Innovator Founder Visa

Innovator Founder Visa

The Innovator Founder visa is the principal UK immigration route for entrepreneurs who want to establish and run an innovative, viable and scalable business. It replaced the Start-up and Innovator routes on 13 April 2023.

Unlike the former Innovator route, there is no prescribed minimum investment sum. The previous £50,000 threshold was removed when Innovator Founder launched. Applicants must still present a credible business proposal and secure endorsement from a Home Office-approved endorsing body.

Who Can Apply?

Applicants must be at least 18 and meet the suitability and validity requirements in the Immigration Rules. The core requirements include:

• An endorsement letter from an approved endorsing body, normally issued no more than three months before the visa application.
• A business plan that is innovative, viable and scalable, with structured planning and potential for growth into national and international markets.
• English language ability at level B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, unless an exemption applies.
• At least £1,270 in personal maintenance funds held for the required 28-day period where the financial requirement applies. An applicant applying for permission to stay who has been in the UK with permission for at least 12 months normally meets this requirement automatically.

The Endorsement Process

Before applying for the visa, you must obtain endorsement from an organisation approved for the Innovator Founder route. The endorsing body assesses the applicant, the source of funds and the business proposal. For a new business, it must be satisfied that the applicant generated or made a significant contribution to the business plan and will have a day-to-day role in carrying it out.

Endorsement is not a one-off exercise. Successful applicants must have at least two contact-point meetings with the endorsing body during their permission, normally after 12 and 24 months, to demonstrate progress against the business plan. Withdrawal of endorsement can affect permission to stay.

Choosing an endorsing body

Approved bodies have their own sectors, application processes and due-diligence requirements. We can help identify bodies whose published remit fits the proposal and prepare the immigration evidence, but the commercial decision to endorse remains with the endorsing body.

How Long Can You Stay?

An Innovator Founder visa is normally granted for three years. It can be extended for further three-year periods, and the Immigration Rules impose no maximum number of extensions, provided the applicant obtains the required endorsement and continues to qualify.

Settlement After Three Years

Innovator Founders may qualify for indefinite leave to remain after three continuous years on the route. A fresh settlement endorsement must confirm that the business is active, trading and sustainable, that the applicant has played a key day-to-day role, and that the business has achieved at least two prescribed success measures. Residence, Knowledge of Life in the UK and other settlement requirements also apply.

Time on other visa routes does not normally count towards the specific three-year Innovator Founder settlement period, although it may be relevant to another long-residence route.

Partners and Children

An eligible partner and dependent children can apply to accompany or join an Innovator Founder. Each family member must make an application and meet the relationship, age, suitability and maintenance requirements that apply to them.

How Arona St James Solicitors Can Help

Arona St James Solicitors is an SRA-regulated firm in Walthamstow, London. We advise on the immigration requirements while recognising that endorsement is a separate commercial assessment. Our work can include:

• Reviewing the business plan against the innovation, viability and scalability requirements.
• Advising on approved endorsing bodies and evidence for endorsement and visa stages.
• Checking English language and maintenance evidence.
• Preparing partner and child applications.
• Analysing previous refusals and advising on the appropriate next step.
• Preparing extension and settlement applications, including evidence linked to ongoing endorsement.

What to Bring to Your First Consultation

• Your passport and details of current or previous UK immigration permission.
• Your business plan, pitch deck and financial forecasts, even if still in draft.
• Evidence of your qualifications, sector experience and role in developing the idea.
• Details of business ownership, funding sources and any trading activity.
• Correspondence with endorsing bodies or the Home Office, including previous decisions.
• Information about any partner or children who may apply with you.

Speak to an Innovator Founder Visa Solicitor

Early advice can identify gaps before you approach an endorsing body or submit a visa application. Contact Arona St James Solicitors to arrange a consultation about your proposed business, immigration history and next steps.