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Innovator Founder Visa

You can apply for an Innovator Founder visa to start and run an innovative business in the UK with an endorsement from an approved body. The visa is valid for 3 years and includes mandatory progress checkpoints at 12 and 24 months.
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About this service

Previously named the Innovator visa, the route requires applicants to present a new, innovative, viable, and scalable business idea to an endorsing body.

Once accepted and approved, applicants can then apply for the Innovator Founder route, given they can also meet the English language requirement.

 

The visa can be extended for 3 years at a time and renewed without limit. Different from the usual 5-year requirement, it is possible to apply for settlement (indefinite leave to remain) after living and working in the UK for 3 years.

By definition, Innovator Founder applicants must make sure their business idea:

  • Is part of a new business that has yet to trade
  • Provides a unique product or service with no substitutes in the market
  • Displays a potential to grow
  • Has potential to scale, create jobs, and grow nationally or internationally

 

Before applying for a visa, applicants must make a separate application to a relevant endorsing body and provide evidence for the above. Currently, there are four organisations that issue endorsements for Innovator Founder applicants, and they are:

  • Envestors Limited
  • Innovator International
  • UK Endorsing Services
  • The Global Entrepreneurs Programme (GEP, invite-only)

 

Once endorsed, applicants can proceed to apply for an Innovator Founder visa. It should also be acknowledged that the process requires reporting back to the endorsing body via meetings after 12 months and 24 months of the business being launched and operating in the UK.

Language Requirement:

The current English language requirement necessitates applicants to prove they are at least at the B2 level on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). This is typically demonstrated by passing a Secure English Language Test (SELT) from an approved provider, or through a relevant qualification taught in English.

Funds:

The route specifically requires to prove having had at least £1,270 in savings in applicants’ bank accounts for 28 consecutive days before they apply.

Fees:

As it is possible to switch to the Innovator Founder route, and applications made within the UK costs £1,590 per main applicant and dependant. If the application is made outside the UK, the fee per person will be £1,274.

 

Endorsement applications made to endorsing bodies cost £1,000. If refused, and depending on the body’s terms, it will require subsequent payments per application made.

 

Endorsing body meetings at the 12- and 24-month points cost £500 each, paid directly to the endorsing body.

 

You can speak directly with our solicitors to arrange a consultation on 020 3815 8440.

 
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Testimonials

"I found Semira to be professional, steady, and clear in her guidance. She provided direction in a pragmatic and thoughtful way, and her attention to detail gave me confidence at each stage. Buket has been amazing. She has been very supportive throughout the whole process, and consistently responsive whenever I had a question or needed clarification. I would happily recommend Semira and Buket from Ashton Ross Law to anyone looking for a professional legal team."
Kubra DJan 2026
Kubra D
"I wholeheartedly recommend Miss Semira for her outstanding legal expertise and dedication. After being cheated by a so-called solicitor, we were advised to seek her assistance, and it proved to be the best decision we could have made. She with Mr Pavlos guided us through the Visa process with exceptional professionalism, efficiency, and clarity, ensuring we were fully informed at every stage. Their commitment, and expertise made all the difference. We recommend Semira and Pavlos without hesitation."
Chryso PoulouJan 2026
Chryso Poulou
"I have had the pleasure of working with Zeynep from Ashton Ross Law on three separate UK Skilled Worker visa applications, and I could not recommend her highly enough. Zeynep’s professionalism, knowledge of immigration law, and commitment to achieving the best possible outcome have been invaluable. Thanks to her support, each of my applications was successful, and I always felt confident and well-guided throughout the process. If you’re looking for someone who will go above and beyond to help you navigate the complexities of UK visa applications, Zeynep is absolutely the right person to trust."
Victor VillarOct 2025
Victor Villar
"I'm very satisfied with Ashton Ross Law and the service they provided in my visa application. Camilo was very thorough and attentive throughout the whole process. A number of solicitors told me I would not be able to apply from within the UK in my situation, but Ashton Ross took on my case and succeeded. I would recommend the firm to anybody requiring legal assistance with a visa application."
Selene ParryJune 2024
Selene Parry
I recently instructed Ashton Ross to work on my behalf in extending my husband's visa renewal. Camilo looked after our case and from day one the communication we received was outstanding. He explained the full process to us along with all of the potential outcomes and kept us updated at every step. Camilo answered all of our questions and made us feel at ease with the whole situation. Not only was outcome successful but thanks to Camilo and the Ashton Ross team the process was stress free and straight forward. I would highly recommend Ashton Ross and look forward to using them again for our next renewal.
Jordan WildMay 2024
Jordan Wild
I would like to recommend Ashton Ross Law services. I needed to renew my visa and I was very successful. I would especially like to recommend the work of Camilo Salazar, who took care of my case with great attention and care. I would also like to thank Dr Tiago who guided me through the process and dear Vitoria who was also very attentive at times when I had difficulties understanding the language. Your work was impeccable and I highly recommend it! Thank you very much!
Karol CostaFeb 2024
Karol Costa