The Innovator Founder visa allows experienced entrepreneurs to come to the UK to establish and run a business that is endorsed as innovative, viable, and scalable. There is no fixed minimum investment set by the Immigration Rules, but you must secure endorsement from a Home Office–approved endorsing body and meet the route’s suitability, English language, and financial maintenance requirements.
Holders may work for the business they have established and can take additional employment where the role is skilled to at least RQF Level 3 (A level equivalent). Permission is normally granted for 3 years. Subject to meeting strict growth and endorsement criteria, time on this route can lead to indefinite leave to remain after 3 years. Partners and children under 18 can apply as dependants and generally have full work and study rights, except as professional sportspersons.
Section A: What is the Innovator Founder visa?
The Innovator Founder route is for entrepreneurs who have generated, or made a significant contribution to, a new business idea that is genuinely innovative, commercially viable, and scalable in the UK market. Every application must be supported by an endorsement letter issued by an approved endorsing body confirming the applicant and business meet the route criteria. The applicant must play a key role in the day-to-day management and development of the endorsed business.
Key features include:
- Endorsement-driven route: You must be endorsed by a Home Office–approved body before applying to the Home Office. Endorsers assess innovation, viability, and scalability and will schedule at least two contact point meetings during your permission to check progress.
- No fixed minimum investment in the Immigration Rules: While some endorsers may expect you to evidence realistic funding for delivery of your plan, there is no mandatory £50,000 threshold in the Rules.
- Work conditions: You may work for your own business and can take external employment only where the role is at RQF Level 3 or above. Study is permitted subject to ATAS where applicable.
- Validity and progression: Permission is typically granted for 3 years. You can extend with a fresh endorsement or, if your business hits specific growth benchmarks and you remain actively managing it, you may be eligible to apply for settlement after 3 years.
- Dependants: Partners and children under 18 can apply; dependants can usually work or study (but not as professional sportspersons).
Section summary: The Innovator Founder visa is an endorsement-led route for entrepreneurs who can evidence a credible, growth-oriented business. There is no fixed minimum investment in the Rules, but endorsers expect robust delivery plans. The route allows skilled work alongside running the business and offers a potential 3-year pathway to settlement where growth criteria are met.
Section B: Innovator Founder visa eligibility criteria
Applicants must score 70 points under Appendix Innovator Founder of the Immigration Rules. These are awarded across endorsement, English language, and financial requirements. The majority of points (50) come from the business endorsement, either under the new business or same business criteria. The remaining 20 points are for meeting English language and financial maintenance requirements.
1. Endorsement requirement
You must first obtain an endorsement from a Home Office–approved endorsing body. These organisations are appointed to assess the innovation, viability, and scalability of your business idea. Endorsing bodies also monitor progress through scheduled “contact point” meetings, normally at least two per period of permission.
Approved endorsers currently include:
- Envestors Limited
- UK Endorsing Services
- Innovator International
- Global Entrepreneurs Programme (GEP)
Each body may charge its own application and monitoring fees. These vary and are not set by the Home Office. Entrepreneurs should budget for initial assessment fees and ongoing contact point meeting charges.
2. New business or same business criteria
The points available depend on whether you are applying with a new business or continuing a previously endorsed venture.
- New business: Applicants must present a business plan they generated or made a significant contribution to. They must play an instrumental role in delivering the plan and meet the criteria of innovation, viability, and scalability. This attracts 50 points (30 for the plan, 20 for meeting the innovation criteria).
- Same business: Applicants who last held permission under the Innovator Founder, Innovator, Start-up, or Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur route may continue their endorsed business. They must show active trading, sustainability, and progress against the original plan, plus active involvement in management. This also attracts up to 50 points.
3. English language
Applicants must show English language proficiency to at least CEFR level B2 in reading, writing, speaking, and listening. This can be evidenced through an approved Secure English Language Test, a degree taught in English, or nationality from a majority English-speaking country.
