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Innovator Founder Visa
The Innovator Founder Visa is a UK business immigration route for entrepreneurs who want to establish and run an innovative, viable and scalable business in the United Kingdom.
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At A Glance
- The Innovator Founder Visa is for entrepreneurs who want to establish and run an innovative business in the UK.
- Your business idea must be new, innovative, viable and scalable.
- You must obtain endorsement from an approved endorsing body before submitting your visa application.
- The visa is normally granted for up to 3 years.
- You must meet your endorsing body after 12 months and 24 months to show business progress.
- You can apply to extend the visa for another 3 years, with no limit on the number of extensions if requirements continue to be met.
- You may be able to apply for settlement after 3 years if you meet the Innovator Founder settlement requirements.
- Dependants may be able to apply with you if they meet the relevant requirements.
- If refused, you may be able to apply for Administrative Review.
Table of Contents
What is the Innovator Founder Visa?
The Innovator Founder Visa is a UK visa route for entrepreneurs who want to set up and run an innovative business in the UK. It replaced the previous Innovator Visa and Start-up Visa routes for new applicants.
To qualify, you must have a business idea that is different from anything else on the market, capable of growth, and endorsed by an approved endorsing body. The business must be based on an idea you generated or to which you made a significant contribution.
The route is not designed for passive investors. You must be actively involved in the day-to-day management and development of the business.
A successful application can allow you to live in the UK, run your business, bring eligible dependants, and potentially apply for settlement after 3 years if the settlement requirements are met.
Protection of the Business Idea and Founder Role
The Home Office and endorsing body will not only look at whether the business sounds promising. They will also consider whether you are genuinely connected to the business idea, whether you are a real founder or instrumental founding team member, and whether you have the skills, knowledge, experience and market awareness to develop the business.
Who Is the Innovator Founder Visa Suitable For?
This visa may be suitable for:
- an overseas entrepreneur with a new business idea for the UK market
- a start-up founder planning to launch an innovative business in the UK
- an existing business owner who wants to establish a new UK venture
- a co-founder who is an instrumental member of the founding team
- a current Start-up or Innovator route holder seeking to continue an endorsed business
- an Innovator Founder visa holder applying for an extension or settlement
The route may not be suitable if you simply want to invest in an existing business, buy a trading business, take over an ordinary company, or work as an employee in the UK. In those situations, another business or work visa may be more appropriate.
Initial Innovator Founder Visa Applications
An initial Innovator Founder Visa application is for applicants applying for the route for the first time, either from outside the UK or by switching from another eligible UK visa route.
For an initial application, the main issue is usually whether your business idea is strong enough to obtain endorsement and whether your immigration application is properly prepared.
Initial Application Requirements
- You must be at least 18 years old.
- You must have a valid endorsement letter issued no more than 3 months before the visa application.
- You must have a genuine, original business plan.
- You must have generated or significantly contributed to the business idea.
- The business must be innovative, viable and scalable.
- You must have a day-to-day role in carrying out the business plan.
- You must be the sole founder or an instrumental member of the founding team.
- You must meet the English language requirement at CEFR B2 unless exempt.
- You must meet the financial requirement where required.
- You must meet suitability requirements and not fall for refusal under the Immigration Rules.
Switching into the Innovator Founder Route
Some applicants may be able to switch into the Innovator Founder route from inside the UK. The correct position depends on the applicant’s current visa type and whether the Immigration Rules allow switching from that route.
Students may face additional switching rules, including course completion requirements or specific rules for PhD students. The switching position should always be checked carefully before an application is submitted.
Innovator Founder Visa Extension
If you already hold permission as an Innovator Founder and want to stay in the UK beyond your current permission, you may be able to apply to extend your visa for a further 3 years.
There is no limit on the number of times you can extend, provided you continue to meet the requirements and obtain a new endorsement before applying.
Extension Requirements
- You should apply before your current visa expires.
- Your business or business idea must be assessed again by an endorsing body.
- You must obtain a new endorsement for the extension application.
- If relying on the same business, the business must have been previously assessed by an endorsing body while you held permission on the relevant route.
- You must normally show that the business is active, trading and sustainable.
- You must show significant progress against the business plan.
- The business must be registered with Companies House.
- You must be listed as a director or member of the business.
- You must be involved in day-to-day management and development.
- If required, you must show you attended the required contact point meetings.
