The Innovator Founder Visa is a UK visa category designed for experienced entrepreneurs who wish to establish or run an innovative business in the UK. This visa replaces the former Innovator Visa and Start-up Visa, simplifying the process for business founders while maintaining strict requirements for innovation, viability, and scalability.

What is the Innovator Founder Visa?

The Innovator Founder Visa is aimed at individuals with a strong business idea that is both innovative and capable of contributing to the UK economy. Applicants must have their business idea endorsed by an approved UK endorsing body.

This visa is particularly attractive because it allows successful applicants to work solely on their business without the minimum investment requirement that was previously a condition under the Innovator Visa.

What are the Benefits of the Innovator Founder Visa?

• Flexibility: Unlike the previous Innovator Visa, there is no minimum investment requirement.
• Pathway to Settlement: This visa can lead to indefinite leave to remain (ILR) after 3 years.
• Family Inclusion: You can bring dependents, including your spouse/partner and children under 18.
• Work Flexibility: You are permitted to carry out work outside your business

Who is Eligible for the Innovator Founder Visa?

To qualify for an Innovator Founder Visa, you must meet the following criteria:

1. Business Idea

Your business idea must be:

• Innovative: A new idea or significantly different from existing businesses in the UK.

• Viable: You must demonstrate the skills, knowledge, and experience to run the business.

• Scalable: The business should have the potential to grow and contribute to the UK economy.

2. Endorsement

You need an endorsement from an approved UK endorsing body. The endorsing body will assess your business idea and confirm that it meets the required criteria.

3. Financial Requirement

• You must prove that you have enough funds to support yourself without relying on public funds.

• Applicants must show at least £1,270 in personal savings for at least 28 consecutive days before applying.

What happens if my application is successful?

You will be granted an Innovator Founder visa which will be valid for 3 years. You may be able to apply for settlement after 3 years. 

What happens if my innovator founder application is not successful?

You may be able to challenge the decision by Administrative Review. See Challenge a Home Office decision.

Need Help with Your Innovator Founder Visa Application?

At Templeton Legal Services, we specialize in assisting entrepreneurs with their Innovator Founder Visa applications. From securing endorsements to ensuring your application meets all requirements, we provide comprehensive support at every step.

Contact us today for expert guidance on starting your journey as an innovator in the UK.