UK Innovator Founder Visa

UK Innovator Founder Visa Application: Start a Business in the UK

The Innovator Founder Visa, introduced in 2023, replaced the previous Innovator Visa, which began in April 2019 and superseded the Tier 1 Entrepreneur Visa.

The UK Innovator Founder visa is for experienced businesspeople looking to establish a business in the UK. Unlike its predecessor, the Innovator Founder Visa eliminates the £50,000 minimum investment requirement, though applicants still need sufficient funds to start their business and sustain themselves in the UK. This visa also allows additional work or study (at least at UK A-level (RQF 3)) that does not interfere with business activities.

The UK Innovator Founder Visa is valid for three years and can be extended for another three years. After three years of lawful residency in the UK, some holders may qualify for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).

UK Market Integration

Enables a hassle-free entry into the UK market, allowing entrepreneurs to concentrate on scaling their business rather than navigating complex immigration processes.

Business Expansion

Sets a solid foundation for strategic business growth, supporting the transition to larger operations and providing the opportunity to bring in skilled workers as your business evolves.

Stability and Growth

Offering a stable platform for early expansion, the Innovator Founder Visa paves the way for business continuity, employee settlement, and sustainable long-term operations in the UK.

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Eligibility for the UK Innovator Founder Visa

To apply for the Innovator Founder Visa, applicants must meet several criteria:

Be a non-EEA and non-Swiss citizen

Be at least 18 years old

Have an endorsed business idea from an approved body

Meet the English language requirement

Satisfy specific personal financial requirements

Multiple applicants can apply for endorsement as co-directors of the same company.

UK Innovator Founder Visa Requirements

Business Proposal

Applicants must demonstrate that their business proposal meets the following criteria:

Innovation: A genuine, original business plan addressing a new or existing market needs beneficial to the UK economy.
Viability: Evidence of the necessary skills, knowledge, and market awareness to run the business successfully.
Scalability: Potential for job creation and growth.

Endorsement

A key requirement is obtaining an endorsement from an approved body. This body will review the business proposal to ensure it meets the necessary criteria. The endorsement body will issue a letter to the Home Office detailing the applicant and their business proposal if approved.

Business Endorsing Bodies of the UK Innovator Founder Visa

Envestors Limited

UK Endorsing Services

Innovator International

The Global Entrepreneurs Programme (GEP)

Financial Requirements and Innovator Founder Fees

Applicants typically must have at least £1,270 in their bank account for 28 days before applying for their UK Innovator Founder visa.

English Language Requirement

Applicants must meet a B2 level of English according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).

Exemptions apply to nationals from English-speaking countries and those holding qualifications taught in English.

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Switching to the UK Innovator Founder Visa

Current UK visa holders may switch to the Innovator Founder Visa if they meet the eligibility criteria and have an endorsement.

Eligible visas for switching include:

Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur Visa
Tier 1 Entrepreneur Visa
Skilled Worker Visa
Student Visa (must have completed the course or studied a PhD for at least 2 years)

Other long-term visas are also eligible.

Family Members

UK Innovator visa holders can bring dependants, including a partner, children under 18, and children over 18 if they are already in the UK as dependants. Dependants must pay biometric enrolment fees and the annual healthcare surcharge.

Required Documents for the UK Innovator Founder Visa

Applicants must provide:

Current passport or valid travel identification

Proof of B2 English language test pass (if applicable)

Bank statements showing at least £1,270 in savings for 28 consecutive days

Tuberculosis test results (if applicable)

Translations of documents not in English or Welsh

Application Process

Once all documents and an endorsement are secured, applicants can complete the Innovator Founder Visa application form.

Applications can be submitted up to three months before the intended travel date.

UK Innovator Founder Processing Time

Decisions are typically made within three weeks for applications from outside the UK and eight weeks for those from within. Dependant applications are also processed within eight weeks. It is often possible to pay an additional fee to expedite processing to around a week.

Biometric Information

Most applicants must provide fingerprints and a photograph at a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services point.

UK Innovator Founder Fees

Multiple fees are payable to different bodies when preparing and applying for a UK Innovator Founder Visa.

Typical fees include:

Visa Application Submitted Outside the UK: £1,191
Visa Application Submitted Insider the UK: £1,486
Healthcare surcharge: £1,035 per year (i.e. £3,105 for a 3 year visa)
Endorsement fees: £1,000
Review meeting fees: £500 per meeting

Duration, Extensions and ILR

The UK Innovator Founder Visa allows for a stay of three years, with the option to extend if eligibility requirements are still met and the business is ongoing.

After three years of lawful residency, holders may qualify for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), provided they meet the eligibility criteria.

How Can Immtell Help?

Securing your UK Innovator Founder Visa is a two-step process, starting with obtaining a business endorsement from an approved body. This endorsement is crucial as it validates your business idea and is the first requirement before you can proceed with your visa application. To begin, you’ll need to contact one of the approved endorsing bodies listed above and follow their specific application process.

Once you’ve secured your endorsement, Immtell will guide you through the next critical phase: applying for your Innovator Founder Visa. Our expertise ensures your visa application is accurate, complete, and aligns with all immigration requirements.

From preparing your documentation to navigating the complexities of the application process, we provide the support you need to successfully obtain your visa and start your business journey in the UK.

Pricing

🔍 Tailored Visa Solutions: Our packages address common visa requirements while remaining flexible to your specific needs. We are dedicated to customising our services to align with your business’s unique demands as you establish a presence in the UK.

💡 Transparent Pricing: We believe in providing clear and upfront pricing. By showcasing our standard visa support packages, we aim to give you a comprehensive understanding of the costs involved, empowering you to make informed decisions as you progress with your business venture.

📞 Advancing Your UK Business Journey: We encourage you to contact us if our packages meet your expectations. Let’s discuss how we can streamline the visa application process, ensuring a smooth transition as you lay the foundation for your business success in the UK.

Immtell's Professional Fees

£ 2,750 + VAT

Eligibility assessment
Review of endorsement letter
Advice on English language and TB test requirements (if applicable)
Application preparation and online submission
Appointment booking
Responding to queries from the Home Office
Review of issued documents
Post-arrival Biometric Residence Permit accuracy check

£ 3,000 + VAT

All the features of the Full Service
Guaranteed response to your queries within 1 working day
Expedited review of your documents and information
Speed through Home Office processing with Priority Service, subject to an additional fee. Quick, efficient, effective.
Review of issued documents and feedback provided within 1 working day

Best Value

£ 1,000 + VAT

Specialist review of your prepared application
Assess application against the relevant rules and legislations
Provide feedback and recommendations for improvement (if applicable)

Estimated Government Visa Fees

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