Overview

The Innovator Founder Visa is for entrepreneurs from outside the UK who have a new, innovative, viable, and scalable business idea to develop in the UK.
It is not open to all business types — applicants must show their business concept offers something genuinely different to the market.
This route is designed to attract exceptional entrepreneurial talent and can lead to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), since time spent in the UK under this visa counts toward settlement eligibility.

Visa Duration and Extension

Successful applicants are granted an initial stay of 3 years.
After 3 years, you may either:
- Apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) if your business continues to meet endorsement criteria and demonstrates sustained growth, or
- Apply to extend your visa for another 3 years.
There is no limit on the number of extensions, provided endorsement is maintained and eligibility requirements continue to be met.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

Be at least 18 years old.
Have a new, innovative, viable, and scalable business idea approved by a recognised endorsing body.
Meet the English language requirement.
Show evidence of sufficient personal funds to support themselves while in the UK.

English Language Requirement

You must demonstrate your ability to speak, read, write, and understand English to the required standard. This can be shown by:

Passing an approved Secure English Language Test (SELT).
Holding a recognised English-taught qualification such as a GCSE, A-Level, or equivalent.
Holding a degree-level qualification taught in English (international qualifications must be verified by Ecctis).
Nationals from majority English-speaking countries (such as Canada, the USA, Australia, or New Zealand) are exempt.

Proof of Financial Support

You must have at least £1,270 in personal savings, held for 28 consecutive days before applying.
Your endorsing body may also require evidence of adequate funds to start and run your business.

Business Endorsement

Your business idea must be endorsed by an approved endorsing body. To qualify, it must be:

New – you cannot join or take over an existing UK business.
Innovative – the idea must be genuinely different from anything currently available in the market.
Viable – you must show that it has potential for growth and sustainability, backed by credible evidence or projections.
Scalable – the business should have capacity to expand nationally or internationally, creating jobs and contributing to the UK economy.

Endorsing bodies charge separate fees for assessment and ongoing monitoring. Typical costs include:

Around £1,000 for the initial endorsement application.
Around £500 per follow-up meeting (usually two per year if your visa is granted).

Documents Required

When applying, you’ll typically need to provide:

Valid endorsement letter from your endorsing body.
Passport or other travel document.
Bank statements showing financial requirements are met.
Proof of English-language ability (test or qualification).
Tuberculosis test results (if required).
Certified translations for any documents not in English or Welsh.

What You Can and Cannot Do

You can:

Establish and manage one or more businesses in the UK.
Work for your own business as a director or partner.
Take on a secondary skilled job outside your business.
Study while living in the UK.
Bring eligible dependants (partner and/or children).
Travel freely in and out of the UK.
Apply for ILR after 3 years if your business meets growth and endorsement requirements.

You cannot:

Work as a professional sportsperson or sports coach.
Access public funds or benefits.

Processing Times

Outside the UK: usually around 3 weeks after biometrics are submitted.
Inside the UK (switching or extending): typically 8 weeks.
Applications may take longer if additional documents or verification are needed.

Home Office Fees

Application (outside the UK): £1,274 per person
Application (inside the UK – switching or extending): £1,590 per person
Endorsement (initial application): approximately £1,000
Endorsing body follow-up meetings (two required): around £500 each
Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): £1,035 per person per year
Fees are correct as of October 2025 and are subject to change by the Home Office.