The Innovator Founder Visa allows individuals to establish a new business in the United Kingdom, expand an existing business through investment, and reside in the country while managing the company. This visa is open to all applicants aged 18 or over. Applications may be submitted individually or as part of a team of entrepreneurs or investors under a shared business plan.
One of the primary requirements during the application process is that the proposed business plan must be innovative, viable, and scalable. The business idea must be assessed and endorsed by an authorised endorsement body recognised by the UK government. This body will thoroughly evaluate whether the concept is original, executable, and capable of growth. A successful endorsement serves as the foundation of the visa application and is mandatory for approval.
The Innovator Founder Visa operates under a points-based immigration system. The Home Office caseworker will assess specific criteria within your application and assign points accordingly. In order for the application to be approved, the applicant must meet the minimum point threshold.
Application Requirements, Mandatory Criteria and Points Allocation:
Business Plan:
The proposed business must demonstrate innovation, viability, and scalability. This criterion applies only to new business applications and is worth 30 points.
Existing Business:
Applicants who previously held a Graduate Entrepreneur Visa or a Start-up Visa must be actively developing a business idea that was previously endorsed by the Home Office. This applies to existing business applications and carries 10 points.
Business Activity and Sustainability:
The business must be currently trading, commercially active, sustainable, and must show significant progress beyond what was initially outlined in the endorsed business plan. This criterion applies to existing business applications and is worth 20 points.
Applicant’s Role:
All applicants must demonstrate at least B2 level English proficiency on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). This requirement applies to all applicants and is worth 10 points.
Language Proficiency:
Applicants must have at least B2 level English proficiency. This criterion applies to all applicants and is worth 10 points.
Financial Requirements:
Applicants must meet the required maintenance funds threshold to support themselves during their stay. This applies to all applicants and is worth 10 points.
Detailed Explanation of the Mandatory Criteria:
Business Plan and Demonstrating Innovation, Viability, and Scalability:
Applicants must submit a unique business plan that clearly outlines their active involvement in the management and implementation of the business to be established in the UK and demonstrates their significant contribution to the core concept of the business. For instance, a tech-driven proposal should include elements such as market analysis, target customer segments, revenue models, and technological infrastructure. In contrast, a business plan in the food sector should highlight aspects like supply chain logistics, local demand forecasting, and sustainability strategies.
This business plan must be reviewed and formally endorsed by an authorised endorsement body prior to the visa application. The endorsement body will assess whether the business idea is innovative, viable, and scalable, and issue an endorsement letter as official confirmation. Examples of innovative proposals may include an AI-powered customer service solution or a low-carbon, environmentally sustainable product. During the review, the endorsement body considers the applicant’s industry experience, educational background, and the business’s growth potential to determine eligibility for endorsement.
Existing Business:
If you have previously established a business in the UK, you may apply for the Innovator Founder Visa by presenting a new and viable growth strategy for that existing enterprise. However, it is essential to submit a revised and enhanced business plan that demonstrates how the original idea will evolve.
Business Development and Sustainability of an Existing Enterprise:
Applicants are required to provide a refined growth plan that builds upon their previously endorsed business idea and demonstrates continued commercial viability. For example, if you already operate a software development company, your new plan might propose the integration of an AI-powered module or expansion into international markets. This new plan must be submitted to an authorised endorsement body and receive their official approval.
The sustainability of your existing business refers to its continued commercial success and the evidence of growth potential. A retail business, for instance, could demonstrate sustainability through indicators such as increasing revenue, an expanding customer base, or a growing market share. The endorsement body will evaluate these factors as part of its decision-making process.
Active Role in Business Management and Development:
The applicant must provide clear evidence of their daily involvement in the management and development of the business. This may include participating in strategic decision-making, leading customer acquisition efforts, or overseeing operational workflows. For instance, if the applicant is responsible for implementing marketing strategies, negotiating partnerships, or managing financial planning, such activities should be documented and verifiable. The endorsement body will review these contributions and issue confirmation to support the visa application. This confirmation must be submitted alongside additional documentation to the Home Office.
English Language Proficiency:
Applicants must demonstrate that they can read, write, speak, and understand English to at least B2 level on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) scale. This requirement is typically met through a secure English language test (SELT) taken at an approved test centre. While test names, formats, and fees may vary by location, the result must be official and valid at the time of application.
In some cases, applicants may be exempt from sitting a test. For example, if they have previously studied in English or hold a qualification deemed equivalent. Nonetheless, proving sufficient English proficiency remains a mandatory criterion. For further guidance, we encourage you to contact our team.
Rights Granted by the Visa and Pathway to Settlement:
The Innovator Founder Visa allows you to establish and manage one or more businesses in the United Kingdom. You may also work in a salaried position within your own company, such as in a managerial role.
This visa is not limited exclusively to your own business. As long as the position qualifies as a “skilled occupation,” you may also engage in additional employment outside your business. For example, you are permitted to work in roles listed under the Skilled Worker salary list.
During your stay in the UK, your family members (spouse and children) may join you by applying for a “dependent” visa, allowing them to live with you.
At the end of your Innovator Founder visa period, you may be eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), which is commonly referred to as permanent settlement. Eligibility for ILR depends on the success of your business, your profitability, and the duration of your stay in the UK.
Requirements for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR):
- Residence Requirement: You must have spent at least 180 days per year in the UK during each of the last 3 consecutive years on an Innovator Founder visa.
- Updated Endorsement Letter: You must obtain an updated endorsement letter from the authorised endorsing body that originally assessed your business. This letter must confirm that your business meets at least two of the Home Office’s success criteria (see below).
Business Success Criteria (at least two must be met):
- Investment Use: A minimum of £50,000 has been invested into the business and actively deployed to grow and develop the enterprise.
- Customer Growth: Your business has at least doubled its customer base over the past three years and currently exceeds the average customer base of comparable UK businesses offering similar products or services.
- Job Creation (Standard): The business has created at least five full-time equivalent jobs for resident workers, each paying an average annual salary of £25,000 or more.
- Revenue Generation (General): Your business has achieved annual gross revenues of at least £1,000,000 in the most recent full accounting year.
- Revenue Generation (Export): Your business has achieved annual gross revenues of at least £500,000, including a minimum of £100,000 from overseas exports, in the most recent accounting year.
- Research and IP Activity: The business has engaged in significant research and development and has made an application for intellectual property protection in the UK.
- Job Creation (High Volume): The business has created at least 10 full-time equivalent jobs for resident workers, with no minimum salary requirement.
Application Fees:
The application fee for the Innovator Founder Visa varies depending on where the application is submitted. If you are applying from outside the United Kingdom, the visa fee is £1,191. If you are applying from within the United Kingdom, either to extend your visa or to switch from another visa category, the fee is £1,486.
As part of the application process, you are also required to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) to access the UK’s National Health Service. This fee is set at £1,035 per year of the visa duration. For example, for a three-year Innovator Founder Visa, the total health surcharge would amount to £3,105. Payment of this charge is mandatory for the application to be processed.
10 Questions About the Innovator Founder Visa
Yes, this visa allows you to establish, grow, and manage your own business in the UK. You may also work in other occupations, provided they are listed as eligible skilled roles.
For tailored guidance and support regarding the Innovator Founder Visa process, please contact us directly.