4. Financial requirement
Applicants must show at least £1,270 in personal savings held for 28 days prior to application, unless they have been lawfully resident in the UK for 12 months or more at the time of application. Additional funds are required if dependants apply.
5. Age requirement
You must be at least 18 years old on the date of application.
6. Indefinite leave to remain criteria
Innovator Founder holders can apply for settlement after 3 years if they still hold an endorsement and demonstrate the business is innovative, viable, and scalable. In addition, they must meet at least two of the following published Home Office criteria:
- The business has invested at least £50,000 and is actively developing.
- The business has created at least 10 full-time jobs for resident workers.
- The business has created at least 5 full-time jobs for resident workers, each with a salary of at least £25,000 per year.
- The business has shown significant research and development and applied for intellectual property protection.
- The business has generated gross revenues of at least £1 million in the last full year.
- The business has generated at least £500,000 in revenues with £100,000 from export sales.
- The business demonstrates significant market growth or customer base expansion.
Applicants must also meet the continuous residence requirement and knowledge of life in the UK (Life in the UK Test and English at B1 level or higher).
Section summary: To qualify, applicants must secure endorsement from one of the approved endorsing bodies, meet the new or same business criteria, show English proficiency at B2, and meet financial and age requirements. For settlement after 3 years, they must still be endorsed and demonstrate their business has achieved at least two of the Home Office’s published growth benchmarks.
Section C: Innovator Founder visa application process
The Innovator Founder visa process is designed to filter applications to ensure only genuinely innovative and viable businesses progress. It requires careful planning, endorsement, and accurate application preparation. Below is a step-by-step outline of how to apply.
1. Prepare your business plan
Begin by creating a detailed business plan. This should evidence the innovation, viability, and scalability of your idea, including:
- Market analysis and competitive advantage
- Operational structure and delivery plan
- Financial projections and sources of funding
- Growth potential and international scalability
The endorsing body will use this document to assess whether to support your application. The Home Office also reviews it once you apply for the visa.
2. Secure endorsement
Identify an endorsing body that aligns with your sector. Each approved body has its own application procedure, assessment process, and fees. Submit your business plan and supporting documents for review. If successful, you will be issued with an endorsement letter confirming your business meets the innovation, viability, and scalability criteria.
Endorsing bodies also set the timing and fees for mandatory contact point meetings. These are payable to the body directly and are not set by the Home Office.
3. Gather supporting documents
Typical documents include:
- Endorsement letter from your approved body
- Comprehensive business plan
- Proof of English language ability (test certificate, degree taught in English, or nationality)
- Evidence of maintenance funds (at least £1,270 unless exempt)
- Current passport and travel history
- Additional documents requested by the endorsing body or Home Office
Ensure documents are consistent, accurate, and translated into English or Welsh where required.
4. Submit your visa application
Applications are made online through the UK government portal. You will need to pay the application fee and the immigration health surcharge. Current application fees are £1,274 per applicant if applying outside the UK, or £1,590 when applying to switch from within the UK. Dependants pay the same fee. The immigration health surcharge is £1,035 per year for adults and £776 per year for children.
5. Verify your identity
Applicants must prove their identity either by attending a visa application centre to provide biometrics (photograph and fingerprints) or through the UK Immigration: ID Check app, depending on nationality and application type.
6. Processing time
The standard processing time is around 8 weeks from the date biometrics are enrolled or identity is confirmed. Processing may be quicker or slower depending on individual circumstances. Priority services may be available in some locations for an additional fee.
7. Decision and visa issue
If your application is approved, you will receive notification of the decision and details on how to access your immigration status digitally through a UKVI account. Applicants from outside the UK will normally receive a temporary entry permit vignette in their passport, valid for 90 days, to travel to the UK and collect their full visa status.
Section summary: The application process requires preparation of a robust business plan, endorsement by an approved body, and submission of a complete application with accurate documents. Fees, health surcharge, and endorsing body costs must be factored into your planning. Decisions normally take around 8 weeks, and applicants will be issued digital immigration status confirming their right to live and work in the UK under this route.
