Innovator Visa
UK Innovator Founder Visa
The UK Innovator Founder Visa is designed for experienced entrepreneurs seeking to establish and run an innovative business in the UK. This route has replaced the previous Innovator Visa as of April 13, 2023, and is part of the UK’s strategy to attract high-potential business minds from across the globe.
Key Features
No minimum investment requirement: Unlike the previous Innovator Visa, the Innovator Founder Visa does not mandate a minimum investment of £50,000.
Work flexibility: Applicants can engage in additional employment outside their business, provided the role is skilled (RQF level 3 and above).
Route to settlement: Eligible for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after 3 years.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the Innovator Founder Visa, you must:
Be at least 18 years old.
Have your business idea or existing business endorsed by an approved endorsing body.
Ensure your business idea is:
- New – You cannot join an existing business.
- Innovative – It must be original and different from what is currently available in the market.
- Viable – With growth potential and realistic goals.
- Scalable – Capable of national and international growth, with potential for job creation.
- New – You cannot join an existing business.
- Innovative – It must be original and different from what is currently available in the market.
- Viable – With growth potential and realistic goals.
- Scalable – Capable of national and international growth, with potential for job creation.
Meet the English language requirement (CEFR Level B2).
Have sufficient personal savings to support yourself:
- £1,270 for yourself.
- £285 for a partner.
- £315 for one child.
- £200 for each additional child.
- £1,270 for yourself.
- £285 for a partner.
- £315 for one child.
- £200 for each additional child.
Application Process
Secure Endorsement: Obtain an endorsement letter from an approved endorsing body listed by the UK Home Office.
Prepare your application: Submit an online visa application and pay the visa fee and healthcare surcharge.
Provide biometric information: Visit a visa application centre to provide your photo and fingerprints.
Visa Duration & Extension
Initially granted for 3 years.
Can be extended for another 3 years, with no limit on the number of extensions.
After 3 years, you may be eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) if your business meets specific growth and innovation criteria confirmed by a new endorsement.
Work Conditions
You can establish and operate your business as outlined in your endorsement.
You are permitted to take on additional employment outside your business, provided it is in a skilled occupation.
Switching to the Innovator Founder Visa
You can apply to switch to this visa if you are already in the UK on a different visa type, including:
Start-up visa
Skilled Worker visa
Student visa (with conditions)
Other eligible routes
English Language Requirement
You can meet the English requirement by:
Passing an approved Secure English Language Test (SELT) at level B2.
Holding a degree taught in English and confirmed by Ecctis (formerly UK NARIC) as equivalent to a UK bachelor's degree or higher.
Being a national of a majority English-speaking country.
Endorsing Bodies
Your business or business idea must be assessed and approved by an endorsing body. Only organisations listed on the UK Home Office’s approved endorsing bodies list are eligible to provide endorsements.
For guidance and support with your Innovator Founder Visa application, please get in touch with us. Our experienced immigration team can help you through each stage of the process, from securing endorsement to obtaining your visa and settling in the UK.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Can I Stay in the UK Under an Innovator Visa?
If your application is successful, you can reside in the UK for a period of three years.
Upon reaching the end of the three-year period, you have the option to extend your visa, provided you continue to meet the eligibility criteria and remain actively involved in a business in the UK or wish to initiate a new venture.
It's worth noting that if your business received endorsement in your initial Innovator Visa application, there's no requirement for an additional £50,000 in investment funds to renew your Innovator Visa.
Additionally, when applying for an extension of your Innovator Visa, make sure to include any dependents who are currently on your Innovator visa.
Upon reaching the end of the three-year period, you have the option to extend your visa, provided you continue to meet the eligibility criteria and remain actively involved in a business in the UK or wish to initiate a new venture.
It's worth noting that if your business received endorsement in your initial Innovator Visa application, there's no requirement for an additional £50,000 in investment funds to renew your Innovator Visa.
Additionally, when applying for an extension of your Innovator Visa, make sure to include any dependents who are currently on your Innovator visa.
Can I Switch to the Innovator Visa from Another UK Visa?
Yes, you can switch to the Innovator Visa from another UK visa.
To be eligible for the switch, you must obtain endorsement from an approved body, a requirement similar to the standard Innovator Visa application.
If you are already in the UK, you can switch from the following visas:
- Start-up visa
- Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur Visa
- Tier 1 Entrepreneur Visa
- Skilled Worker Visa
- Visitor Visa (if the applicant came to the UK to secure funding with a supporting letter from an endorsement body)
If you are switching from a Student visa, you must meet one of the following criteria:
- The start date of your job is after the completion date of your course.
