Innovator Founder Visa

Build your business in the UK with a visa designed for innovation, leadership, and growth.

Who This Is For

This route is for entrepreneurs looking to start or scale an innovative business in the UK. It's suitable for founders with original ideas that are viable, scalable, and different from anything currently on the market. You must be endorsed by a UK-approved endorsing body.

What We Help With

• Securing endorsement from a registered UK endorsing body

• Reviewing your business idea for innovation, viability, and scalability

• Advice on preparing your business plan for endorsement

• Switching into this route from other visas (e.g. Start-up, Skilled Worker)

• Visa applications and extensions — including dependants

• ILR planning after 3 years of successful residence

Key Requirements

To qualify under this route, you must:

✅ Be at least 18 years old
✅ Have a business idea that is:

• Innovative– something different from anything else in the UK market

• Viable– a realistic and achievable business model

• Scalable– potential for growth and job creation

✅ Secure endorsement from a Home Office-approved endorsing body
✅ Provide a business plan meeting the endorsement criteria
✅ Prove your English language level (minimum B2 CEFR)
✅ Meet financial maintenance requirements (if in the UK less than 12 months)

About the Endorsement

Endorsing bodies assess whether your idea is genuine and has potential. We’ll help you present a strong case, tailored to your business sector and market fit. Your endorsement letter must be issued before applying for the visa.

How We Help

• Assess your eligibility for the Innovator Founder route

• Help develop or refine your business idea and plan

• Connect you with relevant endorsing bodies

• Assist with the full visa application — including dependants

• Advise on extension and settlement routes

Ready to Apply?

ClearVisa can support you in turning your business vision into a UK success story. We’ll guide you from idea to endorsement and beyond.