Innovator Founder Visa Route Application Guide 2026: Requirements, Endorsement and Settlement

The Innovator Founder Visa, launched on 13 April 2023, replaces the former Innovator and Start‑up routes and provides a pathway for founders of endorsed, innovative businesses to live and work in the UK, ultimately leading to settlement after three years.

Endorsement requirement

• Applicants must obtain an endorsement from an approved Endorsing Body (UK Endorsing Services, Innovator International, Envestors Limited) or, where allowed by the Immigration Rules, a Legacy Endorsing Body that previously endorsed the applicant under the Innovator or Start‑up routes.
• The endorsement letter must be issued no more than three months before the visa application date and must not have been withdrawn.
• Legacy endorsements are only valid if the applicant held permission under the Innovator or Start‑up route in the 12 months before the new application and the same Legacy Body provides the endorsement.

Business‑plan criteria

• The business plan must be innovative, viable and scalable.
• Applicants can rely on a previously assessed plan if they have already held permission under the Innovator, Start‑up, or Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur routes, provided the same business criteria are met.

Investment funds

• The mandatory £50,000 investment requirement has been removed.
• Applicants may still need to demonstrate sufficient funds to establish the business, especially for capital‑intensive ideas, and must prove the provenance of any funds used.

Interaction with the endorsing body

• Endorsing bodies are required to hold two contact meetings with the visa holder, ideally close to the 12‑month and 24‑month marks after permission is granted.
• Additional meetings may be scheduled at the endorsing body’s discretion.

Employment and study rights

• Visa holders may take secondary employment outside their own business, provided the role is at RQF Level 3 (A‑level equivalent) or higher.
• Work for the applicant’s own business cannot be structured as an apprenticeship or through a contract of service with another employer.
• Study is permitted subject to the requirements of Appendix ATAS (Academic Technology Approval Scheme).

Language and financial requirements

• English language: applicants must meet CEFR level B2 in reading, writing, speaking and listening.
• Financial requirement: applicants must either
  • have been in the UK with permission for 12 months or more on the date of application, or
  • hold £1,270 for a continuous 28‑day period (additional amounts apply for dependants: £285 for a partner, £315 for the first child, £200 for each additional child).

Path to settlement

• After three years of continuous residence as an Innovator Founder, holders may apply for settlement.
• Eligibility criteria include:
  • a valid settlement endorsement confirming significant achievements against the original business plan,
  • registration of the business with Companies House and the applicant listed as a director or member,
  • the business remaining active, trading, and financially sustainable for at least 12 months, and
  • meeting at least two of the Innovator Founder settlement success criteria.
• Applicants must also satisfy the continuous residence and Life in the UK test requirements.

Fit‑and‑proper considerations

Endorsing bodies must verify that the applicant is a fit and proper person, with no concerns about the legitimacy of funding sources or the possibility of illicit wealth. Applications can be refused or existing permissions cancelled on these grounds.

Frequently asked questions

The information above reflects the immigration rules and Home Office guidance in force as of May 2026 and is intended for general guidance only. Individual circumstances may affect eligibility, and professional legal advice should be sought where needed.

Source article: immigrationbarrister.co.uk