The Innovator Founder Visa is tailored for enterprising individuals and seasoned business professionals aiming to establish a venture in the UK. There’s no strict financial requirement, but a compelling, feasible, and scalable business idea is essential, supported by an endorsed business plan.
To qualify for an Innovator Founder Visa, you must have conceived or substantially contributed to your business idea and plan to actively manage and develop your business.
This visa is valid for 3 years and can lead to indefinite leave to remain in the UK. You can also bring your partner and children under 18 with you.
If you’re interested in starting or own an existing UK business, you might be eligible for a Skilled Worker visa through self-sponsorship, sponsored by your own UK company.
Key Innovator Founder Visa Requirements:
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Possess an endorsement letter from an approved UK endorsing body confirming your suitability for this route.
- Demonstrate an innovative, realistic, and scalable business idea.
- Show a commitment to actively managing and executing the business plan.
- Attend at least two regular contact point meetings with the endorsing body.
- Be the sole founder or a crucial member of the founding team.
- Have endorsement not older than 3 months at the time of visa application.
- Meet English language proficiency requirements (CEFR Level B2).
- Provide financial proof (if outside the UK for less than 12 months).
Your application must not fall under general grounds for refusal, and you may need to provide a TB test certificate if required.
The eligibility criteria may vary depending on your circumstances, so consulting an immigration lawyer is advisable for personalized guidance.
The Innovator Founder Visa is suitable for both startup enthusiasts and experienced businesspersons with innovative, viable, and scalable business ideas. The business can be new or join an existing one as long as your contribution is substantial.
The business idea can belong to any sector, provided it’s innovative, viable, and scalable, with support from a comprehensive business plan.
If you’re considering joining an existing business, the Skilled Worker visa might be more appropriate. If you’re a senior manager or specialist employee of an overseas business expanding in the UK, consider the UK Expansion Worker visa.
To determine if your business idea qualifies for an Innovator Founder Visa, complete the Innovator Founder Visa Enquiry Form.
There’s no specific funding requirement for Innovator Founder Visa applicants. However, having access to sufficient investment funds is crucial to realize your business idea’s viability and scalability.
Endorsement criteria include being a fit and proper person, legitimate funding sources, no involvement in illicit wealth, and substantial contribution to the business plan. Additionally, your business plan must be innovative, realistic, and capable of national and international growth.
If you’re switching from a previous endorsement under the Innovator, Innovator Founder, Start-up, or Tier 1 (Graduate Entrepreneur) routes, certain conditions apply, including active business status, significant progress, and regular contact point meetings.
To apply for an Innovator Founder Visa, follow these stages:
- Complete the Innovator Founder Visa enquiry form.
- Undergo an eligibility assessment.
- Have your business concept assessed.
- Be introduced to endorsing bodies.
- Gain endorsement and go through due diligence.
- Prepare and submit your visa application.
- Secure approval and mentoring.
To qualify for indefinite leave to remain as an Innovator Founder, you must meet specific criteria, including endorsement, business activity, investment, job creation, and language skills.
Richmond Chambers is a reputable introducer to Innovator Founder endorsing bodies, facilitating direct contact and transparent decision-making.
For English language proficiency, you must meet level B2 in all four components (reading, writing, speaking, and listening).
Applicants must demonstrate personal funds of at least £1,270 held for 28 days before applying.
If you’re part of a founding team, each member must receive individual endorsement from an approved endorsing body.
You can apply for an Innovator Founder Visa from outside or inside the UK, with exceptions for certain visa categories.
The application fee is £1,036 for those applying from outside the UK and £1,292 for those switching within the UK. Additionally, an endorsement fee of £1,000 (ex. VAT) is required.
The initial Innovator Founder Visa is valid for 3 years, with the option to extend it in 3-year increments. There’s no maximum time limit in this category.
During your stay, you’re expected to work for your business or businesses and can engage in skilled employment outside the business.
You must attend at least two contact point meetings with your endorsing body to assess business progress. Failure to do so can result in visa cancellation.
To explore how immigration barristers can assist your Innovator Founder Visa application, refer to the “Stages to Obtaining an Innovator Founder Visa” section.
If you aim to qualify for indefinite leave to remain as an Innovator Founder, you must meet specific criteria, including endorsement, business activity, investment, job creation, language skills, and residency.
Richmond Chambers is recognized for its expertise in helping Innovator Founders navigate the complexities of UK immigration rules and policies.
Our team is dedicated to providing clear and reliable immigration advice to entrepreneurs and businesspersons, ensuring a professional and friendly service.