The Fastest pathway to UK ILR for Entrepreneurs

What is the Innovator Founder Visa?

The Innovator Founder visa replaced the Start-up and Innovator visas in April 2023, designed to attract a diverse range of entrepreneurs aiming to establish businesses in the country. However, this pathway is only accessible to individuals who have obtained the relevant endorsement from an accredited professional body.

Expert advice is crucial to navigate the new regulations and submit a successful application.

Given the high stakes, it is essential to determine if the Innovator Founder route is the right fit for the business goals and to carefully manage each step of the process to avoid complications, delays, or potential refusal of application.

The dependant spouse, partner or children of the Innovator Founder may also live and work in the UK with the main applicant. The worker and any dependants may live and work in the UK for up to three years with an Innovator Founder visa and exit and re-enter the UK freely.

After three years of residence in the UK under the Innovator Founder visa scheme, Indefinite Leave to Remain may be obtained by the worker if their business meets the Home Office’s requirements. If not, they can still apply to extend their Innovator Founder visa if they still meet the eligibility requirements and are still running a business in the UK and apply for ILR as soon as the business meets the criteria. The dependants may apply to extend their leave as Dependant Partner or Dependant Child and may be eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain after 5 years of residence.

Apply for an Innovator Founder Visa

The Innovator Founder visa or Leave to Remain application involves two stages.

In the first stage, applicants must obtain endorsement from an approved endorsing body, which will evaluate their business idea against specific criteria. This requires submitting a detailed business plan that outlines various aspects of the venture, including growth forecasts, profit projections, cash flow, and job creation, to demonstrate that the business meets the endorsement standards.

List of Endorsing Body

žUK Endorsing Services

žInnovator International

žEnvestors Limited

The Global Entrepreneurs Programme (GEP)

Once endorsed, applicants can move forward by applying for the Innovator Founder visa through the Home Office.

Passportia can:

  • Evaluate and advise on your business concept, ensuring it meets endorsement requirements
  • žAssess the suitability of your business plan, including growth, profitability, and job creation projections
  • žProvide a comprehensive letter outlining how your business qualifies for endorsement, necessary documentation, timelines, and expected government fees
  • žReview and verify all documents submitted
  • žAssist in securing endorsement from a recognised body
  • žApply for the Innovator Founder visa with the Home Office, whether for Entry Clearance or Leave to Remain
  • Offer support in addressing any challenges or issues that may arise during the process

To enquire about quotations - please fill in the form below or call a number on the right. No-win no fee arrangements may be available in certain circumstances. We look forward to hearing from you. 

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I am very happy about your work. Very straightforward advice and very clear and honest with your client. Thank you.

K.P. - London, UK