UK Innovator Founder Visa Applications – Immigration Solicitors Manchester
The Innovator Founder Visa allows entrepreneurs to establish and run an innovative business in the United Kingdom. This visa is designed for individuals who wish to launch a new business that introduces a genuinely innovative product or service to the UK market.
The Innovator Founder Visa replaced the previous Innovator Visa and offers greater flexibility for entrepreneurs seeking to develop high-growth businesses in the UK.
At TM Fortis Solicitors, our specialist immigration solicitors provide expert advice and assistance with Innovator Founder Visa applications, helping entrepreneurs secure endorsement, prepare their business plans and submit successful visa applications.
What Is the Innovator Founder Visa?
The Innovator Founder Visa is a UK immigration route for entrepreneurs who wish to set up and run an innovative business in the UK.
The business must be:
- New – the applicant cannot join a business that is already trading
- Innovative – the business idea must be original and different from existing businesses on the market
- Viable – the business must have potential for growth and long-term success
- Scalable – the business should demonstrate the potential to create jobs and expand into national or international markets
Applicants must obtain endorsement from an approved endorsing body confirming that the business idea meets these requirements.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the Innovator Founder Visa, applicants must meet several requirements under the UK Immigration Rules.
Applicants must:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Have a business idea endorsed by an approved endorsing body
- Meet the English language requirement
- Demonstrate sufficient personal savings to support themselves
- Intend to set up and run an innovative business in the UK
The endorsing body will assess whether the business idea meets the requirements for innovation, viability and scalability.
Endorsement Requirement
Before applying for the visa, applicants must obtain an endorsement letter from an approved endorsing body.
The endorsing body will evaluate the proposed business idea and confirm that it meets the required criteria.
Applicants must normally demonstrate that their business idea is:
- Innovative and original
- Commercially viable
- Capable of growth and expansion
Applicants must also attend regular check-ins with the endorsing body during their stay in the UK to demonstrate progress with their business.
Investment Funds
Unlike the previous Innovator visa route, the Innovator Founder Visa does not require a fixed minimum investment amount.
However, applicants must demonstrate to the endorsing body that they have sufficient funding available to establish and develop the business.
Investment funds are not required if:
- The business is already established and endorsed for a previous visa, or
- Changes to the business have already been approved by the endorsing body.
English Language Requirement
Applicants must demonstrate knowledge of the English language.
This usually means proving that the applicant can:
- Speak
- Read
- Write
- Understand English
Evidence may include passing an approved English language test or holding a recognised qualification taught in English.
Financial Requirement
Applicants must demonstrate that they have sufficient personal funds to support themselves in the UK.
Applicants must normally show that they have held at least £1,270 in their bank account for 28 consecutive days before applying.
These funds must be separate from any investment funds used for the business.
How Long You Can Stay in the UK
Successful applicants will normally be granted permission to stay in the UK for three years.
This applies whether the applicant:
- Applies from outside the UK, or
- Switches to the Innovator Founder Visa from another visa while already in the UK.
Applicants must meet with their endorsing body after 12 months and again after 24 months to demonstrate progress with their business.
If the endorsing body withdraws its endorsement, the visa may be shortened or cancelled.
Extending the Innovator Founder Visa
If applicants wish to remain in the UK after their initial visa period, they may apply for an extension for another three years.
There is no limit on the number of extensions, provided the business continues to meet the requirements and receives endorsement.
Settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain)
Applicants may be eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after three years in the UK.
To qualify for settlement, applicants must normally demonstrate that:
- The business is active and trading
- The business meets specific growth and success criteria
- The endorsing body confirms that the applicant has made significant progress
Settlement allows individuals to live and work permanently in the UK.
Bringing Family Members to the UK
Applicants may bring eligible family members to the UK as dependants.
Dependants may include:
- A partner or spouse
- Children under the age of 18
Dependants must submit separate visa applications and meet the relevant financial requirements.
What You Can Do With an Innovator Founder Visa
With an Innovator Founder Visa, you can:
- Set up and run one or more businesses in the UK
- Work for your own business as a director or self-employed partner
- Take additional employment outside the business if the job requires at least RQF Level 3 skills
- Bring eligible dependant family members
- Travel freely in and out of the UK
- Apply for permanent settlement after three years
Restrictions Under the Innovator Founder Visa
Visa holders cannot:
- Access public funds or state benefits
- Work as a professional sportsperson or sports coach
Applicants must continue to develop their endorsed business and comply with the conditions of the visa.
Visa Fees
The current Home Office fees for an Innovator Founder Visa are:
- £1,357 per person if applying from outside the UK
- £1,693 per person if applying to switch or extend within the UK
Applicants must also pay:
- The Immigration Health Surcharge
- Endorsement fees charged by the endorsing body
The endorsement process usually costs £1,000, with additional monitoring fees payable during the visa period.
Processing Times
After submitting the visa application and biometric information, applicants usually receive a decision within:
- 3 weeks if applying from outside the UK
- 8 weeks if applying from within the UK
Priority processing services may be available in some countries.
How Our Immigration Solicitors Can Help
Our specialist immigration solicitors provide expert legal advice for Innovator Founder Visa applications.
We assist clients with:
- Assessing eligibility for the Innovator Founder Visa
- Preparing business plans and supporting documentation
- Securing endorsement from approved endorsing bodies
- Preparing and submitting visa applications
- Advising on settlement applications after three years
Our aim is to ensure that entrepreneurs present strong, well-prepared applications that comply fully with the UK Immigration Rules.
Contact Our Immigration Solicitors
If you are planning to establish an innovative business in the UK under the Innovator Founder Visa, our experienced immigration solicitors can assist you throughout the process.
Contact TM Fortis Solicitors today on 0161 220 6040 to discuss your circumstances and obtain expert legal advice.
