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The Innovator Founder visa, introduced in April 2023, is aimed at international entrepreneurs who want to establish and run a business in the UK. This visa replaced the previous Innovator and Start-up visa routes and offers a more flexible framework for founders with innovative business ideas.
The Innovator Founder visa, introduced in April 2023, is aimed at international entrepreneurs who want to establish and run a business in the UK. This visa replaced the previous Innovator and Start-up visa routes and offers a more flexible framework for founders with innovative business ideas.
This new visa route merges the most advantageous elements of its predecessors and is designed to support individuals with forward-thinking, viable, and scalable business ideas. Notable benefits include:
No minimum investment threshold (previously £50,000).
Fewer mandatory meetings with the endorsing body (now twice instead of three times).
Permission to take up additional employment (if it meets certain criteria).
A clear path to settlement in the UK (contributing toward Indefinite Leave to Remain).
Applicants must secure an endorsement from a UK-approved body, confirming that their business idea is:
Innovative – a unique concept not currently on the market.
Viable – capable of sustainable success.
Scalable – potential for growth and job creation.
Applicants must also show they have significantly contributed to the development of the business idea.
With the Innovator Founder visa, you can:
Launch and operate your own business in the UK.
Work outside your business (in roles at RQF Level 3 or above).
Study while residing in the UK..
Stay initially for up to 3 years, with the option to apply for settlement afterwards.
Your partner and dependent children may also apply to join you under this route.
Endorsements must be issued by recognized bodies approved by the Home Office, such as:elieve a case-working error occurred. These can include:
Envestors Limited.
UK Endorsing Services.
Innovator International.
The Global Entrepreneurs Programme (GEP).
Your endorsement letter must be no older than 3 months when submitted with your visa application.
To be eligible, applicants must score 70 points under the points-based immigration system, broken down as follows:
For a New Business (50 points total):
30 points: A comprehensive business plan with strong market potential.
20 points: Evidence of innovation, sustainability, and the capacity to scale.
For the Same Business (50 points total):
Continued progress with an endorsed business.
Active involvement in a trading, stable company.
Demonstrated hands-on leadership in the business’s operations.
Mandatory Criteria (20 points total):
10 points: Meeting the English language requirement.
10 points: Showing personal savings of at least £1,270 held for 28 consecutive days before applying.
Visa application fees are:
£1,036 if applying from outside the UK.
£1,292 for in-country applications.
Time spent on the Innovator Founder visa counts towards the 5-year residency requirement for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).
Dependants (partners and children under 18) can accompany or join you in the UK. They will have the right to work and study during their stay.
Our Immigration specialists are adept at assisting individuals globally in securing visas. From the initial application to any follow-up communications with visa authorities, De Jure Chase offers comprehensive support throughout the process.
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