Innovator Founder — UK Immigration Advisers

The Innovator Founder visa is for experienced businesspeople who want to set up or run an innovative, viable, and scalable business in the UK. You must be endorsed by an approved endorsing body. Unlike the previous Innovator visa, there is no minimum investment requirement.

INV

Visa code

3 years (extendable)

Duration

£1,486

Gov fees from

OISC

Regulator

Visa details

Visa typeInnovator Founder

CodeINV

Duration3 years (extendable)

Est. gov fees£1,486 (gov) + agent

RegulatorHome Office / OISC

Key eligibility

Endorsement from a UKVI-approved endorsing body

Business must be innovative (genuinely new idea), viable (realistic commercial plan), and scalable

At least £50,000 investment available (required for new businesses, not re-applications)

English language requirement at B2 CEFR level

Sufficient maintenance funds (£1,270 in bank for 28 days)

Not have been previously refused on character/security grounds

Why use an OISC adviser for the Innovator Founder?

The endorsement stage — convincing an approved body that your business idea is innovative, viable, and scalable — is the hardest part of the Innovator Founder application. An OISC adviser guides you on which endorsing body is most appropriate for your sector and helps you prepare a business plan that meets their criteria.

Innovator Founder Advisers

OISC-regulated advisers and solicitors specialising in Innovator Founder applications.

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Frequently asked questions — Innovator Founder

Who are the approved endorsing bodies for the Innovator Founder visa?

Approved endorsing bodies include universities, accelerators, and business incubators authorised by the Home Office. Examples include Barclays, LGT Lightstone, and various UK universities. An immigration adviser will identify the most suitable endorsing body for your industry and business stage.

What does "innovative, viable, and scalable" mean?

"Innovative" means a genuinely new business idea or a significant new approach to an existing market. "Viable" means there is a realistic and credible plan to run a business in the UK. "Scalable" means the business has the potential to grow. Endorsing bodies assess these criteria and issue an endorsement letter.

Do I need £50,000 investment upfront?

For a new business, you need at least £50,000 in available investment funds. This can come from the applicant, investors, or endorsing bodies. If you are extending an existing Innovator Founder visa and have already begun trading, the investment requirement does not apply to the extension.

Can the Innovator Founder visa lead to settlement?

Yes. After 3 years on the Innovator Founder visa, you can apply for ILR if your business has demonstrated sustained growth and met the endorsing body's milestone requirements. Your business must have created at least 2 jobs for settled workers, or generated a minimum annual revenue and employed at least 1 settled worker.

Can I switch from another visa to the Innovator Founder visa?

Yes, in most cases you can switch from a Student, Skilled Worker, or Graduate Route visa to the Innovator Founder visa from inside the UK, provided you obtain an endorsement first. You cannot switch from a Visitor visa.