How to Ace Your Innovator Founder Visa Application

Understanding the Innovator Founder Visa Application Process

The new Innovator Founder Visa route, which has been open to applications since the 13th of April, 2023, offers several key advantages for prospective entrepreneurs. These include the removal of the requirement for £50,000 initial investment funds, the allowance for secondary work to support oneself, and the possibility of qualifying for ILR from day one of the Visa.

The application process consists of meeting several distinct criteria, which include:

1. Candidates must be a minimum of 18 years of age.
2. A valid endorsement letter from an approved UK endorsing body is required, confirming the following aspects:

• The applicant is suitable for endorsement under the Innovator Founder route;
• The endorsing body holds no concerns regarding the sources of funds invested in the candidate’s business;
• There is no suspicion of the applicant or their business being linked to illicit or unexplained wealth;
• The candidate has developed a business plan and has either generated or significantly contributed to the ideas within it;
• The applicant will actively participate in the execution of the business plan on a daily basis;
• The candidate agrees to attend at least two progress meetings with the endorsing body at regular intervals;
• The applicant is either the sole founder or a pivotal member of the founding team; and
• The business proposal demonstrates innovation, viability, and scalability.

3. The endorsement letter should be issued no more than three months prior to the submission date of the Innovator visa application.

4. Applicants must possess English language proficiency at a minimum of CEFR Level B2 (corresponding to IELTS 5.5 in reading, writing, listening, and speaking).

5. For those applying from outside the UK or residing in the UK for less than 12 months, proof of financial means of at least £1,270 for personal support is necessary, along with £285 for a dependent partner, £315 for the first child, and £200 for each additional child.

6. The applicant should meet all of the points required for an Innovator Founder Visa not be subject to refusal based on general exclusion grounds.

7. If relevant, a valid TB test certificate must be submitted.

If you meet these requirements and have a powerful business concept that you’re confident in, then you might be eligible to apply under the Innovator Founder Visa pathway. To explore your eligibility further and receive expert advice, contact us to speak with our legal team, who will be able to guide you through the entire process.

We Provide Tailored Guidance on Your Business Idea and Concept

Your business idea must be innovative, viable, and scalable to be endorsed by an approved endorsing body. We will help you assess your business idea, providing valuable insights on how to strengthen your concept and maximise your chances of success.

Access to a Strong Network of Endorsing Bodies

As a well-respected central London-based law firm, we have established strong connections with Home Office-approved endorsing bodies. By providing access to these relationships, our firm is well-placed to help you secure the necessary endorsement for your business as long as your idea meets other requirements, increasing the likelihood of a successful application.

Expert Assistance with KYC and Due Diligence Checks

We will guide you through the process of providing complete information about yourself and the origin of your funds to the endorsing body and help you represent this information in the cleanest possible way, ensuring that it is properly organised and understood by the endorsing body.