Section D: Endorsement process
Endorsement is mandatory for the Innovator Founder route. An approved endorsing body must confirm that your business is innovative, viable, and scalable, and that you will play a key role in delivering the plan. Endorsers also monitor progress through scheduled contact point meetings during your permission.
1. Who can endorse?
Only Home Office–approved endorsing bodies may issue endorsement letters for Innovator Founder applications. Current endorsers include Envestors Limited, UK Endorsing Services, Innovator International, and the Global Entrepreneurs Programme (GEP). Legacy endorsing bodies may continue to support applicants who previously held permission under earlier routes for the same business, but they cannot endorse new applicants under Innovator Founder.
2. What endorsers assess
- Innovation: A genuine, original business proposition meeting new or existing market needs and/or creating a competitive advantage in the UK.
- Viability: Realistic and achievable plan based on your resources; you must have, or be developing, the necessary skills, knowledge, experience, and market awareness.
- Scalability: Evidence of structured planning with potential for job creation and growth into national and international markets.
3. How to get endorsed
- Initial approach: Select an endorser aligned to your sector. Review their published criteria, process, and fees.
- Submission: Provide a business plan (authored or significantly contributed to by you), financials, delivery roadmap, and supporting materials (e.g., product deck, prototypes, letters of intent).
- Assessment: Expect interviews, Q&A, and requests for clarifications. Some endorsers set milestones before issuing a letter.
- Endorsement letter: If approved, you will receive an endorsement letter confirming you and the business meet route criteria. You will need this for the visa application.
4. Monitoring and contact points
You must agree to monitoring by the endorsing body, including at least two contact point meetings at regular intervals during each grant of permission. These meetings assess progress against the endorsed business plan and your ongoing active role in the business. Missing contact points, or failing to demonstrate progress, can lead to withdrawal of endorsement and curtailment of leave.
5. Fees and commercial terms
Endorsing bodies set their own fees for assessment, endorsement, and contact point monitoring. Charges vary and are not set by the Home Office. Review the endorser’s service terms carefully, including any milestone conditions, reporting obligations, and charges for additional reviews or changes.
6. Endorsement validity and changes
- Validity window: Endorsement letters must be current at the point of application; endorsers may specify validity periods. Apply promptly once endorsed.
- Change of business: You must obtain a new endorsement before materially changing the business model or substituting a different venture.
- Same business applications: Where continuing a previously endorsed venture, the endorser must confirm active trading, sustainability, progress against the plan, and your day-to-day role.
7. Withdrawal and curtailment risk
If the endorsing body withdraws its endorsement—because the business is not progressing, you are not actively involved, or monitoring conditions are breached—the Home Office may curtail your permission. Maintaining transparent, timely communication with the endorser is critical.
8. Evidence and presentation
- Ensure the plan clearly evidences innovation, realistic delivery, and a credible growth path (jobs, revenue, or market expansion).
- Align financials with operational milestones and resource needs; where external funding is required, show sources and readiness.
- Show your competencies and role: governance, hiring, sales strategy, IP pipeline, and market access.
Section summary: Endorsement is the gatekeeper for the route. Choose an appropriate endorser, submit a robust plan evidencing innovation, viability, and scalability, and comply with ongoing contact point monitoring. Keep the endorsement current, seek re-endorsement before material changes, and maintain clear progress to avoid withdrawal and curtailment risk.
Section E: Benefits of the Innovator Founder visa
The Innovator Founder visa is intended to attract international entrepreneurs with strong potential to contribute to the UK economy. It combines flexibility with the ability to progress to settlement more quickly than many other immigration routes. The benefits include business opportunities, settlement prospects, and favourable work conditions compared to predecessor visas.
