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 (ILR) if specific growth criteria are met.
Unlike the Skilled Worker Visa, this route does not require a job offer, sponsorship, or an employer. It focuses entirely on your business concept and your ability to execute it.
While working on your business, you can also take up part-time or full-time employment, something not permitted under earlier versions of the innovator route.
2. Eligibility Criteria
To apply for this visa, you must meet three key criteria:
1. Innovation – The business idea must be original and different from what already exists in the market.
2. Viability – You must have the necessary skills, experience, and knowledge to make the business succeed.
3. 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 Visa. However, applicants must show realistic financial plans and demonstrate that they have access to funds to launch and grow their business.
You must be able to justify:
• How much money is needed to start or expand your business.
• Where the funds will come from.
• How the investment will be used (e.g., product development, staffing, marketing).
There is no financial support from the UK government under this visa. The funds used for the business are your own or raised through investors or sponsors.
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.
Here’s what to prepare:
• A detailed business plan, including an executive summary, market research, financial forecast, and growth strategy.
• Market validation, such as survey data or research papers proving demand for your product or service.
• Evidence of progress, such as a minimum viable product (MVP) or prototype if applicable.
• Supporting documents, including:
• Letters of intent or support from clients, partners, or investors.
• A letter or reference from a university or previous employer showing your business competence.
• Proof of intellectual property (IP) registration or trademark if you have one.
It helps if your business idea is linked to your area of expertise or previous studies. Endorsing bodies look for alignment 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 such as UK Endorsing Services, Envestors, or others. These organisations evaluate your idea, review your business plan, and interview you to assess whether it meets the required standards.
When selecting an endorsing body:
• Research which bodies specialise in your industry (for example, technology, sustainability, or health).
• Review their success rates and process times.
• Understand their fees and expectations before applying.
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 (usually around £1,000).
• The endorsing body reviews your application within 21 to 30 days.
• You may be asked for additional documents during this period.
Step 3: Attend the endorsement interview
• The interview usually lasts 30–60 minutes.
• Expect detailed questions about your financial plans, scalability, and how your business will contribute to the UK economy.
• You must explain every part of your plan clearly and consistently.
Tip: Endorsing bodies often reject applications where it’s clear someone else has written the business plan.
Step 4: Apply for the visa
Once endorsed, you can apply for the visa online through the UK Government website, submitting your endorsement letter, proof of funds, and other supporting documents.
7. Timeline Overview
A realistic timeline for a strong application looks like this:
• 3 months of preparation and research.
• 3–4 weeks for endorsement review.
• 2–3 weeks for visa decision after submission.
Total process: approximately 3–4 months from planning to visa approval, depending on your readiness.
8. Fees and Ongoing Costs
• Endorsement fee: £1,000 (one-time).
• Checkpoint meetings: £500 each, held once every 12 months during your visa validity.
• IP registration (optional but helpful): around £250 and takes about two months.
• Visa application fee: £1,191 (approximate, varies by country).
• Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): £1,035 per year of stay
9. After Approval: Checkpoint Meetings and Compliance
You must attend annual checkpoint meetings with your endorsing body to review business progress. These meetings ensure that your business continues to meet the innovation and scalability goals agreed at the start.
If your business shows growth and consistency, you can extend the visa or apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after three years.
If your business struggles but demonstrates some progress, you may be granted an extension rather than ILR.
10. Criteria for ILR (After 3 Years)
To qualify for ILR, you need to meet at least two out of the following requirements:
• Create at least 10 full-time jobs for settled workers.
• Invest at least £50,000 in the business.
• Show significant revenue growth or expansion into international markets.
• Demonstrate substantial research and development activity.
• Achieve measurable impact in your sector.
11. Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Submitting an incomplete or vague business plan.
• Outsourcing your idea to consultants who don’t understand your project.
• Failing to link your business idea to your skills or academic background.
• Ignoring feedback from endorsing bodies.
• Missing financial accuracy in cash flow and investment projections.
Always ensure that all documentation is current, consistent, and fully detailed. Weak evidence or missing documents can lead to rejection.
12. Success Tips for Applicants
1. Be descriptive and clear. Avoid one-line answers or generic business ideas.
2. Back every claim with data. Quote credible research, surveys, or real-world metrics.
3. Build a minimum viable product (MVP). Even a simple prototype shows execution ability.
4. Register intellectual property. It adds credibility and protects your idea.
5. Understand your endorsing body. Research their focus areas before applying.
6. Prepare for questions. Know your business inside out, especially finances and scalability.
7. Plan early. Start preparing at least three months before your current visa expires.
Note: Always check the latest official guidance on GOV.UK, as rules and fees may change. For example the official eligibility page: https://www.gov.uk/innovator-founder-visa
