UK Innovator Founder Visa Applications

Applicants must have their business or business idea endorsed by an approved endorsing body and meet the relevant immigration requirements. The route can also lead to settlement in the UK.

Overview

The Innovator Founder route is aimed at individuals with a genuine business proposition that is innovative, viable and scalable.

Unlike many UK work routes, you do not need a sponsoring employer or a job offer. Instead, an approved endorsing body assesses the proposed business.

There is no fixed minimum investment requirement under the Innovator Founder route. However, applicants should be able to demonstrate that the business has access to appropriate funding and resources to develop successfully.

The Endorsement Requirement

Before applying for an Innovator Founder visa, you must obtain an endorsement from an organisation authorised to endorse new Innovator Founder applications.

The endorsing body will assess the applicant and the proposed business against the requirements of the route.

The list of approved endorsing bodies can change, so applicants should always check the current GOV.UK list before beginning the endorsement process.

An endorsement letter must normally have been issued no more than three months before the visa application is made.

Innovative, Viable and Scalable

A central part of the Innovator Founder route is demonstrating that the business meets three key requirements:

Innovative
The business should offer an original proposition that meets market needs or provides a competitive advantage.

Viable
The business plan must be realistic and achievable, taking into account the applicant’s skills, experience, knowledge and available resources.

Scalable
There should be potential for structured growth, job creation and expansion into national or international markets.

A well-prepared business plan and supporting evidence are therefore particularly important.

Who Can Apply?

Applicants will generally need to:

• be aged 18 or over;
• obtain an endorsement from an approved endorsing body;
• demonstrate that the business meets the innovation, viability and scalability requirements;
• play an active role in the day-to-day management and development of the business;
• meet the English language requirement at CEFR Level B2;
• meet the financial requirement, where applicable; and
• meet the relevant suitability and immigration requirements.

Applications can be made from outside the UK.

It is also possible to switch to the Innovator Founder route from within the UK in many circumstances. However, additional conditions apply to certain visa holders, including Students, so individual eligibility should be checked before applying.

The Application Process

The process will usually involve:

1. Initial eligibility and business assessment
   Reviewing the applicant’s circumstances and whether the proposed business is capable of meeting the Innovator Founder requirements.
2. Endorsement preparation
   Developing and reviewing the business plan and supporting evidence, and identifying an appropriate approved endorsing body.
3. Endorsement application
   Applying to the endorsing body and preparing for any assessment or interview required as part of its process.
4. Visa application
   Once an endorsement has been obtained, preparing and submitting the Innovator Founder visa application to UK Visas and Immigration.

After the Visa Is Granted

Innovator Founder permission is normally granted for three years.

During this period, the applicant must continue to play an active role in the development of the endorsed business and maintain contact with their endorsing body.

Applicants will normally have contact-point meetings with their endorsing body during the period of permission, including assessments of the progress being made with the business.

Innovator Founder visa holders may also undertake certain skilled employment outside their own business, subject to the conditions of the route.

Settlement in the UK

The Innovator Founder route can provide a pathway to Indefinite Leave to Remain after three years.

However, completing three years on the route does not automatically result in settlement.

The applicant must meet the relevant settlement requirements, including obtaining a further endorsement confirming that the business meets the applicable settlement criteria.

Other requirements, including continuous residence, suitability and the Knowledge of Life in the UK requirement, must also be satisfied.

How Bekenbey Solicitors Can Help

Applications under the Innovator Founder route involve both an endorsement process and a Home Office immigration application.

At Bekenbey Solicitors, we can assist with the immigration aspects of the process, including:

• assessing eligibility for the Innovator Founder route;
• reviewing the proposed business against the relevant immigration requirements;
• advising on the endorsement requirements;
• reviewing supporting documentation;
• preparing the visa application and legal representations; and
• advising on dependant applications and future settlement.

If you are considering establishing an innovative business in the UK, we can assess your circumstances and advise you on the most appropriate immigration route.

This page provides general information only and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration Rules and Home Office guidance can change, and individual circumstances should be assessed before an application is made.