1. No fixed minimum investment
There is no statutory minimum investment threshold under the Immigration Rules. Instead, the focus is on innovation, viability, and scalability. This means you can allocate funding according to actual business needs rather than meeting an arbitrary figure. However, endorsing bodies may expect you to demonstrate access to realistic funding to support your plan.
2. Pathway to settlement after three years
Innovator Founder visa holders can apply for indefinite leave to remain after three years if they meet the endorsement requirements and demonstrate business growth against at least two of the Home Office’s published benchmarks, such as job creation or revenue thresholds. This offers a faster route to settlement compared to other categories like Skilled Worker.
3. Flexibility in work and study
Visa holders can work for their own business and may take outside employment provided the role is at RQF Level 3 or higher. They are also permitted to study in the UK, subject to ATAS clearance if required. Dependants have wide work and study rights.
4. Family dependants
Partners and children under 18 can apply as dependants. They can join the main applicant in the UK or apply later to accompany them. Dependants can work in most roles (excluding professional sportspersons) and study at any level, providing flexibility for the family unit.
5. Supportive UK business environment
The UK offers a transparent regulatory framework, access to skilled labour, and robust protections for intellectual property. Entrepreneurs can also access UK government and private programmes aimed at supporting innovation, such as Innovate UK funding competitions and investment incentives. This environment provides growth opportunities for scaling ventures.
6. Networking and funding opportunities
Operating in the UK gives access to established entrepreneurial networks, venture capital, and industry partnerships. Endorsing bodies often provide mentoring and support services in addition to endorsement, helping founders to refine their business strategies and connect with investors.
Section summary: The Innovator Founder visa offers entrepreneurs a flexible route to launch and grow their businesses in the UK, with no set minimum investment, permission to take skilled secondary work, family-friendly rules, and a potential pathway to settlement after three years. The UK’s business ecosystem provides further opportunities for networking, funding, and growth.
Section F: Remaining in the UK
The Innovator Founder visa offers not only initial permission to establish and grow a business in the UK but also a structured pathway for remaining in the country longer term. Options include extending the visa, applying for settlement (indefinite leave to remain), and, eventually, naturalising as a British citizen.
1. Extending your visa
You can apply to extend your Innovator Founder visa before it expires if you continue to meet the eligibility criteria. This includes maintaining endorsement for your business, showing the business remains innovative, viable, and scalable, and demonstrating active involvement in its development. Each extension normally lasts for 3 years. There is no maximum number of extensions provided you continue to meet the requirements.
Dependants must also apply to extend their permission; their visas are not automatically extended alongside the main applicant. Applications should be made before the current visa expires.
2. Settlement after three years
A key benefit of this route is the ability to qualify for indefinite leave to remain (ILR) after just 3 years, subject to strict conditions. To be eligible you must:
- Hold a current endorsement confirming your business continues to meet the criteria of innovation, viability, and scalability
- Have been continuously resident in the UK for 3 years without excessive absences
- Demonstrate that your business meets at least two of the published Home Office growth criteria (such as job creation, revenue generation, or intellectual property development)
- Meet the English language requirement at B1 level or higher and pass the Life in the UK Test
Settlement provides permanent residence and removes time limits on your stay. It also allows access to public funds and broader rights in the UK.
3. British citizenship
Once you have held indefinite leave to remain for at least 12 months, you may be eligible to apply to naturalise as a British citizen. You must meet residency requirements, show good character, and satisfy knowledge of language and life in the UK criteria. Successful applicants gain full citizenship rights, including a British passport and the ability to vote in UK elections.
Section summary: Innovator Founder visa holders can remain in the UK by extending their visa or applying for settlement after 3 years if growth benchmarks are achieved. Settlement unlocks full residency rights, and after a further 12 months, applicants may apply for British citizenship, completing the progression from temporary entrepreneur to permanent resident and citizen.
Section G: Challenges and considerations
Although the Innovator Founder visa provides significant opportunities, applicants should be aware of the practical challenges and risks involved. These factors influence both the success of the business and the ability to maintain visa status.
