UK Innovator Founder Visa
Launch an innovative, scalable business in the United Kingdom and obtain UK residency. The Innovator Founder Visa leads to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR — permanent settlement) in just 3 years, with no minimum investment amount set by the government.
Who Is This For?
- Experienced entrepreneurs with a genuinely innovative and scalable business idea
- Business must be new or significantly different from anything currently in the UK market
- Must secure endorsement from a UK Home Office-approved endorsing body
- English language proficiency at B2 level (CEFR) required
- Sufficient personal funds (at least £945 in your bank account for 90+ consecutive days)
- You must be the active founder and director — cannot be a passive investor
How It Works
- 1
Develop Your Business Plan
Create a detailed, evidence-backed business plan covering your innovative product or service, target market, business model, and growth strategy. Innovation is the key differentiator.
- 2
Identify & Apply to an Endorsing Body
Research UK Home Office-approved endorsing bodies relevant to your sector. Submit your business plan for endorsement review — this is the most critical step.
- 3
Receive Endorsement Letter
Upon approval, receive an endorsement letter valid for 3 months. Without this, no visa application can be made.
- 4
Apply for the Innovator Founder Visa
Submit your visa application to UKVI online with endorsement letter, passport, English language test results, and financial evidence.
- 5
Enter UK & Establish Business
Arrive in the UK and formally incorporate your company. Annual check-ins with your endorsing body confirm business progress.
- 6
Apply for ILR (Settlement)
After 3 years, demonstrate your business is established and creating value. Endorsing body confirms milestones. Apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain.
Country Location
Why ITC iLand for This Program?
ITC iLand has processed hundreds of business immigration applications — entrepreneur streams, investor programs, and startup visas across Canada and globally. We know how provincial selectors score business plans, what net worth documentation they scrutinize, and how to present your background compellingly. Over 10,000 total applications processed since 1998.
Frequently Asked Questions
Endorsing bodies look for ideas genuinely new to the UK market, a novel approach, or significant improvements on existing solutions. Proprietary technology, a unique process, or disruptive market positioning strengthens your case. Simply replicating an existing business does not qualify.
The UK Home Office publishes a list of approved endorsing bodies — universities, startup accelerators, sector-specific associations, and innovation hubs. The right body depends on your industry.
Yes. Your spouse or partner can come as a dependant and is permitted to work full-time in any job without restrictions.
Yes. You can switch to the Innovator Founder Visa from many other UK visa categories (Student Visa, Skilled Worker Visa) from within the UK, provided you meet all criteria and have endorsement.
The UK Tier 1 Investor Visa requiring £2M+ was closed in February 2022. The Innovator Founder Visa replaced the previous Innovator Visa in April 2023 as the primary entrepreneur route.
There is Always A Way