When an Extension May Be Better Than Settlement
Some founders may be eligible to extend but not yet ready for settlement. This can happen where the business is progressing but has not yet met at least two of the Innovator Founder settlement success criteria.
In those circumstances, an extension can allow the founder more time to continue growing the business, maintain lawful residence and prepare for settlement later.
Innovator Founder Visa Settlement / ILR
The Innovator Founder route can lead to settlement, also known as Indefinite Leave to Remain. Settlement allows a person to live, work and study in the UK without a time limit, and may later support an application for British citizenship.
You may be able to apply for settlement once you have spent at least 3 years in the UK with permission as an Innovator Founder. Time spent on other visa routes does not count towards the Innovator Founder 3-year settlement period.
Settlement Requirements for the Main Applicant
- You must apply from inside the UK.
- You must have, or have last been granted, permission as an Innovator Founder.
- You must have spent at least 3 years in the UK with permission as an Innovator Founder.
- You must meet continuous residence requirements, including the absence rules.
- You must have a new endorsement letter for settlement issued no more than 3 months before the application.
- The endorsement must confirm significant achievements against the business plan.
- The business must be registered with Companies House and you must be listed as a director or member.
- The business must be active and trading.
- The business must appear sustainable for at least the next 12 months.
- You must have demonstrated an active key role in day-to-day management and development.
- You must meet the Knowledge of Life in the UK requirement unless exempt.
- You must meet suitability requirements.
Business Success Criteria for Settlement
For settlement, the endorsement must confirm that the business has met at least two of the required success criteria. These can include:
- At least £50,000 has been invested into the business and actively spent furthering the business.
- The number of customers has at least doubled within the most recent 3 years and is higher than the average number of customers for comparable UK businesses.
- The business has engaged in significant research and development and applied for intellectual property protection in the UK.
- The business has generated at least £1 million in annual gross revenue in the last full year covered by its accounts.
- The business has generated at least £500,000 in annual gross revenue in the last full year covered by its accounts, with at least £100,000 from overseas exports.
- The business has created the equivalent of at least 10 full-time jobs for settled workers.
- The business has created the equivalent of at least 5 full-time jobs for settled workers, each with a mean salary of at least £25,000 per year gross pay, excluding allowances.
The same criterion cannot be counted twice. Where multiple founders are applying for settlement, they cannot rely on the same business achievements unless the required outputs are multiplied accordingly.
General Documentation
- Your current passport (or other valid travel ID) to confirm your full name and date of birth.
- Copies of the photo page and any past visa or entry stamps in previous passports.
- Your partner’s current passport.
- Documented proof of your partner’s right to be in the UK (e.g., British citizen, indefinite leave to remain, or humanitarian protection status).
- A copy of your biometric residence permit, if you have one.
- Details of any past visa applications, if applicable.
- Details of any criminal convictions, if applicable.
Innovator Founder Visa Eligibility
To qualify for an Innovator Founder Visa, you must satisfy both business endorsement requirements and immigration requirements.
Core Eligibility Checklist
- You are aged 18 or over.
- You have a business idea that is new, innovative, viable and scalable.
- You have endorsement from an approved endorsing body.
- You have a genuine business plan.
- You generated or significantly contributed to the business idea.
- You will have a day-to-day role in the business.
- You have English language ability at B2 level unless exempt.
- You meet the financial maintenance requirement if it applies.
- You provide required identity, nationality and supporting documents.
- You meet suitability requirements.
Business Plan Requirement
Your business plan is one of the most important parts of the Innovator Founder Visa process. It must do more than describe a business idea. It must show why the idea is original, how it meets a market need, why it is commercially realistic, and how it can grow.
A strong business plan should usually address:
- the business concept and problem being solved
- the target market and customer need
- the product or service offering
- the competitive advantage
- the revenue model
- the operational plan
- market research
- founder skills and experience
- financial forecasts
- funding and resources
- UK market entry strategy
- job creation and growth potential
- national and international scalability
- risk management
- milestones and implementation timeline
A weak, generic or unrealistic business plan can damage both the endorsement application and the visa application.
Innovation, Viability and Scalability
Innovation
The business must be genuinely original and must meet new or existing market needs, or create a competitive advantage. It is not enough for the business to be profitable or ordinary. The endorsing body must be satisfied that the idea is meaningfully different.
Viability
The business plan must be realistic and achievable based on your resources, skills, experience, market awareness and proposed operating model. The endorsing body will want to see that the business can realistically be delivered.