1. Securing an endorsement
Endorsement is the gateway to the visa. Approved bodies apply rigorous tests when assessing business plans. Many applicants fail at this stage due to insufficient evidence of innovation, unrealistic financials, or limited growth potential. The number of endorsing bodies is small, and each has its own fees and sector preferences, which can make alignment difficult for niche businesses.
2. Funding expectations
While there is no minimum investment requirement in the Immigration Rules, endorsing bodies expect applicants to demonstrate realistic resources to deliver the plan. Entrepreneurs who cannot evidence adequate funding may struggle to gain endorsement or risk rejection during monitoring.
3. Adapting to the UK market
Understanding the UK market is critical. Businesses that misjudge consumer demand, competition, or regulation risk underperformance. Entrepreneurs must conduct thorough market research, adapt to cultural differences, and ensure compliance with UK regulatory requirements, including tax, employment, and consumer protection law.
4. Ongoing monitoring obligations
Endorsers require at least two formal contact point meetings during each period of leave. These meetings test whether you are meeting the endorsed business plan milestones. Failure to attend or provide evidence of progress can result in withdrawal of endorsement, which in turn may lead to curtailment of the visa by the Home Office.
5. Business performance benchmarks
For ILR, businesses must achieve at least two of the growth criteria such as job creation, revenue, or intellectual property development. Startups that cannot show progress in these areas risk being unable to transition from temporary leave to settlement. This can have serious implications for founders and their dependants.
6. Work limitations
Although secondary employment is permitted, it must be at RQF Level 3 or above. This restriction can limit flexibility if additional income is required while building the business. All employment outside the business must be consistent with visa conditions.
7. Regulatory compliance
Founders must ensure compliance with UK laws, including company registration, tax obligations, and health and safety. Failure to comply can damage the business and jeopardise visa status if endorsement is withdrawn for regulatory breaches.
8. Cost and resource management
Applicants face multiple costs: endorsement application fees, monitoring fees, visa application fees, and the immigration health surcharge. Combined with the financial demands of establishing a new business, this can place strain on resources. Careful planning is required to meet both immigration and commercial obligations.
Section summary: The main challenges are obtaining and maintaining endorsement, demonstrating sufficient funding, adapting successfully to the UK market, and meeting growth milestones for settlement. Entrepreneurs must also manage strict monitoring requirements, regulatory compliance, and significant costs. Understanding these risks in advance is vital for long-term success and visa security.
Section H: Operating a business in the UK
Once your Innovator Founder visa is granted, you must establish your business in line with UK legal and regulatory requirements. Choosing the right structure, complying with company law, and meeting tax and employment obligations are crucial to ensure your venture remains sustainable and compliant.
1. Choosing a business structure
You need to decide how to structure your business. The main options are:
- Sole trader: You operate as an individual and keep all profits after tax. However, you have unlimited personal liability for debts.
- Partnership: Two or more individuals share ownership and profits, with joint liability for debts.
- Limited company: A separate legal entity that provides limited liability for shareholders. This is the most common choice for visa holders scaling a business.
- Limited liability partnership (LLP): Combines elements of a partnership and company, giving members limited liability while being taxed as a partnership.
2. Registering the business
If you set up a limited company or LLP, you must register with Companies House. Registration requires choosing a unique name, providing director and shareholder details, and submitting incorporation documents. You must also register with HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) for Corporation Tax within three months of starting business activity.
3. Licences and permits
Certain businesses require specific licences, such as food handling, alcohol sales, or financial services. Research your sector requirements to ensure you have the correct authorisations before trading. Failure to obtain licences can result in enforcement action and jeopardise your visa if endorsement is withdrawn due to non-compliance.
4. Opening a business bank account
Visa holders usually need a UK business bank account to manage finances. Banks require proof of registration, business plans, and immigration status. Opening an account early helps manage cash flow, payroll, and supplier payments effectively.
