Innovator Founder Visa:
Key Facts by the Home Office

Innovator Founder Visa: Key Facts

The Innovator Founder Visa is designed for individuals looking to establish or join an innovative, viable, and scalable business in the UK. It is a route for entrepreneurs with a new or existing business to gain permission to stay and work in the country. Below are the key facts about this visa, covering requirements, eligibility, application procedures, and more.

1. Validity Requirements

To apply for entry clearance or permission to stay under the Innovator Founder category, applicants must ensure that their application meets specific validity requirements:

• Application Form: The application must be completed online through the gov.uk website, using the specified form.
• Application Fees: The required fee and Immigration Health Charge must be paid.
• Biometrics: The applicant must provide the necessary biometric information (fingerprints and photo).
• Identity Documents: A passport or other document must be provided to establish the applicant’s identity and nationality.
• Age Requirement: The applicant must be at least 18 years old on the date of application.
• Endorsement: The applicant must have a valid endorsement letter from an approved endorsing body, issued no more than 3 months before the application date. The endorsement must not have been withdrawn.

2. Suitability Requirements

The applicant must meet specific suitability requirements, including:

• No Grounds for Refusal: The applicant must not fall under the grounds for refusal outlined in Part 9 of the Immigration Rules.
• Immigration Compliance: The applicant must not be in breach of UK immigration laws (with certain exceptions) and must not be on immigration bail. This also applies to applicants already in the UK.

3. Eligibility Requirements

An applicant must earn 70 points to be eligible for an Innovator Founder visa, distributed across various categories:

• 50 Points from Business Criteria:
• New Business:
• Business Plan (30 points): The applicant must submit a detailed and credible business plan.
• Innovation, Viability, and Scalability (20 points): The business must be innovative, viable, and capable of growing.
• Same Business (Existing Business):
• Previous Business Permission (10 points): If the applicant has previously held permission under the Innovator Founder route or a related route, they may earn points.
• Active Business (20 points): The business must be active, trading, and sustainable, showing significant achievements against the business plan.
• Day-to-Day Management (20 points): The applicant must demonstrate involvement in the daily management and development of the business.
• Mandatory Requirements:
• English Language (10 points): Applicants must meet the English language requirement at B2 level (intermediate high).
• Financial Requirement (10 points): Applicants must show they have access to sufficient funds to support themselves and their business in the UK.

4. Innovator Teams

Multiple Innovator Founders can apply to be co-directors of the same business. However, each founder must submit an independent application and receive their own endorsement from an approved body. Each applicant must demonstrate they have a separate investment of £50,000 if applying under the new business criterion.

5. Entry Requirements

• Entry Clearance: Applicants must secure entry clearance before coming to the UK.
• Tuberculosis Screening: Applicants may need to provide a medical certificate confirming that they have been screened for active pulmonary tuberculosis, depending on their country of origin.

6. Endorsement Requirements

An essential component of the application is the endorsement letter from an approved endorsing body or legacy endorsing body. The endorsement letter must contain the following details:

• The name of the endorsing body.
• The applicant’s personal details (name, date of birth, nationality, passport number).
• The reference number for the endorsement.
• Contact details for an individual at the endorsing body who can verify the endorsement to the Home Office if necessary.

The endorsing body must confirm the following:

• The applicant is a fit and proper person to receive endorsement.
• The endorsing body has no concerns regarding the legitimacy of the applicant’s funds or business.
• There is no suspicion that the applicant or their business is involved in illicit activities.

7. Application Process

Applicants must apply using the appropriate form based on their location:

• Applicants Outside the UK: Use the Start-up or Innovator Visa form for entry clearance.
• Applicants Inside the UK: Use the Start-up or Innovator Permission to Stay form.

In some cases, applicants from the European Economic Area (EEA) with a chipped passport can use the UK Immigration: ID Check app.

8. Costs and Fees

The cost of the Innovator Founder visa application will depend on the applicant’s specific circumstances. Fees can be found on the gov.uk website, along with detailed information about additional charges, such as the Immigration Health Surcharge.

9. Biometric Information

All applicants applying from within the UK must provide biometric information as part of their application. This includes submitting fingerprints and a photograph.

10. Conditions of Permission

If granted permission under the Innovator Founder visa, applicants must adhere to the following conditions:

• No Access to Public Funds: Applicants cannot access public funds during their stay.
• Work Restrictions: Work is only permitted for the applicant’s own business or businesses they have established. They may also work in a role requiring skill at RQF level 3 or higher.
• Study Restrictions: Study is allowed, but may be subject to restrictions under the Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) if applicable.

11. Duration of Permission

Permission is typically granted for 3 years. After this period, applicants may be able to extend their stay or apply for settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain), subject to meeting specific requirements.

12. Dependants

Applicants may bring dependants, including spouses, children, and other eligible family members, as part of their application. Dependants will also be subject to the same restrictions on work and study.

13. Switching Into the Innovator Founder Route

Applicants can switch into the Innovator Founder route from most other visa categories, except for the following:

• Visitor visa
• Short-term student visa

Conclusion

The Innovator Founder Visa provides a valuable pathway for international entrepreneurs looking to start or grow a business in the UK. By fulfilling the eligibility and endorsement criteria, applicants can establish themselves in the UK’s thriving business environment, with access to various benefits including the opportunity to bring dependants and apply for indefinite leave to remain after three years.

Before applying, it is important for applicants to carefully review all the requirements and ensure their application is complete, as failure to meet all the validity requirements can lead to rejection.