Scalability
The business must show potential for structured growth, including job creation and expansion into national and international markets. Scalability is not just about ambition; it must be supported by evidence, planning and credible commercial logic.
Endorsement Requirement
You cannot submit a successful Innovator Founder Visa application without a valid endorsement from an approved endorsing body.
The endorsement letter must normally be issued no more than 3 months before the date of your visa application and must not have been withdrawn.
Endorsing Body Assessment
The endorsing body will assess your business idea, your business plan, your founder role, and whether the business meets the required innovation, viability and scalability standards.
Mandatory Contact Point Meetings
If the visa is granted, you must meet with your endorsing body after 12 months and 24 months to show progress with your business. Your visa may be cut short if your endorsement is withdrawn.
English Language Requirement
Unless exempt, Innovator Founder applicants must show English language ability in reading, writing, speaking and listening at CEFR level B2.
This can usually be shown through an approved Secure English Language Test, a recognised degree taught in English, or nationality from a majority English-speaking country where the rules allow it.
Financial Requirement
If you are applying from outside the UK, or applying inside the UK after living in the UK with permission for less than 12 months, you must usually show at least £1,270 in personal funds.
The funds must normally be held for 28 days in line with the Immigration Rules. If you have already been in the UK with permission for 12 months or more, you may meet the financial requirement without showing funds.
Dependants’ Financial Requirement
Dependants may need to show additional maintenance funds, unless they have been living in the UK with permission for 12 months or longer. The usual amounts are £285 for a dependent partner, £315 for the first dependent child, and £200 for each additional dependent child.
Dependants
Your eligible partner and children may be able to apply with you or join you later as dependants.
Eligible dependants may include:
- your husband, wife, civil partner or unmarried partner, if the relationship requirements are met
- your child under 18
- your child over 18 if they are already in the UK as your dependant and meet the relevant rules
Dependants must meet their own eligibility, financial and suitability requirements. If successful, their permission will normally be linked to the main applicant’s permission.
Documents Required
Documents depend on your personal circumstances, business structure, endorsement route and whether you are applying for an initial visa, extension or settlement.
Common documents may include:
- valid passport or travel document
- endorsement letter from an approved endorsing body
- business plan
- evidence of your role in creating or contributing to the business idea
- evidence of skills, experience and market knowledge
- financial evidence for maintenance, where required
- English language evidence
- TB test certificate, if required
- Companies House documents, where relevant
- business accounts or management accounts, where relevant
- evidence of trading activity
- evidence of customer growth, revenue, exports, job creation, R&D or IP protection for settlement
- Life in the UK Test pass certificate for settlement, unless exempt
- relationship and birth documents for dependants
- certified translations for documents not in English or Welsh
Application Fees and Costs
The current Home Office application fees from 8 April 2026 are:
Processing Time
After applying online, proving identity and providing documents, the usual decision time is around 3 weeks for applications made outside the UK and around 8 weeks for applications made inside the UK.
Processing can take longer if the Home Office needs more information, requests an interview, needs to verify documents, or if there are complex immigration or business issues.
Priority or super priority services may be available in some cases, depending on where the application is made and current Home Office availability.
What You Can and Cannot Do
With an Innovator Founder Visa, you can usually:
- set up a business or several businesses
- work for your own business as a director or self-employed business partner
- do work outside your business if the role is skilled to at least RQF Level 3
- bring eligible dependants
- travel outside the UK and return
- study, subject to any ATAS requirement
- apply for settlement if you meet the requirements after 3 years
You cannot usually:
- access most public funds
- work as a professional sportsperson or sports coach
- use the route as a passive investor without an active founder role
- ignore your endorsing body contact point meetings
- continue relying on endorsement if it is withdrawn without taking urgent advice
Common Reasons for Refusal
Innovator Founder Visa applications may be refused for several reasons, including:
- weak or generic business plan
- failure to obtain a valid endorsement
- endorsement letter older than 3 months or withdrawn
- business not genuinely innovative, viable or scalable
- applicant cannot show a genuine founder role
- insufficient evidence of skills, experience or market awareness
- failure to meet English language requirement
- failure to meet financial requirement
- incorrect or incomplete application form
- missing documents or poor translations
- suitability concerns
- dependants not meeting relationship, financial or suitability requirements
- settlement application relying on business success criteria that are not properly evidenced
If an application is refused, the correct next step will depend on the reason for refusal. In many cases, Administrative Review may be available.