5. Employing staff
If your business employs staff, you must comply with UK employment law. This includes providing written contracts, paying at least the National Minimum Wage, ensuring safe working conditions, and conducting right to work checks. You must also register as an employer with HMRC and operate PAYE to deduct tax and National Insurance contributions.
6. Tax and accounting obligations
Limited companies must file annual accounts with Companies House and Corporation Tax returns with HMRC. Businesses with turnover above £90,000 must register for VAT, though voluntary registration may also benefit certain models. Accurate record-keeping is essential, and many entrepreneurs appoint an accountant to manage compliance.
7. Data protection and GDPR
If you collect or process personal data, you must comply with UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018. This includes registering with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO), implementing privacy policies, and safeguarding data. Non-compliance can lead to fines and reputational damage.
8. Intellectual property protection
Innovative businesses should consider protecting intellectual property. Options include registering trademarks, patents, and designs with the UK Intellectual Property Office. Protecting IP helps secure investment and maintain competitive advantage in the market.
Section summary: Operating lawfully in the UK requires choosing the right structure, registering with Companies House and HMRC, meeting licensing and regulatory requirements, and complying with employment, tax, and data protection law. Intellectual property protection and accurate accounting are vital for growth and to maintain endorsement confidence. Failure to meet these obligations can undermine both business success and immigration status.
Section I: Summary
The Innovator Founder visa is designed for entrepreneurs with business ideas that can demonstrate innovation, viability, and scalability in the UK market. It offers flexibility by removing the previous £50,000 minimum investment requirement and permits certain secondary skilled employment alongside running the endorsed business. The route also provides a clear progression from temporary leave to permanent residence, with the possibility of indefinite leave to remain after just three years where business growth benchmarks are met.
However, the route is demanding. Applicants must first obtain endorsement from one of the limited number of approved bodies, present a robust business plan, and comply with ongoing monitoring requirements. They must also ensure full compliance with UK business, tax, and regulatory laws while achieving tangible business growth. Endorsing body fees, visa costs, and health surcharges add further financial commitments that require careful planning.
For entrepreneurs who can meet these challenges, the Innovator Founder visa provides a valuable opportunity to establish and expand a business in one of the world’s leading markets, while also offering long-term immigration stability for themselves and their families.
Section J: Need assistance?
Applying for the Innovator Founder visa involves complex requirements around endorsement, business planning, and immigration compliance. Entrepreneurs must prepare a convincing business plan, select an appropriate endorsing body, and ensure all documentation meets Home Office standards. Any error or omission can result in refusal, delays, or the withdrawal of endorsement at a later stage.
Many applicants seek professional advice to improve the quality of their application and to ensure that their business plan meets both commercial and immigration criteria. Guidance can also help in comparing the Innovator Founder visa to alternative options, such as the Skilled Worker visa via self-sponsorship or other routes that may better suit the individual’s business model and long-term goals.
Expert support is particularly useful for entrepreneurs unfamiliar with UK business law, employment law, or regulatory compliance, as these are critical to sustaining both the business and the visa status. Immigration advisers or business consultants can also assist with settlement planning to ensure the business meets the Home Office’s growth benchmarks within three years.
Section K: Innovator Founder visa FAQs
1. What is the Innovator Founder visa?
It is a UK visa route for entrepreneurs with innovative, viable, and scalable business ideas endorsed by an approved body. It allows applicants to establish and manage their business in the UK and offers a pathway to settlement after three years if specific growth benchmarks are achieved.
2. Who is eligible?
Eligibility requires endorsement from an approved endorsing body, an innovative business plan, English language proficiency at level B2, and evidence of personal maintenance funds. Applicants must also be at least 18 years old.
3. What is an endorsing body?
An endorsing body is a Home Office–approved organisation that assesses and supports business ideas under the Innovator Founder route. They confirm that the applicant’s business is innovative, viable, and scalable, and monitor progress during the visa grant.
