Innovator Founder Visa Help

Who the route is for

It is for founders who will play a central role in running a business that is new, innovative, viable and able to grow. It is not designed for buying into an existing ordinary business.

Main requirements

• Endorsement from an approved endorsing body
• A business idea that is innovative, viable and scalable
• A key role in the day-to-day running of the business
• English language
• Maintenance funds

Documents commonly required

• Business plan
• Endorsement letter
• Evidence of your skills and experience
• Evidence of available funds
• English language evidence
• Passport

Application process

• Develop the business plan
• Apply to an endorsing body and be assessed
• Apply for the visa after endorsement
• Attend progress checkpoints with the endorsing body after arrival

Applying from Albania or Kosovo

Applicants based in Albania or Kosovo can get help preparing the application and understanding the evidence relevant to their circumstances.

Documents not issued in English may need to meet applicable translation requirements.

Already in the UK?

Some people switch into this route from another type of permission. Whether you can depends on what you currently hold.

Previous refusal or immigration problem?

If an earlier application was refused, or there is a problem in your immigration history, it is important to understand the reasons given before deciding what to do next.

A new application that does not deal with those reasons is likely to meet the same result.