Innovator Founder Visa

What is an Innovator Founder Visa?

An Innovator Founder visa enables experienced entrepreneurs to come to the UK to set up a business.

This visa used to be called the Innovator visa.

What Are the Key Eligibility Requirements for an Innovator Founder Visa?

In order to successfully apply for an Innovator Founder visa, applicants must meet the following key requirements:

• Must be at least 18 years of age;
• Must have had their business or business idea assessed and endorsed by an approved endorsing body to be an innovative, viable and scalable business venture;
• Must have been issued with an endorsement letter no earlier than 3 months before their application. The letter must include all the required information by the endorsement body;
• Must be a genuine innovator;
• Must meet the required level of English language;
• Must evidence they have sufficient money to support themselves, unless they are applying to switch to this category and have been in the UK with a valid visa for 12 months or more; and
• May need to provide a tuberculosis (TB) certificate depending on which country the applicant resides in.

How Long is an Innovator Founder Visa Valid for?

An Innovator Founder visa is initially granted for 3 years.

To note, applicants will need to meet with their endorsing body after 12 months and 24 months to show that they are making progress with their business.

A visa may be cut short if the endorsing body withdraws their endorsement.

Can an Innovator Founder Visa be Extended?

Before the expiry of an Innovator Founder visa, applicants must apply to the Home Office to extend their stay in the UK. If the extension application is approved, they will be granted permission to stay in the UK for another 3 years.

There is no limit on the number of times applicants can extend this visa.

Does an Innovator Founder Visa Lead to Settlement?

Once an applicant has held an Innovator Founder visa for 3 years, they may be eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain. This gives settled status in the UK, also known as ‘settlement’. It gives the right to live, work and study in the UK for as long as an applicant wishes to do so and apply for benefits if eligible.

Will an Applicant be Eligible for British Citizenship?

Once an applicant has held indefinite leave to remain in the UK for 12 months, they may be eligible for British Citizenship.

Can Dependants Join or Accompany Innovator Founder Visa Holders?

The partner and children of an applicant can accompany or join them so long as they meet the eligibility criteria. If this is met, they will be issued a visa which will have the same end date as the Innovator Founder visa holder.

How Long Does it Take For a Decision to be Made?

The Home Office will usually process an Innovator Founder visa application within 3 weeks if the application is made from outside the UK. If an application is made within the UK a decision is usually made within 8 weeks.

If eligible, applicants will be advised whether they can apply to get a decision faster. The Home Office charge additional fees for these priority services.

How Much Does it Cost?

The Home Office fee for an Innovator Founder visa submitted from outside the UK is £1,036 Applications made from inside the UK costs £1292.

Applicants will also need to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge. This is usually £624 per year.

How We Can Help You

Our highly experienced team will provide expert advice and guidance to you throughout your immigration journey.

If you have any questions, please complete our online enquiry form or email us at [email protected]. Alternatively, you can call us on 01724 701111 and one of our experts will be happy to assist you.