Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Launch and grow your own innovative startup in the UK.
- Company: Join a vibrant entrepreneurial community driving economic growth.
- Benefits: Live in the UK for 3 years with potential for permanent residency.
- Why this job: Turn your business ideas into reality while making a real impact.
- Qualifications: Must have an innovative business idea and sufficient funds.
- Other info: Bring your family along and enjoy full-time work opportunities for dependants.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 ÂŁ per year.
The Innovator Founder visa was created in 2019 and is a pathway towards permanent residence, allowing experienced business entrepreneurs to establish and grow a company in the UK. This visa allows you to stay in the UK for 3 years to help drive economic growth in the country.
Points Required: 70 points
Who Qualifies? Entrepreneurs who want to build a business in the UK. Applicants can apply with their spouse/partner and dependent children.
How Long Can You Stay? Up to 3 years. After this period, you can apply for permanent residency.
Processing Time: After you have submitted your online application, proved your identity and provided the relevant documents, 90% of applicants are processed within 3 weeks.
The UK government defines an Innovator Founder company, including start-ups, as a “business that must have an innovative, viable and scalable business idea, supported by a business plan, which has been approved by an endorsing body.” There is no minimum investment amount. You will have to pay roughly £1000 to be endorsed by a relevant body.
Current Business Endorsing Bodies:
- Envestors Limited
Eligibility for Innovator Founder visa: In order to qualify for this visa, you must meet several minimum requirements:
- Have a business or business idea accepted by an approved body
- Prove you have enough money to support yourself, normally ÂŁ1,270
- Speak, read, write and understand English to a minimum standard
Firstly, if you are a citizen of any of the below nations, you are exempt from SELT:
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Australia
- The Bahamas
- Belize
- Canada
- Dominica
- Grenada
- Jamaica
- St Kitts and Nevis
- St Lucia
- St Vincent and the Grenadines
- USA
Certification Provider: The International English Language Test (IELTS) is designed to help you work, study or migrate to the UK. Your ability to listen, read, write and speak in English will be assessed during the test. IELTS is graded on a scale of 1-9. You will be required to achieve at least 7.0 overall for this visa and in each category: Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening.
You must have sufficient funds when applying for the Innovator Founder visa; the total minimum costs will vary depending on your circumstances.
Application Fee: When applying within the UK, such as to extend your current Innovator Founder visa or to switch from another visa, you will pay ÂŁ1,590 for up to 3 years. When applying from outside the UK, the fee will be ÂŁ1,274.
The Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) entitles you to use the NHS if you become unwell or have an accident while in the UK. You have to pay the IHS even if you do not use the NHS or even if you have your own private health insurance; the cost is ÂŁ1,035 per year. If you are applying for a 3-year visa, you will have to pay a total of ÂŁ2,070.
Sufficient Funds: You must have at least ÂŁ1,270 in your bank account to show you can support yourself in the UK; a bank statement will suffice. The financial requirement is that you show you have enough money for your living costs for yourself and dependants while you move to the UK. You do not need to show funds if you have been living in the UK for 12 months or more with permission on the date of your application.
Documentation required for Innovator Visa UK: You must bring relevant documentation that will require some preparation before arriving in the UK. Although this will vary depending on your occupation, nationality and length of stay:
- Provide an endorsement letter from an approved body
- Proof of your knowledge of English
- A valid passport for the entirety of the visa
- Bank statement proving sufficient funds
- Criminal Record Certificate (if applying for certain jobs mostly in the public sector such as healthcare, welfare and education sectors)
Identity: For most applicants, you must prove your identity by booking an appointment at a Visa Application Centre in your current country. The appointment will include collecting your fingerprints, facial photograph and signature.
Can I bring my family? This visa will allow family members to join the main applicant in the UK; they are known as “dependants.” You don’t have to be a permanent resident or have an Indefinite Leave to Remain in the UK to bring your family members. The cost for each dependant is £1846 as of January 2024. Dependants over 18 can work full time in any profession throughout with no restrictions. The length of time allowed to stay is the same as the main applicant's work visa.
Can this lead to British citizenship? Yes, the first step to becoming a British citizen is being granted a visa that contributes towards the 3-year requirement for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR):
- Live and Work in the UK for 3 years on a work visa
- Apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)
- Apply for Naturalisation/British citizenship
Innovator Founder: Build a Scalable UK Startup & ILR in City of London employer: Emigratetotheuk
Contact Detail:
Emigratetotheuk Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Innovator Founder: Build a Scalable UK Startup & ILR in City of London
✨Tip Number 1
Networking is key! Get out there and connect with other entrepreneurs and business owners. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to people on LinkedIn. You never know who might have a lead on your next big opportunity!
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your pitch! You need to be able to clearly and confidently explain your business idea in just a few minutes. Grab a friend or family member and do a mock pitch. The more you practice, the more natural it will feel when you’re in front of potential investors or endorsing bodies.
✨Tip Number 3
Research your endorsing body thoroughly. Each one has its own criteria and focus areas, so tailor your approach to match what they’re looking for. This shows that you’ve done your homework and are serious about your business idea.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of resources and support to help you navigate the application process. Plus, it’s a great way to stay updated on any new opportunities that pop up in the UK startup scene.
We think you need these skills to ace Innovator Founder: Build a Scalable UK Startup & ILR in City of London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Get Your Business Idea Right: Make sure your business idea is innovative, viable, and scalable. We want to see a solid business plan that’s been approved by an endorsing body. This is your chance to shine, so make it count!
Show Us You Can Support Yourself: You’ll need to prove you have at least £1,270 in your bank account. A simple bank statement will do the trick. This shows us you can support yourself while you get your business off the ground.
Master Your English Skills: We need to see that you can speak, read, write, and understand English at a minimum standard. If you’re not from an exempt country, be ready to ace that IELTS test with a score of at least 7.0!
Apply Through Our Website: When you're ready to apply, make sure to do it through our website. It’s the easiest way to get your application in front of us, and we can’t wait to see what you’ve got!
How to prepare for a job interview at Emigratetotheuk
✨Know Your Business Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you have a deep understanding of your business idea. Be ready to discuss its innovative aspects, viability, and scalability. This will show that you're not just passionate but also well-prepared.
✨Prepare Your Endorsement Story
Since you'll need an endorsement from an approved body, be prepared to explain how your business aligns with their criteria. Have a clear narrative about your business plan and how it contributes to economic growth in the UK.
✨Showcase Your Financial Preparedness
Be ready to discuss your financial situation, including how you plan to support yourself and any dependants. Bring along documentation like bank statements to back up your claims, as this is crucial for the visa application.
✨Practice Your English Skills
Since you'll need to demonstrate your English proficiency, practice speaking, reading, and writing in English before the interview. Consider doing mock interviews with friends or using language apps to boost your confidence.