Administrative Review
If an Innovator Founder application is refused, the applicant may be able to apply for Administrative Review. This is a request for the Home Office to review the decision because a caseworking error may have been made.
Administrative Review is not a fresh application and does not usually allow you to simply submit a completely new case. It must identify why the refusal decision is legally or factually wrong.
How Aspen Crown Solicitors Can Help
Innovator Founder applications combine immigration law, business evidence and endorsement requirements. A strong application needs more than a business idea; it needs clear legal preparation, careful evidence and a properly structured case.
Aspen Crown Solicitors can assist with:
- initial Innovator Founder Visa applications
- extension applications
- settlement / ILR applications
- business plan review from an immigration perspective
- endorsement preparation support
- document checklist preparation
- reviewing business and immigration evidence
- dependant applications
- switching advice
- cover letters and legal representations
- Home Office correspondence
- refusal advice
- Administrative Review applications
We aim to make the process clear, reduce avoidable risks, and help founders present their business and immigration case in the strongest possible way.
Innovator Founder Visa Legal Services
Legal fees depend on the complexity of the matter, the stage of the application, the number of applicants, the level of business evidence required and whether endorsement support is needed.
Initial Innovator Founder Visa Advice
From £100-£200
Consultation fees
A consultation allows us to review your circumstances, assess whether the route is suitable, and explain the next steps.
Initial Innovator Founder Visa Application
Fixed fee available after assessment
Application preparation and legal representations
This may include document review, endorsement-related advice, application preparation, legal cover letter and submission guidance.
Innovator Founder Visa Extension
Fixed fee available after assessment
Extension preparation and supporting evidence
We can help you prepare an extension application, review business progress evidence, and ensure your endorsement and immigration documents are in order.
Innovator Founder Settlement / ILR
Fixed fee available after assessment
Settlement application and business success evidence
We can help assess whether you meet the 3-year residence, endorsement, business success and Life in the UK requirements.
Dependants
Fixed fee available after assessment
Partner and child applications
We can assist eligible dependants applying with the main applicant or applying separately.
Administrative Review
Fixed fee available after assessment
Refusal review and challenge
We can review the refusal decision and advise whether there are arguable Home Office caseworking errors.
Additional Costs
- Home Office application fee: currently £1,357 outside the UK or £1,693 inside the UK for Innovator Founder applications from 8 April 2026.
- Immigration Health Surcharge: usually £1,035 per year for adults and £776 per year for children under 18.
- Endorsement fee: £1,000 excluding VAT, paid directly to the endorsing body.
- Contact point meetings: £500 per meeting excluding VAT, with at least two meetings normally required during the visa period.
- Translation costs: may apply for documents not in English or Welsh.
- English language test: may apply if you need to take an approved SELT.
- TB test: may apply depending on your country of residence.
- Priority service: £500 where available.
- Super priority service: £1,000 where available.
- Business plan or accountancy support: may apply if external business, finance or accounting input is needed.
Visa Duration
The Innovator Founder Visa is normally granted for up to 3 years. You can apply to extend for another 3 years before your current visa expires, and there is no limit on the number of extensions if you continue to meet the requirements.
You may be able to apply for settlement after 3 years if you meet the residence, endorsement, business success, Life in the UK and suitability requirements.
Table of Contents
What is the Innovator Founder Visa?
The Innovator Founder Visa is a UK visa route for entrepreneurs who want to set up and run an innovative business in the UK. It replaced the previous Innovator Visa and Start-up Visa routes for new applicants.
To qualify, you must have a business idea that is different from anything else on the market, capable of growth, and endorsed by an approved endorsing body. The business must be based on an idea you generated or to which you made a significant contribution.
The route is not designed for passive investors. You must be actively involved in the day-to-day management and development of the business.
A successful application can allow you to live in the UK, run your business, bring eligible dependants, and potentially apply for settlement after 3 years if the settlement requirements are met.
Protection of the Business Idea and Founder Role
The Home Office and endorsing body will not only look at whether the business sounds promising. They will also consider whether you are genuinely connected to the business idea, whether you are a real founder or instrumental founding team member, and whether you have the skills, knowledge, experience and market awareness to develop the business.
Who Is the Innovator Founder Visa Suitable For?
