The UK is ranked fourth on the Global Innovation Index 2023 and the UK is looking to bring innovative talent to the UK. The Innovator Founder visa is available for entrepreneurs looking to establish an innovative, viable, and scalable business in the UK.
This route allows you to bring dependants with you and it gives you the option to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain after 3 years, if all requirements are met.
An innovator founder applicant can be the founder or a member of a team. They must have a key role within the founding team and in the development of the business. The business must not already be trading.
This route is split in two stages:
- Endorsement by a Home Office approved endorsing. The endorsing bodies are:
The endorsing body will assess the business’s innovation, viability, and scalability. A strong business plan and documentation highlighting, amongst other things, mission and vision, market research, comparative advantages, competitors, strength and weaknesses, robust and realistic financial projections and a clear business model must be submitted. There is also an interview.
- Once endorsement is granted, the applicant must submit a visa application. UK Visas and Immigration (“UKVI”) can review both the endorsement and business plan and may refuse an application if it considers that there is lack of innovation, viability, or scalability.
Once the visa is granted, the applicant will need to meet with the endorsing body after 12 months and 24 months to demonstrate the progress made by the business. Endorsement may be withdrawn by the endorser and the applicant will need to obtain new endorsement to stay on their visa.
Our team is available to support you alongside your development of a business plan and endorsement process with the visa application stage and provide holistic immigration support should you want to bring dependants or engage foreign workers as part of your innovative business.
Get in touch with our Business & Skilled Migration Team for more information:
