Innovator Founder Visa

What is the Innovator Founder visa?

The Innovator Founder route is for entrepreneurs with a business idea that an approved endorsing body accepts as innovative, viable, and scalable. You must be actively involved in running the business in the UK. It replaced the earlier Innovator route with updated endorsement standards.

Who may qualify

You may qualify if you obtain endorsement, meet English at B2 (unless exempt), show maintenance funds, and intend to work on the endorsed business. Prior business experience strengthens many applications but each case is assessed individually.

Endorsement first

You cannot apply for the visa without a valid endorsement letter from an approved body. Endorsement applications are competitive — business plans must clearly explain innovation, market need, and growth plans.

Endorsement letter and business plan

Your endorsing body letter and detailed business plan are central. Financial projections, team CVs, and intellectual property evidence may support viability and scalability.

English and maintenance

B2 English is usually required. You may need £1,270 held for 28 days unless exemptions apply. Evidence must meet Home Office format rules.

Active involvement in the business

You must show you will establish and run the endorsed venture — not passive investment. Contracts, company registration plans, and founder agreements may help.

How to apply

Secure endorsement first, then apply online for the Innovator Founder visa with your endorsement reference, passport, and supporting documents. Biometrics are required. We often review endorsement packs before bodies assess them.

Costs & processing time

Endorsement bodies charge their own fees in addition to Home Office visa fees and Immigration Health Surcharge. Totals vary and change over time — as of 2026 we confirm endorsement and visa costs before you commit.

Common reasons applications are refused

• Endorsement letter missing, expired, or from a non-approved body

• Business plan not showing innovation, viability, or scalability

• English below B2 or maintenance not evidenced correctly

• Applicant not credibly involved in running the business

• Previous immigration history not disclosed

Related guidance: Start-Up Visa, UK Self-Sponsorship, Tier 1 Investor Visa, Sole Representative Visa, Turkish Worker (ECAA), and Settlement & ILR.