- You have been studying for a PhD for at least 24 months.
As long as you applied for the Innovator Visa before your current visa expired, you are allowed to remain in the UK until a decision is made.
To be eligible for the switch, you must obtain endorsement from an approved body, a requirement similar to the standard Innovator Visa application.
If you are already in the UK, you can switch from the following visas:
- Start-up visa
- Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur Visa
- Tier 1 Entrepreneur Visa
- Skilled Worker Visa
- Visitor Visa (if the applicant came to the UK to secure funding with a supporting letter from an endorsement body)
If you are switching from a Student visa, you must meet one of the following criteria:
- The start date of your job is after the completion date of your course.
- You have been studying for a PhD for at least 24 months.
As long as you applied for the Innovator Visa before your current visa expired, you are allowed to remain in the UK until a decision is made.
Can my Family Join Me in the UK Under an Innovator Visa?
Certain family members can join you when you travel to the UK on an Innovator Visa. Your family members, classified as dependants, can include a partner, a child under 18, or a child over 18 if currently in the UK as a dependant.
To support your dependants, you must have £630 in savings per dependant, in addition to the £945 required to support yourself. It is essential to prove that you have the necessary funds in your bank account (or the dependant’s bank account) for at least 90 days before applying for the Innovator Visa.
Moreover, a person living in the UK can switch their visa to stay with you as a dependant. In such cases, the dependant must apply as a dependant partner or a dependant child.
To support your dependants, you must have £630 in savings per dependant, in addition to the £945 required to support yourself. It is essential to prove that you have the necessary funds in your bank account (or the dependant’s bank account) for at least 90 days before applying for the Innovator Visa.
Moreover, a person living in the UK can switch their visa to stay with you as a dependant. In such cases, the dependant must apply as a dependant partner or a dependant child.
Can I switch from a Graduate Entrepreneur Visa to an Innovator Visa?
Absolutely! Switching from a Graduate Entrepreneur Visa to an Innovator Visa is possible. The process is relatively straightforward, but you must meet specific eligibility requirements. This includes ongoing involvement in the management of a "successful" business that continues to thrive and contribute to the British economy. If you meet these criteria, you can smoothly transition to an Innovator Visa.
Can I switch from a Start-Up Visa to an Innovator Visa?
Certainly! You can switch from a Start-Up Visa to an Innovator Visa, provided your business remains successful and contributes to the British economy. It's crucial to demonstrate to the Home Office that your business is still viable and supporting you, ensuring compliance with the requirements. If these conditions are met, the transition to an Innovator Visa is a viable option.
What can I do if my Innovator Visa Application is Refused?
If your application faces refusal, the Home Office will provide reasons for the refusal. If you believe the refusal lacks justification, you have the option to lodge an appeal against the decision.
Should you choose to pursue an appeal, Push Legal Service is here to guide you through the entire process. Feel free to contact us at 0333 0124 253 for further assistance.
Should you choose to pursue an appeal, Push Legal Service is here to guide you through the entire process. Feel free to contact us at 0333 0124 253 for further assistance.
How can Push Legal Services(PLS) help?
Our highly qualified and experienced lawyers specialise in various corporate visa applications, ensuring comprehensive support throughout your UK Innovator Visa application process. We strive to meet the rigorous standards set by the Home Office, offering the following services:
1. Ensuring the adequacy of your documents before submitting your application.
2. Creating a detailed bundle to present your application effectively to the Home Office.
3. Providing a Letter of Representation to support your application.
4. Maintaining communication with the Home Office throughout the entire process.
5. Ensuring meticulous completion of your application form.
Our legal experts are also available to assist you in crafting a compelling business plan. Reach out to us today through our online contact form or call us at 0333 0124 253 to connect with one of our specialised immigration lawyers and initiate the process of completing your Innovator Visa application.
1. Ensuring the adequacy of your documents before submitting your application.
2. Creating a detailed bundle to present your application effectively to the Home Office.
3. Providing a Letter of Representation to support your application.
4. Maintaining communication with the Home Office throughout the entire process.
5. Ensuring meticulous completion of your application form.
Our legal experts are also available to assist you in crafting a compelling business plan. Reach out to us today through our online contact form or call us at 0333 0124 253 to connect with one of our specialised immigration lawyers and initiate the process of completing your Innovator Visa application.