The UK Innovator Founder Visa, introduced in April 2023, is a revised visa route for entrepreneurs aiming to set up innovative businesses in the UK. It replaced the previous Innovator and Start-up visas, offering more flexibility for skilled entrepreneurs to develop and operate a business idea that is viable, scalable, and innovative. Here’s a breakdown of key aspects of the Innovator Founder Visa:

Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for an Innovator Founder Visa, applicants must:

• Be at least 18 years old.
• Have a business idea that is innovative, viable, and scalable, which must be endorsed by an approved UK endorsing body.
• Be actively involved in the day-to-day management and development of the business.
• Demonstrate a good command of English (minimum B2 level on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages).
• Meet financial requirements if applying from outside the UK or if they have been in the UK for less than 12 months (they must show they have at least £1,270 in personal savings).

Endorsement Requirement
The Innovator Founder Visa requires endorsement from a recognised endorsing body, such as Innovator International or other Home Office-approved bodies. The endorsement process typically includes:

• Business Assessment: The endorsing body assesses the business plan, ensuring it is innovative, viable, and scalable.
• Ongoing Support and Monitoring: The endorsing body may monitor progress and provide continued support throughout the visa’s duration.

Key Changes from Previous Schemes: Unlike the prior Innovator Visa, there is no minimum investment requirement. This makes the Innovator Founder Visa more accessible to a wider range of entrepreneurs who may not have substantial initial capital.

Visa Duration and Extensions

• The Innovator Founder Visa is initially granted for three years.
• It can be extended indefinitely in three-year increments, provided the visa holder remains endorsed and meets eligibility requirements.
• Visa holders can apply for indefinite leave to remain (ILR) after three years if they meet specific criteria demonstrating the business’s success and their ongoing role.

Permitted Activities and Limitations

• Innovator Founder Visa holders are expected to focus primarily on their endorsed business venture.
• They are allowed to engage in other paid work outside of the business, offering flexibility that was not available in previous schemes.
• They are also permitted to bring family members (dependents) to the UK, including spouses or partners and children under 18.

Path to Settlement (ILR)
After three years, Innovator Founder Visa holders can apply for ILR if they satisfy the following:

• Their business venture continues to be endorsed, active, and viable.
• They have maintained compliance with visa and endorsement conditions.
• They meet residence requirements, which generally involve spending no more than 180 days outside the UK in any 12-month period.

Application Process
The application process typically involves:

• Submitting a business proposal to an endorsing body for approval.
• Applying for the visa through the Home Office once endorsement is obtained.
• Paying the visa fee and the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), which allows access to NHS services.

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