What is the Innovator Founder visa?
The Innovator Founder visa is for entrepreneurs who want to set up and run an innovative, viable and scalable business in the UK. Your idea must be new (you can’t join an existing trading business) and endorsed by an approved endorsing body before you apply. (This route replaced the old Innovator visa.)
At a glance
Initial length: 3 years (extendable in 3-year blocks)
ILR (settlement): possible after 3 years if you meet the settlement criteria
Work: you can work for your own business(es) and, if needed, take high-skilled employment (RQF Level 3+) alongside it
No access to public funds; no work as a professional sportsperson
Core eligibility (what you must show)
Endorsement: your business/idea has approval from a Home Office-approved endorsing body.
Innovation: original concept, different from what’s on the market.
Viability: realistic plan, founder skills/experience to deliver.
Scalability: credible job creation and plan for national/international growth.
English: B2 CEFR (speaking, reading, writing, listening).
Age: 18+.
Maintenance funds: at least £1,270 held for 28 days before applying (additional amounts required for dependants).
Fees & costs (typical)
Application fee:
£1,274 per person (outside the UK)
£1,590 per person (extend/switch in the UK)
Endorsement fees (paid to endorsing body)
£1,000 for endorsement decision
£500 per progress meeting (you must attend at least two)
Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): usually £1,035 per year (e.g., £3,105 for a 3-year visa)
You must also show personal savings: £1,270 for you, plus £285 (partner), £315 (first child) and £200 (each additional child), held for 28 days.
Step-by-step: how to apply
Secure endorsement
Apply to an approved endorsing body with your plan, evidence of innovation, and growth strategy.
Prepare your documents
Endorsement letter
Passport (with a blank page if you need a visa vignette)
Bank statements showing required funds (28 days)
English evidence (SELT B2, eligible UK school quals, or English-taught degree with Ecctis confirmation if studied abroad)
TB certificate (if required)
Apply online
You’ll prove identity either using the UK Immigration: ID Check app or at a visa application centre.
Decision timelines (typical)
3 weeks from outside the UK
8 weeks inside the UK
Priority services may be available for faster decisions. GOV.UK
Extending your visa & switching
Extend: usually for another 3 years if you still meet requirements and hold a new or continued endorsement. There’s no cap on extensions.
Switch: you can switch from many UK routes (e.g., Student after course completion or 24 months of PhD study) if you meet Innovator Founder criteria.
Travel restriction: don’t leave the Common Travel Area while an application is pending, or it may be treated as withdrawn. GOV.UK
Settlement (ILR) after 3 years
If you meet the endorsing body’s success criteria and Home Office rules (including continued innovation, growth and jobs), you may qualify for Indefinite Leave to Remain after 3 years. Your endorsing body will assess specific business achievements at ILR stage. GOV.UK
Bringing your partner and children
Eligible dependants (partner and children) can apply to join or stay with you. They must have their own funds unless you’ve been in the UK 12 months+, and their visas usually end on the same date as yours. Dependants can work (not as sportsperson/coach) and study; they may qualify for ILR after 5 years if conditions are met. GOV.UK
Documents checklist (quick)
Endorsement letter
Passport + blank page (if required)
28-day bank statements (you + any dependants)
English B2 evidence (SELT/qualifications/Ecctis)
TB test (if applicable)
Any certified translations (non-English/Welsh)
Common pitfalls (and how to avoid them)
Thin market research: endorsement fails if the idea isn’t truly differentiated—evidence your advantage and target market.
Weak scaling plan: show hiring forecasts, milestones, and routes to UK and international markets.
Funds timing: fall short of the 28-day rule and applications are refused—calendar it.
English evidence gaps: check the accepted tests/providers and degree equivalence early. GOV.UK
How we help
At Fard Solicitors, we help founders win endorsement, structure evidence for innovation/viability/scalability, prepare clean financials, and manage dependant and ILR strategy from day one.
Get in touch to discuss your Innovator Founder route and endorsement options.