The Innovator Founder Visa is one of the most challenging but rewarding immigration routes in the UK. Success depends on the strength of your idea, your ability to execute it, and the evidence you present.
The Innovator Founder Visa is one of the most flexible routes for entrepreneurs who want to build a business in the UK without needing a job offer or employer sponsorship. It is designed for individuals with innovative, viable, and scalable business ideas that can contribute to the UK economy.
This guide explains what the visa is, who can apply, what documents are needed, the application steps, costs, and how to improve your chances of success.
1. What the Innovator Founder Visa is?
The Innovator Founder Visa allows a person to stay in the UK for up to three years to set up and run a business based on an endorsed idea. The visa can lead to Indefinite Leave to Remain if specific growth criteria are met.
Unlike the Skilled Worker route, this visa does not require a job offer, sponsorship, or an employer. It focuses on your business concept and your ability to deliver it. While working on your business, you can also take employment, so long as the role requires at least a level 3 qualification under the Regulated Qualifications Framework.
2. Eligibility criteria
To apply for this visa, you must meet three core criteria.
- Innovation. The business idea must be original and different from what already exists in the market.
- Viability. You must have the skills, experience, and knowledge to make the business succeed.
- Scalability. The business must have potential for growth, job creation, and market expansion.
You must be endorsed by an approved endorsing body in the UK that confirms your idea meets these requirements.
3. Business investment requirements
There is no fixed minimum investment amount under the current Innovator Founder route. You must show realistic financial plans and demonstrate access to funds to launch and grow the business. You should be able to justify how much is needed, where it will come from, and how you will use it. There is no direct financial support from the UK government under this visa.
4. Preparing the business idea
The strength of your business plan determines your chances of endorsement. The endorsing body must believe the business has potential and can deliver measurable results in the UK.
Prepare the following.
• A detailed business plan with an executive summary, market research, financial forecast, and growth strategy.
• Market validation such as survey data or research showing demand.
• Evidence of progress, such as a minimum viable product or prototype if relevant.
• Supporting documents that may include letters of intent from clients or partners, references from universities or employers, and any relevant intellectual property filings.
It helps if your business idea aligns with your skills or previous studies. Endorsing bodies look for a clear link between your background and the business you plan to build.
5. Choosing the right endorsing body
Applicants must be endorsed by a Home Office approved endorsing body, for example UK Endorsing Services or Envestors. These organisations evaluate your idea, review your plan, and interview you to assess whether it meets the required standards. Check which bodies specialise in your sector, review their process, timelines, and fees, and understand their expectations before you apply.
6. The application process
Step 1. Prepare your business documentation
• Develop your business plan and supporting materials.
• Gather bank statements, financial projections, and letters of support.
Step 2. Apply for endorsement
• Submit your documents and pay an endorsement fee. The standard endorsement fee is £1,000.
• Review times vary by endorsing body. Treat any quoted timeframe as indicative rather than guaranteed. You may be asked for additional documents.
Step 3. Attend the endorsement interview
• Interviews typically last 30 to 60 minutes.
• Expect detailed questions about finances, scalability, and UK impact.
• You must be able to explain every part of your plan clearly and consistently. Poorly understood or ghost-written plans are often rejected.
Step 4. Apply for the visa
Once endorsed, apply online through GOV.UK with your endorsement letter, proof of funds, and supporting documents.
7. Timeline overview
A realistic timeline for a strong application looks like this.
• 3 months of preparation and research.
• 3 to 4 weeks for endorsing body review is common, but this is not a Home Office standard and can vary.
• Visa decision times are usually 3 weeks if you apply from outside the UK, or 8 weeks if you apply from inside the UK. Priority services may be available in some locations.
Total process. Around 3 to 4 months from planning to decision, depending on readiness and endorsing body timelines.
8. Fees and ongoing costs
• Endorsement fee. £1,000, paid to the endorsing body.
• Contact point meetings. £500 each. You must have at least two during your permission, normally after 12 and 24 months.
• Intellectual property example. A UK trade mark application costs £170 online for one class, plus £50 for each extra class. Typical registration takes around 3 to 4 months if unopposed.
• Visa application fee. £1,274 if applying from outside the UK, or £1,590 if extending or switching inside the UK.
• Immigration Health Surcharge. £1,035 per year.
9. After approval. Contact points and compliance
You must attend contact point meetings with your endorsing body at regular intervals during your permission, normally after 12 and 24 months. These meetings review progress against your plan and ensure the business remains active, trading, and sustainable. If your endorsement is withdrawn, your visa can be curtailed.
If your business shows growth and consistency, you can extend your stay or apply for settlement after three years if you also meet the achievement criteria outlined below. If progress is limited but credible, an extension may be possible.
10. Criteria for ILR after 3 years
To qualify for settlement after three years you must obtain a new endorsement that confirms significant achievements against your plan and that the business is active, trading, sustainable, and registered with Companies House with you as a director or member. That endorsement must also confirm your venture meets at least two of the following.
• At least £50,000 has been invested in the business and actively spent furthering it.
• The number of customers has at least doubled within the most recent three years and is currently higher than the mean number for comparable UK businesses.
• The business has engaged in significant research and development and has applied for intellectual property protection in the UK.
• The business generated at least £1 million in annual gross revenue in the last full year covered by its accounts.
• The business generated at least £500,000 in annual gross revenue in the last full year, with at least £100,000 from exports.
• The business created the equivalent of at least 10 full-time jobs for settled workers.
• The business created the equivalent of at least 5 full-time jobs for settled workers, each with a mean salary of at least £25,000 a year, excluding allowances.
Jobs used for settlement must each exist for at least 12 months and involve an average of at least 30 hours a week. Two or more part-time roles can combine to one full-time equivalent if each has existed for at least 12 months.
11. Common mistakes to avoid
• Submitting an incomplete or vague business plan.
• Outsourcing your idea to consultants who do not understand your project.
• Failing to link the idea to your skills or academic background.
• Ignoring feedback from endorsing bodies.
• Weak financial accuracy in cash flow and investment projections.
Ensure all documentation is current, consistent, and detailed. Missing or weak evidence leads to refusal.
12. Success tips for applicants
- Be descriptive and clear. Avoid generic business ideas.
- Back claims with data. Use credible research and real metrics.
- Build a minimum viable product where possible. It shows execution.
- Protect intellectual property where appropriate.
- Research your endorsing body and its focus areas.
- Prepare for questions on finances and scale.
- Start early. Aim to have a complete pack well before any current leave expires.