This visa may be suitable for:
- an overseas entrepreneur with a new business idea for the UK market
- a start-up founder planning to launch an innovative business in the UK
- an existing business owner who wants to establish a new UK venture
- a co-founder who is an instrumental member of the founding team
- a current Start-up or Innovator route holder seeking to continue an endorsed business
- an Innovator Founder visa holder applying for an extension or settlement
The route may not be suitable if you simply want to invest in an existing business, buy a trading business, take over an ordinary company, or work as an employee in the UK. In those situations, another business or work visa may be more appropriate.
Initial Innovator Founder Visa Applications
An initial Innovator Founder Visa application is for applicants applying for the route for the first time, either from outside the UK or by switching from another eligible UK visa route.
For an initial application, the main issue is usually whether your business idea is strong enough to obtain endorsement and whether your immigration application is properly prepared.
Initial Application Requirements
- You must be at least 18 years old.
- You must have a valid endorsement letter issued no more than 3 months before the visa application.
- You must have a genuine, original business plan.
- You must have generated or significantly contributed to the business idea.
- The business must be innovative, viable and scalable.
- You must have a day-to-day role in carrying out the business plan.
- You must be the sole founder or an instrumental member of the founding team.
- You must meet the English language requirement at CEFR B2 unless exempt.
- You must meet the financial requirement where required.
- You must meet suitability requirements and not fall for refusal under the Immigration Rules.
Switching into the Innovator Founder Route
Some applicants may be able to switch into the Innovator Founder route from inside the UK. The correct position depends on the applicant’s current visa type and whether the Immigration Rules allow switching from that route.
Students may face additional switching rules, including course completion requirements or specific rules for PhD students. The switching position should always be checked carefully before an application is submitted.
Innovator Founder Visa Extension
If you already hold permission as an Innovator Founder and want to stay in the UK beyond your current permission, you may be able to apply to extend your visa for a further 3 years.
There is no limit on the number of times you can extend, provided you continue to meet the requirements and obtain a new endorsement before applying.
Extension Requirements
- You should apply before your current visa expires.
- Your business or business idea must be assessed again by an endorsing body.
- You must obtain a new endorsement for the extension application.
- If relying on the same business, the business must have been previously assessed by an endorsing body while you held permission on the relevant route.
- You must normally show that the business is active, trading and sustainable.
- You must show significant progress against the business plan.
- The business must be registered with Companies House.
- You must be listed as a director or member of the business.
- You must be involved in day-to-day management and development.
- If required, you must show you attended the required contact point meetings.
When an Extension May Be Better Than Settlement
Some founders may be eligible to extend but not yet ready for settlement. This can happen where the business is progressing but has not yet met at least two of the Innovator Founder settlement success criteria.
In those circumstances, an extension can allow the founder more time to continue growing the business, maintain lawful residence and prepare for settlement later.
Innovator Founder Visa Settlement / ILR
The Innovator Founder route can lead to settlement, also known as Indefinite Leave to Remain. Settlement allows a person to live, work and study in the UK without a time limit, and may later support an application for British citizenship.
You may be able to apply for settlement once you have spent at least 3 years in the UK with permission as an Innovator Founder. Time spent on other visa routes does not count towards the Innovator Founder 3-year settlement period.
Settlement Requirements for the Main Applicant
- You must apply from inside the UK.
- You must have, or have last been granted, permission as an Innovator Founder.
- You must have spent at least 3 years in the UK with permission as an Innovator Founder.
- You must meet continuous residence requirements, including the absence rules.
- You must have a new endorsement letter for settlement issued no more than 3 months before the application.
- The endorsement must confirm significant achievements against the business plan.
- The business must be registered with Companies House and you must be listed as a director or member.
- The business must be active and trading.
- The business must appear sustainable for at least the next 12 months.
- You must have demonstrated an active key role in day-to-day management and development.
- You must meet the Knowledge of Life in the UK requirement unless exempt.
- You must meet suitability requirements.
Business Success Criteria for Settlement
For settlement, the endorsement must confirm that the business has met at least two of the required success criteria. These can include:
- At least £50,000 has been invested into the business and actively spent furthering the business.
- The number of customers has at least doubled within the most recent 3 years and is higher than the average number of customers for comparable UK businesses.
- The business has engaged in significant research and development and applied for intellectual property protection in the UK.
- The business has generated at least £1 million in annual gross revenue in the last full year covered by its accounts.
