The Innovator Founder Visa is the UK’s primary route for entrepreneurs and business founders. It replaced both the former Start-up and Innovator visas and focuses on the quality and scalability of the business rather than a fixed investment amount.
What does the Innovator Founder Visa offer?
- Direct settlement pathway : Eligibility to apply for ILR after 3 years, subject to business performance.
- No fixed minimum investment : Applicants must show sufficient funds to implement their specific business plan.
- Secondary employment permitted: Skilled employment (RQF Level 3 or above) alongside business activity is allowed.
- Fully digital visa status: Immigration status is issued as an eVisa linked to a UKVI account.
Eligibility criteria for Innovator Founder Visa: The three pillars
To secure innovator founder visa, your business must be assessed by a Home Office-approved Endorsing Body against three core criteria:
- Innovation: a genuine, original business idea
- Viability: evidence the business can be delivered successfully
- Scalability: potential for growth and job creation
Personal requirements include
- English Language: You must prove proficiency at CEFR Level B2 (roughly IELTS 5.5).
- Maintenance Funds: You must show at least £1,270 in personal savings held for 28 consecutive days before applying.
- Endorsement Fee: obtaining an endorsement from a Home Office–approved endorsing body.
Endorsement fees vary by endorsing bodies and are payable directly to them.
How to Apply for an Innovator Founder Visa: A 5-Step Guide
Expert Education and Visa Services streamlines the process into a strategic roadmap:
- Business Plan Forensic Audit: We review your concept to ensure it hits the “Innovation” benchmarks required by 2026 endorsing bodies.
- Endorsement Acquisition: We assist in preparing your pitch deck and executive summary for one of the approved bodies (e.g., Innovator International or UK Endorsing Services).
- Digital Application Management: Once endorsed, we manage your online submission through the GOV.UK portal, ensuring all 2026 compliance standards are met.
- eVisa & Biometric Setup: We guide you through the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app or physical appointment to link your identity to your new digital visa.
- Post-Launch Check-ins: The Home Office requires mandatory “Contact Point” meetings at months 12 and 24. We help you document your progress to ensure your visa remains valid.
FAQ’s
Am I permitted to take a second job while on an Innovator Founder Visa?
Yes. Unlike previous entrepreneur routes, the Innovator Founder Visa allows you to take on secondary employment. To remain compliant, this additional role must be Skilled Work (RQF Level 3 or above). This provides financial security while you scale your primary venture.
Can I secure a UK Permanent Residency (ILR) in just 3 years with the Innovator Founder Visa?
Yes. The Innovator Founder Visa is the UK’s fastest settlement route. You can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after 36 months if your business meets two “Significant Achievement” benchmarks—such as generating £1 million in annual revenue, doubling your customer base, or creating 5 skilled jobs for settled workers.
How do the mandatory "Contact Point" meetings work for the Innovator Founder Visa?
To keep your Innovator Founder Visa valid, you must attend two mandatory progress reviews (at the 12-month and 24-month marks). These meetings, costing £500 each, confirm your business is “active, trading, and sustainable.” Missing these can lead to your endorsement being withdrawn and your visa cancelled.