Innovator Founder Visa

The Innovator Founder Visa (which replaced both the Start-up and Innovator visas) is designed for experienced businesspeople who want to establish an innovative, viable, and scalable business in the UK. The route requires endorsement from an approved endorsing body, which assesses whether your business idea meets the required criteria. Kings Court Law works with entrepreneurs at all stages of the endorsement and visa application process.

Key Requirements

• Endorsement from an approved endorsing body confirming your business idea is innovative, viable, and scalable
• Business idea must be genuinely new — you cannot simply replicate an existing business
• You must be actively involved in the day-to-day running of the business
• No minimum investment amount required (unlike previous entrepreneur routes)
• English language requirement at B2 level
• Maintenance requirement: £1,270 held for 28 consecutive days

The Endorsement Process

Settlement Pathway

Unlike the old Tier 1 Entrepreneur route, the Innovator Founder Visa has a faster settlement pathway. You can apply for ILR after 3 years if you have met the business milestones set by your endorsing body, including evidence of business growth, job creation, or significant investment.

How We Can Help

• Advising on the most appropriate endorsing body for your business sector
• Reviewing and strengthening your business plan for endorsement
• Preparing and submitting the endorsement application
• Preparing the visa application following successful endorsement
• Advising on the business milestones required for settlement
• Advising on switching from other visa categories to the Innovator Founder route
• Handling complex cases including previous refusals or endorsement rejections