INNOVATOR FOUNDER VISA

You can apply for an Innovator Founder visa if:

you want to set up and run an innovative business in the UK - it must be something that’s different from anything else on the market
your business or business idea has been endorsed by an approved body, also known as an endorsing body
you meet the other eligibility requirements

This visa used to be called the Innovator visa.

Eligibility:

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.

How long you can stay:

You can stay for 3 years if you either:

come to the UK on an Innovator Founder visa
switch to this visa from another visa while in the UK

You’ll need to meet with your endorsing body after 12 months and 24 months to show you’re making progress with your business. Your visa may be cut short if your endorsement is withdrawn by the endorsing body. If you want to stay longer, you must re-apply with a new endorsement before your current visa expires.