- The business has generated at least £500,000 in annual gross revenue in the last full year covered by its accounts, with at least £100,000 from overseas exports.
- The business has created the equivalent of at least 10 full-time jobs for settled workers.
- The business has created the equivalent of at least 5 full-time jobs for settled workers, each with a mean salary of at least £25,000 per year gross pay, excluding allowances.
The same criterion cannot be counted twice. Where multiple founders are applying for settlement, they cannot rely on the same business achievements unless the required outputs are multiplied accordingly.
General Documentation
- Your current passport (or other valid travel ID) to confirm your full name and date of birth.
- Copies of the photo page and any past visa or entry stamps in previous passports.
- Your partner’s current passport.
- Documented proof of your partner’s right to be in the UK (e.g., British citizen, indefinite leave to remain, or humanitarian protection status).
- A copy of your biometric residence permit, if you have one.
- Details of any past visa applications, if applicable.
- Details of any criminal convictions, if applicable.
Innovator Founder Visa Eligibility
To qualify for an Innovator Founder Visa, you must satisfy both business endorsement requirements and immigration requirements.
Core Eligibility Checklist
- You are aged 18 or over.
- You have a business idea that is new, innovative, viable and scalable.
- You have endorsement from an approved endorsing body.
- You have a genuine business plan.
- You generated or significantly contributed to the business idea.
- You will have a day-to-day role in the business.
- You have English language ability at B2 level unless exempt.
- You meet the financial maintenance requirement if it applies.
- You provide required identity, nationality and supporting documents.
- You meet suitability requirements.
Business Plan Requirement
Your business plan is one of the most important parts of the Innovator Founder Visa process. It must do more than describe a business idea. It must show why the idea is original, how it meets a market need, why it is commercially realistic, and how it can grow.
A strong business plan should usually address:
- the business concept and problem being solved
- the target market and customer need
- the product or service offering
- the competitive advantage
- the revenue model
- the operational plan
- market research
- founder skills and experience
- financial forecasts
- funding and resources
- UK market entry strategy
- job creation and growth potential
- national and international scalability
- risk management
- milestones and implementation timeline
A weak, generic or unrealistic business plan can damage both the endorsement application and the visa application.
Innovation, Viability and Scalability
Innovation
The business must be genuinely original and must meet new or existing market needs, or create a competitive advantage. It is not enough for the business to be profitable or ordinary. The endorsing body must be satisfied that the idea is meaningfully different.
Viability
The business plan must be realistic and achievable based on your resources, skills, experience, market awareness and proposed operating model. The endorsing body will want to see that the business can realistically be delivered.
Scalability
The business must show potential for structured growth, including job creation and expansion into national and international markets. Scalability is not just about ambition; it must be supported by evidence, planning and credible commercial logic.
Endorsement Requirement
You cannot submit a successful Innovator Founder Visa application without a valid endorsement from an approved endorsing body.
The endorsement letter must normally be issued no more than 3 months before the date of your visa application and must not have been withdrawn.
Endorsing Body Assessment
The endorsing body will assess your business idea, your business plan, your founder role, and whether the business meets the required innovation, viability and scalability standards.
Mandatory Contact Point Meetings
If the visa is granted, you must meet with your endorsing body after 12 months and 24 months to show progress with your business. Your visa may be cut short if your endorsement is withdrawn.
English Language Requirement
Unless exempt, Innovator Founder applicants must show English language ability in reading, writing, speaking and listening at CEFR level B2.
This can usually be shown through an approved Secure English Language Test, a recognised degree taught in English, or nationality from a majority English-speaking country where the rules allow it.
Financial Requirement
If you are applying from outside the UK, or applying inside the UK after living in the UK with permission for less than 12 months, you must usually show at least £1,270 in personal funds.
The funds must normally be held for 28 days in line with the Immigration Rules. If you have already been in the UK with permission for 12 months or more, you may meet the financial requirement without showing funds.
Dependants’ Financial Requirement
Dependants may need to show additional maintenance funds, unless they have been living in the UK with permission for 12 months or longer. The usual amounts are £285 for a dependent partner, £315 for the first dependent child, and £200 for each additional dependent child.
Dependants
Your eligible partner and children may be able to apply with you or join you later as dependants.
Eligible dependants may include:
- your husband, wife, civil partner or unmarried partner, if the relationship requirements are met
- your child under 18
- your child over 18 if they are already in the UK as your dependant and meet the relevant rules
Dependants must meet their own eligibility, financial and suitability requirements. If successful, their permission will normally be linked to the main applicant’s permission.
