United Kingdom

Innovator Founder Visa Program

United Kingdom

UK – Innovator Founder Visa Program

The Innovator Founder Visa was launched on April 13, 2023, replacing the earlier Innovator Visa. This visa invites non-EEA nationals with an innovative, viable, and scalable business idea to apply. Unlike the previous version, there is no longer a minimum investment requirement of £50,000, making it more accessible. Applicants must have relevant business experience and show their capacity to develop and run their business.

Length of Visa – 3 Years

The Innovator Founder Visa is granted for 3 years. There is no maximum time limit for how long an applicant can stay in the UK under this category, but endorsement is required at both the extension and settlement stages to continue residing in the UK

The visa allows applicants to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after 3 years, provided they meet the necessary business and endorsement requirements. After holding ILR for 1 year, applicants and their family members may apply for British Citizenship, provided they meet the citizenship criteria​

Applicants can also bring their partner and children under 18 to the UK under this visa category

Where is United Kingdom ?

Settlement Visa (Indefinite Leave to Remain - ILR)

The Innovator Founder Visa can lead to settlement (ILR) after 3 years of continuous residence in the UK, provided that the applicant meets at least two of the following conditions:

Visa Application Fees

The Innovator Founder Visa fees have two components: the Home Office application fee and the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS). Applicants also have the option of using the priority service, which involves an additional fee but provides faster processing times, saving a few weeks of waiting.

Age at least 18 years old

Credibility

Endorsement

Antigua & Barbuda passport

Maintenance Funds

English Language

Eligibility Requirements

  1. Age
  2. The applicant must be at least 18 years old

  3. Investment
  4. £50,000 investment is no longer required for the Innovator Founder Visa. The applicant must still demonstrate sufficient funds to run their business, but there is no mandatory minimum investment amount

    • This requirement is waived if the applicant is switching from a Start-Up Visa, but in general, there is no fixed investment threshold

  5. Credibility
  6. • The applicant must have a genuine intention to establish and run the business in the UK.

    • They must not intend to work outside of their business unless permitted under the visa.

    • The funds required for business activities must be genuinely available.

    • The Home Office will assess credibility by considering the applicant’s academic and professional history, any previous immigration history, and declarations made to other government departments

    • Applicants may be required to attend an interview or provide additional evidence to support their credibility

  7. Endorsement
  8. The applicant must secure endorsement from a government-authorized endorsing body before submitting the visa application. The endorsement must confirm the business idea is innovative, viable, and scalable

  9. Maintenance Funds
  10. The applicant must show proof of maintenance funds of at least £1,270, held for at least 28 consecutive days before applying. This amount ensures the applicant can support themselves upon arriving in the UK

  11. English Language
  12. The applicant must demonstrate a good command of English by meeting one of the following criteria:

    • Being a national of a majority English-speaking country.
    • Holding a degree taught in English equivalent to a UK bachelor’s degree or higher.
    • Passing an English language test at CEFR Level B2 (equivalent to IELTS 5.5 in reading, writing, listening, and speaking)

Endorsement Criteria

  1. Innovation
  2. The applicant must have a genuine, original business plan that meets new or existing market needs or provides a competitive advantage. The business idea should not replicate what is already widely available in the UK market. Instead, it should offer something unique or innovative that demonstrates its potential to disrupt or enhance its target sector

  3. Viability
  4. The applicant must show that they possess, or are actively developing, the necessary skills, knowledge, and experience to successfully run the business. This includes an understanding of the market, the business’s operational requirements, and the industry landscape. Applicants must demonstrate they have the competence to manage the business or that they are capable of acquiring such competencep>

  5. Scalability
  6. There should be clear evidence of structured planning for the business, indicating its potential to create jobs and expand into national or international markets. This includes identifying opportunities for growth, scalability, and the development of long-term business strategies

BRITISH CITIZENSHIP

Procedure to Obtain the Innovator Founder Visa

The applicant may be eligible to apply for British Citizenship after completing the residential requirements, which typically involve holding Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) for at least one year and meeting other criteria such as residency and language requirements

 

Steps to Apply for the Innovator Founder Visa:

STEP 1

  • Initial Eligibility Consultation
    Get in touch with a UK immigration solicitor for an initial eligibility consultation and Know Your Client (KYC) process.

STEP 2

  • Develop a Scalable Business Idea
    Work on creating a business idea that is innovative, viable, and scalable in the UK market.

STEP 3

  • Contact an Endorsing Body
    Reach out to Home Office-approved endorsing bodies to evaluate your business plan and its potential.

STEP 4

  • Obtain Endorsement
    Secure the endorsement from an approved endorsing body, confirming that your business meets the required criteria of innovation, viability, and scalability

STEP 5

  • Launch the Start-up and Incubation
    Begin the initial stages of launching your business and work on its incubation, as per the approved business plan.

STEP 6

  • Move to the UK and Initiate Business Activity
    After receiving the Innovator Founder Visa, relocate to the UK and start your business activities as outlined in the business plan.
    Stay in contact with your endorsing body, which will monitor your progress through checkpoints every 6 and 12 months. The endorsing body will assess whether you are making reasonable progress with the original business idea or developing new innovative and scalable venture .

UK – Innovator Founder Program

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