On 14 April 2023, the Innovator Founder visa route is launched. It is designed for people who wish to set up and run an innovative business in the UK. It replaced the old Innovator route and also closed the Start-up route. However, if the application is before 13 April 2023, the endorsing body will continue to assist those applicants.

Innovator Founder applicants will still need to obtain an endorsement from an approved body, as was previously required under the Innovator and Start-up routes. The endorsement process involves proving that the business idea is new, innovative, viable, scalable, and with potential for growth.

However, this new route offers more flexibility for entrepreneurs. The Innovator Founder route eliminated the £50,000 minimum fund. The Innovator Founder visa also grants the holder permission to set up a business or several businesses in the UK and to work for the business. Innovator Founders are also permitted to undertake work outside their business, as long as it is ‘skilled work’ (i.e. at least skilled to RQF Level 3).

What is the Innovator Founder visa?

The Innovator Founder visa is a type of visa that allows individuals to establish and run an innovative business in the UK. You must have a crucial role and manage the business. The application for this visa must be supported by an endorsing body and the applicant must have a crucial role in the day-to-day management and development of the business.

Under the Innovator Founder route, a partner and dependent children are also eligible to apply. It is important to note that this visa route is a pathway to settlement, which means that you can apply for indefinite leave to remain in the UK in just 3 years.

Endorsement

To apply for the Innovator Founder visa, the business idea must be approved by an endorsing body.

You must be able to show your business idea is:

• new - you cannot join a business that is already trading
• innovative - you must have an original business idea which is different from anything else on the market
• viable, with potential for growth
• scalable - you must give evidence of planning that includes creating jobs and growing into national and international markets

Eligibility requirements

You must be aged 18 or over to apply.

Your English language ability in reading, writing, speaking, and listening to at least B2 level.

You must show that you have enough savings to support yourself in the UK.