Business Immigration

Innovator Founder Visa

Innovator Founder Visa

What is the Innovator Founder Visa?

Entrepreneurs interested in establishing a business in the UK can explore the Innovator Founder visa route, which is a visa designed for individuals with innovative business ideas, who want to establish themselves in the UK market. This route requires an endorsement by an approved organisation.

To qualify, applicants must demonstrate that their business proposal is unique, viable, and scalable, offering a new contribution to the UK market.

In addition to securing endorsement, applicants need to meet financial requirements and prove their proficiency in the English language. This visa provides a pathway for entrepreneurs to bring their business vision to life in the UK while adhering to immigration regulations.

Requirements for Self-Sponsorship under a Skilled Worker Visa

You must be able to show that your business idea is: new - you cannot join a business that is already trading innovative - you must have an original business idea which is different from anything else on the market viable, with potential for growth scalable - you must give evidence of planning that includes creating jobs and growing into national and international markets

You’ll need to get an endorsing body to assess that your business idea meets the requirements.

Knowledge of English

You must be able to speak, read, write and understand English. You’ll usually need to prove your knowledge of English when you apply.

Timescale

Once you’ve applied online, proved your identity and provided your documents, you’ll usually get a decision from the UKVI on your visa within 3 weeks, if you’re outside the UK or within 8 weeks, if you’re inside the UK

Why MGBe Legal for Innovator Founder Visa process

Trust MGBe Legal to make the Innovator Founder visa process seamless and hassle-free.

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    FAQs

    1What is the Innovator Founder Visa?
    A visa for entrepreneurs with innovative, viable, and scalable business ideas endorsed by an approved body.
    2What are the key eligibility criteria?
    Original business idea, English proficiency, financial requirements, and endorsement from an approved organisation.
    3What is the benefit of this visa?
    It enables entrepreneurs to establish and grow their business in the UK with a clear immigration pathway.
    4Can the business idea be already established?
    No, it must be new and innovative, different from existing businesses.
    5How long does the Innovator Founder Visa process take?
    Processing times vary; MGBe Legal can guide for timely and effective applications.
    6What is an endorsing body and why do I need one?
    An endorsing body is an approved organisation that assesses whether your business idea meets the Innovator Founder Visa requirements. You must secure their endorsement to demonstrate that your business idea is genuinely new, innovative, viable, and scalable before submitting your visa application.
    7Can I join an existing business on the Innovator Founder Visa?
    No, your business idea must be completely new. You cannot join a business that is already trading. The visa is designed for entrepreneurs starting brand new ventures with original business concepts.
    8What must I include in my business plan to prove scalability?
    You must provide evidence of planning that includes creating jobs, growing into national and international markets, and demonstrating how your business will expand beyond the initial UK operation. This shows the UKVI that your venture has significant growth potential.
    9How different must my business idea be from existing businesses in the market?
    Your business idea must be innovative and genuinely different from anything else already on the market. It cannot be a replica of existing businesses; it must offer a new and original contribution to the UK market that sets it apart from competitors.
    10What happens if I'm applying from inside the UK versus outside?
    Processing times differ based on location. If you apply from outside the UK, you will usually decide within 3 weeks. If applying from inside the UK, the timeline extends to 8 weeks from your application submission.
    11Are there specific financial requirements I need to demonstrate?
    You'll need to provide sufficient funds to establish and sustain your business operations. MGBe Legal can provide guidance on exact financial thresholds based on your business plan.
    12Can I switch from a Student Visa to this route?
    Yes. The rules allow students who have completed their studies to switch into the Innovator Founder route and begin establishing their business while their visa application is still pending.