Documents Required
Documents depend on your personal circumstances, business structure, endorsement route and whether you are applying for an initial visa, extension or settlement.
Common documents may include:
- valid passport or travel document
- endorsement letter from an approved endorsing body
- business plan
- evidence of your role in creating or contributing to the business idea
- evidence of skills, experience and market knowledge
- financial evidence for maintenance, where required
- English language evidence
- TB test certificate, if required
- Companies House documents, where relevant
- business accounts or management accounts, where relevant
- evidence of trading activity
- evidence of customer growth, revenue, exports, job creation, R&D or IP protection for settlement
- Life in the UK Test pass certificate for settlement, unless exempt
- relationship and birth documents for dependants
- certified translations for documents not in English or Welsh
Application Fees and Costs
The current Home Office application fees from 8 April 2026 are:
Processing Time
After applying online, proving identity and providing documents, the usual decision time is around 3 weeks for applications made outside the UK and around 8 weeks for applications made inside the UK.
Processing can take longer if the Home Office needs more information, requests an interview, needs to verify documents, or if there are complex immigration or business issues.
Priority or super priority services may be available in some cases, depending on where the application is made and current Home Office availability.
What You Can and Cannot Do
With an Innovator Founder Visa, you can usually:
- set up a business or several businesses
- work for your own business as a director or self-employed business partner
- do work outside your business if the role is skilled to at least RQF Level 3
- bring eligible dependants
- travel outside the UK and return
- study, subject to any ATAS requirement
- apply for settlement if you meet the requirements after 3 years
You cannot usually:
- access most public funds
- work as a professional sportsperson or sports coach
- use the route as a passive investor without an active founder role
- ignore your endorsing body contact point meetings
- continue relying on endorsement if it is withdrawn without taking urgent advice
Common Reasons for Refusal
Innovator Founder Visa applications may be refused for several reasons, including:
- weak or generic business plan
- failure to obtain a valid endorsement
- endorsement letter older than 3 months or withdrawn
- business not genuinely innovative, viable or scalable
- applicant cannot show a genuine founder role
- insufficient evidence of skills, experience or market awareness
- failure to meet English language requirement
- failure to meet financial requirement
- incorrect or incomplete application form
- missing documents or poor translations
- suitability concerns
- dependants not meeting relationship, financial or suitability requirements
- settlement application relying on business success criteria that are not properly evidenced
If an application is refused, the correct next step will depend on the reason for refusal. In many cases, Administrative Review may be available.
Administrative Review
If an Innovator Founder application is refused, the applicant may be able to apply for Administrative Review. This is a request for the Home Office to review the decision because a caseworking error may have been made.
Administrative Review is not a fresh application and does not usually allow you to simply submit a completely new case. It must identify why the refusal decision is legally or factually wrong.
How Aspen Crown Solicitors Can Help
Innovator Founder applications combine immigration law, business evidence and endorsement requirements. A strong application needs more than a business idea; it needs clear legal preparation, careful evidence and a properly structured case.
Aspen Crown Solicitors can assist with:
- initial Innovator Founder Visa applications
- extension applications
- settlement / ILR applications
- business plan review from an immigration perspective
- endorsement preparation support
- document checklist preparation
- reviewing business and immigration evidence
- dependant applications
- switching advice
- cover letters and legal representations
- Home Office correspondence
- refusal advice
- Administrative Review applications
We aim to make the process clear, reduce avoidable risks, and help founders present their business and immigration case in the strongest possible way.
Innovator Founder Visa Legal Services
Legal fees depend on the complexity of the matter, the stage of the application, the number of applicants, the level of business evidence required and whether endorsement support is needed.
Initial Innovator Founder Visa Advice
From £100-£200
Consultation fees
A consultation allows us to review your circumstances, assess whether the route is suitable, and explain the next steps.
Initial Innovator Founder Visa Application
Fixed fee available after assessment
Application preparation and legal representations
This may include document review, endorsement-related advice, application preparation, legal cover letter and submission guidance.
Innovator Founder Visa Extension
Fixed fee available after assessment
Extension preparation and supporting evidence
We can help you prepare an extension application, review business progress evidence, and ensure your endorsement and immigration documents are in order.
