigration that:

• Endorsement: You have an endorsement letter from an approved UK endorsing body affirming:

  • Your suitability under the Innovator Founder route.

  • No concerns regarding the source of funds invested in your business.

  • No suspicion of your involvement in illicit or unexplained wealth.

  • Your business plan’s innovation and your substantial contribution to its ideas.

  • Your commitment to a day-to-day role in executing the business plan.

  • Participation in at least two contact point meetings with the endorsing body at regular intervals.

• Business Plan: You possess an innovative, viable, and scalable business venture.

• English Language: Proficiency in English at least to CEFR Level B2 (equivalent to IELTS 5.5 in reading, writing, listening, and speaking).

• Financial Requirements:

  • If applying from outside the UK or within 12 months of arrival, you have:

    • £1,270 to support yourself.

    • Additional funds for dependents: £285 for a partner, £315 for the first child, and £200 for each additional child.

• Immigration Compliance: You meet general grounds for refusal requirements and provide a valid tuberculosis (TB) test certificate if required.

Additional Information

The Innovator Founder Visa encourages entrepreneurship and innovation in the UK, providing a pathway to settlement for those who successfully establish and develop their businesses. For tailored advice based on your specific circumstances, consulting with an immigration lawyer is recommended.