Innovator Founder Visa
Launch Your Innovative Business in the UK with a Direct Route to Settlement. Are you an ambitious entrepreneur with a unique business idea? The UK is one of the world's most dynamic economies for startups and scale-ups.
Why Apply with WPC Global?
Business Plan Strategy
We help articulate your vision to meet strict Home Office criteria.
Endorsement Guidance
We assist you in identifying and applying to the right Endorsing Body for your sector.
Comprehensive Support
From visa application to advice on family dependants and settlement.
1. What is the Innovator Founder Visa?
This visa is for non-UK nationals who want to set up an innovative, viable, and scalable business in the UK. It replaces the former Innovator and Start-up routes, offering significant advantages for modern entrepreneurs.
Key Benefits of this Route
No Minimum Investment
Unlike previous visas, there is no £50,000 threshold. You only need to show the funds required to execute your specific business plan.
Fast-Track Settlement
You can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after just 3 years, compared to 5 years for most other routes.
Secondary Employment
You are allowed to take on additional skilled work (RQF Level 3+) outside your business to support yourself while you build your company.
Family Unity
Your partner and dependent children can join you in the UK, with full rights to work and study.
2. The Core Requirement: Endorsement (IVS)
To qualify, you cannot simply apply to the Home Office directly. You must first receive an Endorsement Letter from an approved UK Endorsing Body. Your business concept will be assessed against the IVS Criteria.
Innovative
Is your idea original? It must be distinct from what is already available in the UK market and offer a competitive advantage.
Viable
Is the plan realistic? You must show you have the necessary skills, market awareness, and resources to successfully run the business.
Scalable
Can the business grow? There must be evidence of structured planning for job creation and potential for growth into national or international markets.
3. Eligibility: The 70-Point Requirement
To successfully apply for the visa, you must score a total of 70 points. Most applicants will apply under the "New Business" criteria.
Points Breakdown
| Requirement | Points | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Business Plan | 30 | You must have a robust plan and be instrumental in its creation and execution |
| IVS Approval | 20 | Your business has been endorsed as Innovative, Viable, and Scalable |
| English Language | 10 | Must prove English proficiency at Level B2 (CEFR) via test or degree |
| Financial Maintenance | 10 | Must hold at least £1,270 in personal savings for 28 days |
| Total Required | 70 |
4. The Journey to Settlement (ILR)
The Innovator Founder Visa is designed for long-term success. After 3 years, you may be eligible for Indefinite Leave to Remain (Permanent Residence) if your business meets specific success targets.
To qualify for ILR, your endorsing body must confirm at least TWO of these milestones:
How WPC Global Supports You
Business Plan Review
Expert review and refinement of your business plan to meet Home Office standards
Endorsement Strategy
Identify the right endorsing body and prepare your pitch for success
Visa Application & Compliance
Complete support through the visa application process
Settlement Planning
Long-term guidance to help you achieve ILR milestones
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Innovator Founder Visa?▼
The Innovator Founder Visa is for experienced businesspeople who want to establish a business in the UK. It replaced the Innovator and Start-up visas, requiring applicants to have an innovative, viable, and scalable business idea that is endorsed by an approved endorsing body.
What are the key requirements for an Innovator Founder Visa?▼
Main requirements include: • Have an innovative, viable, and scalable business idea • Get endorsement from an approved endorsing body • Have at least £50,000 investment funds • Meet English language requirement (Level B2) • Prove maintenance funds (£1,270) • Be 18 or over • Not fall for refusal under general grounds Your business idea must be significantly different from existing market offerings.
Who are the approved endorsing bodies?▼
Approved endorsing bodies include: • Business incubators and accelerators • UK higher education institutions • UK government departments • Other organizations approved by the Secretary of State These bodies assess whether your business idea meets the innovation, viability, and scalability criteria. Each endorsing body may have their own specific requirements and application processes.
How much investment funding do I need?▼
You need at least £50,000 in investment funds, which can come from: • Your own funds held for at least 90 days • Third-party funding from venture capital, seed funding, or angel investors • Grant funding from government or charitable sources • Funds from the endorsing body The funds must be available to invest in your UK business and cannot be borrowed against assets you own.
How long is the Innovator Founder Visa valid?▼
Initial visa duration: • 3 years for first application Extensions: • Further 3-year periods if you continue to meet requirements • Must show business progress and continue to be endorsed Settlement: • Can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain after 3 years • Must meet specific settlement requirements including business success criteria • After settlement, can apply for citizenship after 12 months
What can I do on an Innovator Founder Visa?▼
You can: • Work only on your endorsed business idea • Establish and run your business in the UK • Employ staff for your business • Travel freely in and out of the UK • Bring your family as dependents • Study (supplementary to your main business activity) You cannot: • Work for another employer • Access public funds • Work as a professional sportsperson • Change your business idea without new endorsement
Start Your UK Business Journey
The Innovator Founder route is competitive, and a strong application is essential. Don't let paperwork stand in the way of your entrepreneurial dreams.