Innovator Founder visa

The Innovator Founder visa is for people who want to set up and run an innovative business in the UK. The key feature is that your business idea must be endorsed by an approved endorsing body before you apply.

GOV.UK says the business must be something that is different from anything else on the market. You cannot use this visa to join a business that is already trading.

The endorsing body assesses your idea against three tests. GOV.UK says your idea must be:

• Innovative, meaning it is a new idea and different from what is on the market.
• Viable, meaning it has growth potential.
• Scalable, with plans for creating jobs and growing into national and international markets.

Spend time on your plan before you approach an endorsing body. Clear evidence of what makes the idea new, how the business will make money, and how it will grow gives you the best chance of a positive assessment.

You must be able to speak, read, write and understand English. You usually prove this when you apply.

There are several costs, and they come from different places:

• Endorsement: £1,000, paid to the endorsing body.
• Visa application from outside the UK: £1,357 per person.
• Visa application to extend or switch from inside the UK: £1,693 per person.
• Meetings with your endorsing body: £500 each, with at least two during your stay. You pay these directly to the endorsing body.

You must also pay the Immigration Health Surcharge as part of your application. For most adults it is usually £1,035 for each year of the visa. The GOV.UK overview does not list a set amount of funds that you must show, so check the visa pages and your endorsing body for anything you need to prove.

You usually get a decision within 3 weeks if you apply from outside the UK, and within 8 weeks from inside the UK. You may be able to pay for a faster decision.

The visa lasts 3 years, whether you come from abroad or switch in the UK. You must meet your endorsing body at 12 months and 24 months. The visa may be cut short if the endorsement is withdrawn.

You can extend for another 3 years before your visa expires, and there is no limit on the number of extensions. To stay longer you reapply with a new endorsement before your visa expires. You may be able to apply for settlement, also called indefinite leave to remain, after 3 years in the UK.

You can work for your business, including as a director or a self-employed business partner. You can take other work only if it needs at least a level 3 qualification. You cannot apply for most public funds and you cannot work as a professional sportsperson.

Your partner and children can apply to join you or stay as dependants if they are eligible.

• Get your business idea endorsed by an approved endorsing body.
• Apply online and choose your route: from outside the UK, or extending or switching inside the UK.
• Prove your identity and provide your documents. You may need an appointment.
• Pay the visa fee and the healthcare surcharge.
• If you apply from inside the UK, give your biometrics, meaning your fingerprints and a photo. There is no fee for this.