Innovator Founder Visa

• A new business, or a significant contribution to oneThe applicant must be setting up a new business. Joining a business that is already trading does not qualify. The business must be based on an idea they generated themselves or to which they made a significant contribution.
• Innovative, viable and scalableThe business idea must be innovative (a genuine, original plan that meets new or existing market needs or creates a competitive advantage), viable (realistic and achievable given the applicant's available resources, skills and experience), and scalable (backed by structured planning with potential for job creation and growth into national and international markets).
• EndorsementThe business or business idea must be assessed and endorsed by an approved endorsing body, which issues an endorsement letter used with the visa application.
• Contact point meetings with the endorsing bodyThe applicant must have, or commit to have, at least 2 meetings with the endorsing body at regular intervals during their stay, usually after 12 and 24 months, to show progress against the business plan.
• Day-to-day management roleThe applicant must have a key role in the day-to-day management and development of the business.
• English language at B2The applicant must show English language ability at level B2 or above, in reading, writing, speaking and listening, as measured on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, unless already proved in an earlier successful application or otherwise exempt.
• Personal savingsThe applicant must show personal savings of at least £1,270, held for 28 consecutive days, unless they have already been in the UK with permission for 12 months or more. This money cannot come from the applicant's own investment funds for the business, or from money earned while working in the UK illegally.
• Minimum ageThe applicant must be 18 or over on the date of application.
• Settlement: business growth evidenceTo settle, the endorsing body's letter must confirm the business is active, trading and sustainable, that the applicant has an active day-to-day role, and that the business has met at least two of a published list of growth measures, for example at least £50,000 invested in the business, an annual gross revenue of at least £1million, or the equivalent of at least 10 full-time jobs created for settled workers.

• Endorsement letterFrom your approved endorsing body, confirming your business or business idea has been assessed.
• Valid passport or other identity documentShows your identity and nationality.
• Bank statements showing your personal savingsAt least £1,270 held for 28 consecutive days before you apply, unless you're exempt.
• Proof of your knowledge of EnglishFor example a qualifying UK qualification, a degree taught in English, or an approved English test result.
• Tuberculosis test resultsIf you're from a country where the test is required.
• Certified translationFor any document that is not in English or Welsh.
• Proof of your relationship to a partner or childIf they are applying with you.

Apply from outside the UK

£1,357 per person

Extend or switch inside the UK

£1,693 per person

Endorsement fee (paid to your endorsing body)

£1,000

Each contact point meeting with your endorsing body (at least 2 during your stay)

£500

Fees are set by the Home Office and can change. The endorsement and contact-point fees are paid directly to your endorsing body, not the Home Office. The healthcare surcharge also applies as part of your application. Source: GOV.UK https://www.gov.uk/innovator-founder-visa/how-much-it-costs

Apply from outside the UK

Usually within 3 weeks

Extend or switch from inside the UK

Usually within 8 weeks

Standard Home Office service times; a faster decision may be available for an extra fee.