Innovator Founder Settlement / ILR
Fixed fee available after assessment
Settlement application and business success evidence
We can help assess whether you meet the 3-year residence, endorsement, business success and Life in the UK requirements.
Dependants
Fixed fee available after assessment
Partner and child applications
We can assist eligible dependants applying with the main applicant or applying separately.
Administrative Review
Fixed fee available after assessment
Refusal review and challenge
We can review the refusal decision and advise whether there are arguable Home Office caseworking errors.
Additional Costs
- Home Office application fee: currently £1,357 outside the UK or £1,693 inside the UK for Innovator Founder applications from 8 April 2026.
- Immigration Health Surcharge: usually £1,035 per year for adults and £776 per year for children under 18.
- Endorsement fee: £1,000 excluding VAT, paid directly to the endorsing body.
- Contact point meetings: £500 per meeting excluding VAT, with at least two meetings normally required during the visa period.
- Translation costs: may apply for documents not in English or Welsh.
- English language test: may apply if you need to take an approved SELT.
- TB test: may apply depending on your country of residence.
- Priority service: £500 where available.
- Super priority service: £1,000 where available.
- Business plan or accountancy support: may apply if external business, finance or accounting input is needed.
Visa Duration
The Innovator Founder Visa is normally granted for up to 3 years. You can apply to extend for another 3 years before your current visa expires, and there is no limit on the number of extensions if you continue to meet the requirements.
You may be able to apply for settlement after 3 years if you meet the residence, endorsement, business success, Life in the UK and suitability requirements.
Frequently Asked
Common questions, answered honestly.
Immigration law is rarely simple. Here are the questions we hear most often. If yours isn’t here — just ask.
What is the Innovator Founder Visa?
It is a UK visa route for entrepreneurs who want to establish and run an innovative, viable and scalable business in the UK, supported by endorsement from an approved endorsing body.
Does the Innovator Founder Visa require £50,000 investment?
There is no automatic £50,000 minimum investment requirement for every initial Innovator Founder application. However, you must show that your business has realistic resources. For settlement, one of the possible success criteria is that at least £50,000 has been invested and actively spent in the business.
How long is the Innovator Founder Visa granted for?
The visa is normally granted for up to 3 years.
Can I extend my Innovator Founder Visa?
Yes. You can apply to extend for another 3 years before your current visa expires if you meet the requirements and obtain a new endorsement.
Is there a limit on Innovator Founder extensions?
There is no limit on the number of times you can extend, provided you continue to meet the rules.
Can I apply for settlement on the Innovator Founder route?
Yes. You may be able to apply for settlement after spending at least 3 years in the UK with permission as an Innovator Founder, provided all settlement requirements are met.
Can time on another visa count towards Innovator Founder settlement?
No. For Innovator Founder settlement, you must normally have spent 3 years in the UK using an Innovator Founder or Innovator visa. Time on other routes does not count.
Do I need endorsement for an extension?
Yes. Your business or business idea must be assessed again by an endorsing body, and you must obtain a new endorsement.
How much money do I need to show?
These are mandatory meetings with your endorsing body during your visa period to check progress against your business plan. Your visa may be at risk if endorsement is withdrawn.
Can I work outside my business?
These are mandatory meetings with your endorsing body during your visa period to check progress against your business plan. Your visa may be at risk if endorsement is withdrawn.
Can I bring my family?
Your eligible partner and dependent children may be able to apply with you or join you in the UK if they meet the rules.
How much money do I need to show?
If the financial requirement applies, the main applicant must usually show at least £1,270 held for 28 days. Dependants may need additional funds.
How long does a decision take?
The usual processing time is around 3 weeks from outside the UK and around 8 weeks from inside the UK, after the application, identity verification and documents are provided.
What happens if my application is refused?
You may be able to apply for Administrative Review if the refusal involved a Home Office caseworking error. You should seek advice quickly because deadlines apply.
Can Aspen Crown Solicitors help with the endorsement stage?
Yes. We can advise on the immigration requirements connected to endorsement, review your evidence, and help you prepare the visa application once endorsement is secured.
Get in Touch
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Contact Details
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Phone
01206 000 000
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enquiries@aspencrown.co.uk
Office
Aspen Crown Solicitors
High Street, Colchester, Essex CO1 1AB
Office Hours
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Urgent Matters
If you have an urgent or time-sensitive immigration issue, please call us directly or mark your enquiry as urgent.
Emergency Contact: +44 (0) 7700 900 123