Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Establish and grow an innovative business in the UK.
- Company: Join a vibrant entrepreneurial community driving economic growth.
- Benefits: Pathway to permanent residency and family inclusion.
- Why this job: Make your mark in the UK with your unique business idea.
- Qualifications: Must have an innovative business idea and sufficient funds.
- Other info: Great opportunity for aspiring entrepreneurs to thrive.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
The Innovator Founder visa was created in 2019 and is a pathway towards permanent residence, it allows 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 a Innovator Founder company including start ups as a “business that must have a 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 £1,270
- 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.
IELTS is jointly owned by the British Council, IDP: IELTS Australia and Cambridge Assessment English.
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 £1,590 for up to 3 years.
When applying from outside the UK the fee will be £1,274.
TheImmigration 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 £1,035 per year.
If you are applying for a 3-year visa you will have to pay £1,035 each year, therefore you will have to pay a total of £2,070.
Sufficient Funds
You must have at least £1,270 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 it 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 you are applying for certain jobs mostly in the public sector such as healthcare, welfare and education sectors. You will need to provide a criminal record certificate for any country in which, since the age of 18, you have been present for 12 months or more in the 10 years before the date of your application.
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. The UK government website has a list of addresses for each eligible country .
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 applicants work visa.
Can this lead to British citizenship?
Yes, the first step to becoming a British citizen is being granted a visathat 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
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Innovator Founder employer: Emigratetotheuk
Contact Detail:
Emigratetotheuk Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Innovator Founder
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in your industry! Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential mentors. Networking can open doors that you didn’t even know existed.
✨Show Off Your Passion
When you get the chance to chat with someone about your business idea, let your enthusiasm shine through! Share your vision and how it can make a difference. People love to see passion in action.
✨Practice Your Pitch
You never know when you’ll meet someone who could help you take your business to the next level. Have a clear and concise pitch ready that explains your innovative idea and why it’s viable. Keep it engaging!
✨Apply Through Us!
Don’t forget to check out our website for opportunities that match your skills and ambitions. We’re here to help you land that Innovator Founder visa and kickstart your journey in the UK!
We think you need these skills to ace Innovator Founder
Some tips for your application 🫡
Get Your Business Idea Sorted: Before you even start your application, 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, so take the time to refine your concept!
Show Us the Money: You’ll need to prove you’ve got enough funds to support yourself in the UK. Make sure you have at least £1,270 in your bank account and a clear bank statement ready to go. This is crucial for your application!
Brush Up on Your English: You’ll need to demonstrate your English skills, so if you haven’t already, consider taking the IELTS test. Aim for at least a 7.0 overall, and remember, we’re looking for strong scores in each category too!
Apply Through Our Website: When you’re ready to submit your application, do it through our website! It’s the easiest way to ensure everything’s in order and helps us keep track of your progress. Let’s get you started on this exciting journey!
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 to drive economic growth in the UK.
✨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 meets the needs of the market. This will help you stand out as a serious candidate.
✨Showcase Your Financial Preparedness
Be ready to discuss your financial situation and how you plan to support yourself in the UK. Bring along any relevant bank statements or documents that prove you meet the financial requirements. This shows that you’re responsible and ready for the move.
✨Practice Your English Skills
Since English proficiency is crucial, practice speaking, reading, and writing in English before the interview. You might even want to do a mock interview with a friend to boost your confidence. This will help ensure you meet the IELTS requirements and communicate effectively.
