The Innovator Visa route is now closed to new applicants. The UK government officially ended the scheme on 13 April 2023. As such, no new Innovator visa endorsements are being issued.
In tis article, we signpost the alternative visa routes for entrepreneurs, and how existing Innovator visa holders can either switch visa category to remain in the UK, or apply for indefinite leave to remain.
UK Entrepreneur visa options
For those looking to establish a business in the UK, the UK Innovator Founder visa has replaced the previous Innovator and Start-up Visa categories. This route is for entrepreneurs who want to launch and grow innovative, scalable and viable businesses in the UK. Unlike the Innovator Visa, the Innovator Founder Visa removes the £50,000 minimum investment requirement, making it more accessible for early-stage entrepreneurs.
If you were considering the Innovator Visa, it is recommended that you explore the Innovator Founder Visa instead, ensuring you meet the eligibility requirements for endorsement, business innovation, and scalability. Always check the latest Home Office guidance to stay informed about the current visa options and application criteria.
Read more about the Innovator Founder visa here >
Existing Innovator Visa Holders
Those who are currently in the UK with a valid Innovator visa may still be able to apply to extend their leave, but this now involves switching to the Innovator Founder route.
To qualify, you must be at least 18 years old. You need a valid endorsement letter from either an approved UK Endorsing Body or a Legacy Endorsing Body that confirms your business meets the necessary criteria. You must meet the English language requirement at CEFR Level B2, which is equivalent to an IELTS score of 5.5 in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. If you have been in the UK for less than 12 months, you must demonstrate that you have sufficient maintenance funds, including £1,270 for yourself, £285 for a dependant partner, £315 for the first child, and £200 for each additional child.
Your application must comply with immigration rules and should not be subject to refusal under the General Grounds for Refusal.
Depending on your circumstances, you may also consider switching to a different visa such as the Skilled Worker visa for self-sponsorship.
Alternatively, you may be eligible to apply for settlement if you meet the eligibility criteria.
Legacy Innovator Visa Endorsing Bodies
Legacy endorsing bodies continue to play a role in the Innovator Founder visa process but are limited to endorsing individuals they have previously supported under the Start-up or Innovator visa routes before 13 April 2023. Endorsements may only be issued for applicants who are:
- Switching from a Start-up visa to the Innovator Founder route
- Extending Innovator leave, which will transition into Innovator Founder leave
- Applying for settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain)
Endorsements must be provided in the form of an endorsement letter, which applicants must submit with their visa application. A template for this letter is available in Annex A of the official guidance.
Legacy endorsing bodies must also send a copy of the endorsement letter to the Home Office at InnovatorRoute@homeoffice.gov.uk to allow for verification of the applicant’s legitimacy.
Legacy endorsing bodies are also required to:
- Maintain regular contact with endorsed business founders at 12-month and 24-month checkpoints and report any concerns regarding their progress.
- Inform the Home Office if there is evidence of an applicant breaching visa conditions, though active monitoring is not required.
- Continue issuing endorsements for visa extensions and settlement applications under the Innovator category.
Need assistance?
To discuss the visa options to run your own business in the UK, please contact us.
Innovator visa endorsement FAQs
Can I extend my Innovator Visa now that the route is closed?
Innovator Visa holders can apply to extend their stay, which involves switching to the Innovator Founder visa.
Can I apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) instead of switching visas?
If you have held an Innovator Visa for at least three years and meet the settlement criteria, you may be eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) instead of switching to the Innovator Founder Visa. You must still obtain an endorsement confirming that your business meets the required standards.
Who can endorse me for an Innovator Founder Visa or ILR?
Only a legacy endorsing body that previously endorsed your business can provide an endorsement for switching to the Innovator Founder Visa or applying for ILR. You cannot seek endorsement from new endorsing bodies unless explicitly permitted.
Can I work outside my business on the Innovator Founder Visa?
Yes, unlike the previous Innovator Visa, the Innovator Founder Visa allows you to take on additional employment, as long as the role is at RQF Level 3 or above (equivalent to A-level qualifications).
What happens if I cannot secure an endorsement?
Without a valid endorsement, you cannot switch to the Innovator Founder Visa or apply for ILR. If you cannot obtain an endorsement, you must explore other visa options or prepare to leave the UK before your current visa expires.
How long can I stay in the UK on the Innovator Founder Visa?
The Innovator Founder Visa is granted for three years, with no limit on the number of extensions. If you meet the requirements, you can apply for ILR after three years.
Can my dependants stay in the UK if I switch to the Innovator Founder Visa?
Yes, dependants who are already in the UK under your Innovator Visa can apply to remain as your dependants on the Innovator Founder Visa.
What should I do if my endorsing body no longer operates?
If your legacy endorsing body has ceased operations, you should contact the Home Office for guidance. You may need to transition to an alternative endorsing body approved to process legacy cases.
Glossary
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Innovator Visa | A visa route for entrepreneurs looking to establish an innovative business in the UK. This route is now closed to new applicants. |
| Innovator Founder Visa | The replacement for the Innovator Visa, allowing entrepreneurs to stay in the UK to develop their business with fewer restrictions on employment. |
| Endorsement | Approval from a recognised endorsing body confirming that a business meets the required innovation, viability, and scalability criteria. |
| Legacy Endorsing Body | An organisation that previously endorsed applicants under the Innovator or Start-up visa routes and can continue endorsing them for extensions or ILR. |
| Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) | A form of permanent residency in the UK, allowing individuals to stay without visa restrictions. |
| Business Plan | A document outlining an entrepreneur’s business model, financial projections, and growth strategy, required for visa endorsement. |
| RQF Level 3 | A skill level equivalent to A-level qualifications, which determines the type of employment allowed under the Innovator Founder Visa. |
| Visa Transition | The process of switching from an Innovator Visa to the Innovator Founder Visa to remain in the UK. |
| Scalability | A key endorsement requirement demonstrating that a business has the potential for significant growth in the UK market. |
| Sponsor Licence | A licence required for UK businesses to hire skilled workers from outside the UK; not required for Innovator Founder Visa holders. |
Author
Founder and Managing Director Anne Morris is a fully qualified solicitor and trusted adviser to large corporates through to SMEs, providing strategic immigration and global mobility advice to support employers with UK operations to meet their workforce needs through corporate immigration.
She is a recognised by Legal 500 and Chambers as a legal expert and delivers Board-level advice on business migration and compliance risk management as well as overseeing the firm’s development of new client propositions and delivery of cost and time efficient processing of applications.
Anne is an active public speaker, immigration commentator, and immigration policy contributor and regularly hosts training sessions for employers and HR professionals
