What is the Innovator Founder visa?
The Innovator Founder Visa is designed for entrepreneurs who want to set up and run an innovative, viable, and scalable business in the UK. It replaced the previous Innovator and Start-up routes and offers:
- Initial stay of three years.
- Pathway to settlement (ILR) after three years if business milestones are met.
- Freedom to work in your own business and, in some cases, take on a skilled secondary job (RQF Level 3+).
Who can apply for an Innovator Founder visa?
You may qualify if you:
- Are 18 or older.
- Have a business idea endorsed by a Home Office-approved endorsing body.
- Can demonstrate your business is:
- Innovative – original and different from anything else on the UK market.
- Viable – realistic and achievable with your skills and resources.
- Scalable – potential for growth, job creation, and international reach.
- Have the required English language ability (CEFR B2).
- Hold at least £1,270 in personal savings for 28 consecutive days before applying.
Key features of the Innovator Founder route
- No fixed minimum investment – unlike the old £50,000 requirement, you only need to show sufficient funds to deliver your business plan.
- Dependants allowed – partner and children under 18 can join you.
- Multiple extensions – you can renew for three years at a time.
- Settlement route – apply for ILR after three years if your business meets growth and performance criteria.
Endorsement process
Before applying, you must secure an endorsement letter issued by an approved endorsing body. They will assess:
- Your business plan for innovation, viability, and scalability.
- Your active role in day-to-day management.
- Your ability to meet compliance and reporting obligations. Endorsement is not a one-off requirement—you must attend check-in meetings at 12 and 24 months to show progress. Failure to maintain endorsement can lead to visa curtailment.
Recent updates (2025)
Recent UK Innovator Founder visa changes include:
- Student Switch Route – From 25 November 2025, graduates can switch directly from a Student visa to an Innovator Founder visa without leaving the UK.
- No minimum investment rule confirmed – focus remains on business viability and scalability.
- Digital application process – online submission and document upload via UKVCAS.
- Enhanced compliance checks – endorsing bodies now conduct stricter due diligence and financial background checks.
Innovator Founder visa costs
- Visa application fee: £1,274 (outside UK) or £1,590 (inside UK).
- Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): £1,035 per year.
- Endorsement fee: approx. £1,000 (varies by endorsing body).
- Optional: Priority processing for faster decisions.
Common reasons for refusal
- Weak or incomplete business plan.
- Failure to demonstrate innovation or scalability.
- Missing endorsement or invalid endorsement letter.
- Insufficient personal funds or incorrect documentation.
How our immigration lawyers can help
Our immigration team offers:
- Eligibility assessment – confirm your best route.
- Business plan review – tailored to Home Office standards.
- Endorsement support – liaise with endorsing bodies.
- Visa application preparation and submission for main applicant and dependants
- Compliance guidance – maintain endorsement and prepare for ILR.
Start your Innovator Founder visa application today
Don’t let complex rules slow your business ambitions. Contact us today for a free initial consultation with one of our specialist immigration lawyers and let us help you secure your Innovator Founder Visa.