The Innovator Founder visa explained
The Innovator Founder Visa is a new points-based visa route which replaces the Innovator visa and Start-Up visa and can lead to settlement after three years. In contrast to the Innovator visa, the Innovator Founder visa has removed the requirement for applicants to have at least £50,000 available to invest in the business. Financially, you only need to demonstrate you have enough funding and prove where the funding is from.
To apply under this route, your business idea needs to have an endorsement letter and approval from a new endorsing body approved by the Home Office. There are legacy endorsing bodies for those who were previously on the Scale-Up or Innovator routes. In addition to the endorsement, the Home Office may also assess whether the business is genuine on the balance of probabilities.
What is the application process for a UK Innovator Founder visa?
You can apply from outside of the UK or extend or switch within the UK, provided the eligibility and suitability criteria are met. You will need to show that:
- You meet the English Language requirement to level B2 unless an exemption applies.
- You have consistently held funds of at least £1,270 for 28 days prior to application. This level of funds will increase with dependants.
- If seeking entry clearance and applicable to the country of nationality, a tuberculosis test dated within 6 months of the application will be required.
Further requirements may need to be met depending on your circumstances.
What does an endorsement letter need to contain for a UK Innovator Founder visa?
An endorsement letter should be dated within three months of the date of an application and should confirm that:
- The applicant is a fit and proper person to receive endorsement under this visa route.
- There are no concerns over the legitimacy of source of funds or modes of transfer of funds invested by the applicant into their business and there is no reason to consider that an applicant has received funds from an illicit source.
- There is an initial business plan which an applicant has contributed significantly to, and that the business plan is realistic and achievable based on the applicant’s available resources.
- The business venture is new, viable and scalable.
- Applicants will need to meet with their endorsing body at regular intervals throughout their period of leave to remain in the UK. Failure to do so could lead to cancellation of a visa.
We’re here to help you
When it comes to obtaining reliable legal advice, Seraphus is your dedicated source of expert guidance.
We specialise in providing personalised support to help you navigate the complexities of the application process, ensuring a seamless and hassle-free experience.
Contact us today using the contact us form.
FAQs for a UK Innovator Founder visa
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Can family members join me on an Innovator Founder visa?
Yes, subject to certain requirements, direct family members can join you in the UK. This includes a partner, children under the age of 18 who live with you, who are not married and are financially supported by you, and children over the age of 18 if they are currently in the UK as your dependant.
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Can I appeal if my Innovator Founder visa is denied?
This does not have an automatic right of appeal on refusal. Please contact us as soon as possible if you receive a refusal due to strict time limits for potential remedies via an administrative review, judicial review, or submitting a fresh application.
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