4. How do I get endorsed?
You must submit your business plan and supporting documents to an approved endorsing body. If your business meets the innovation, viability, and scalability criteria, you will receive an endorsement letter to use in your visa application. Each endorser has its own application process and fees.
5. How long is the visa valid?
The visa is normally granted for three years. At the end of this period, you may apply to extend your visa or apply for indefinite leave to remain if your business meets the settlement requirements.
6. Can I bring my family?
Yes. Spouses or partners and children under 18 can apply as dependants. They are generally permitted to work or study in the UK, except in professional sport roles.
7. Is there a minimum investment requirement?
No. Unlike the previous Innovator visa, there is no set minimum investment threshold. However, you must show that you have sufficient resources to run the business, and endorsing bodies may require evidence of realistic funding to deliver your plan.
8. What if my business underperforms?
If your business fails to meet milestones or endorsement criteria, your endorsing body may withdraw its support. Without endorsement, your visa may be curtailed. Regular monitoring meetings ensure that issues are identified early, so communication with the endorsing body is critical.
9. Can I switch to this visa from another category?
Yes, switching is possible from certain visa categories such as Skilled Worker or Start-up, provided you meet the Innovator Founder requirements and obtain endorsement. Not all visas are eligible for switching, so check the current rules before applying.
10. What are the ILR requirements?
To qualify for indefinite leave to remain after three years, your business must continue to be endorsed and you must meet at least two of the published Home Office growth criteria. You must also satisfy the English language and Life in the UK requirements and demonstrate continuous residence.
11. Can I work outside my business?
Yes, but only in roles skilled to RQF Level 3 or above. Secondary work must not distract from your main role in running the endorsed business.
Section summary: These FAQs highlight the most common queries about eligibility, endorsement, family rights, and long-term progression. The key theme is that endorsement and active business management remain central to visa approval, extension, and settlement.
Section L: Glossary
| Innovator Founder visa | A UK visa for entrepreneurs with innovative, viable, and scalable business ideas endorsed by an approved body. |
| Endorsing body | A Home Office–approved organisation that assesses and supports an applicant’s business plan and monitors progress during the visa. |
| Innovation | A business idea that is original and creates competitive advantage by meeting new or existing market needs. |
| Viability | The feasibility of the business plan, showing realistic delivery based on resources and the applicant’s skills and experience. |
| Scalability | The potential of the business to grow significantly, create jobs, and expand into national and international markets. |
| Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) | Permanent residency in the UK, allowing individuals to live and work without time restrictions. |
| RQF Level 3 | A qualification level equivalent to UK A Levels, representing the minimum skill level required for secondary employment under this visa. |
| Life in the UK Test | A compulsory test on UK history, culture, and values required for ILR and citizenship applications. |
| Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) | A fee payable per year of leave that grants access to the UK’s National Health Service. |
| Legacy endorsing body | Organisations that previously endorsed applicants under the Innovator or Start-up routes but can now only support continuation of the same business for those already endorsed. |
Section M: Additional resources
| UK Government – Innovator Founder visa overview | Official Home Office guidance on eligibility, application process, fees, and conditions. |
| Companies House – Register a company | How to incorporate a limited company or LLP in the UK. |
| UK Intellectual Property Office | Guidance on registering and protecting trademarks, patents, and designs in the UK. |
| Health and Safety Executive | Information on UK workplace health and safety obligations for employers. |
| HMRC – Corporation Tax | Guidance on Corporation Tax registration, filing, and payment for UK businesses. |
| UK GDPR and Data Protection | Government hub for data protection compliance requirements in the UK. |
| Innovate UK | Government programme providing funding and support for innovative businesses. |
| Xpats.io – Innovator Founder visa guide | Detailed guidance for entrepreneurs on meeting the visa requirements and business obligations. |
| DavidsonMorris – Innovator Founder visa | Practical insights into the Innovator Founder route, endorsement process, and business planning support. |
