The new-business branch requires an original innovative, viable and scalable plan and a genuine founding role. The same-business branch instead requires qualifying previous permission, a previously assessed business that is active, trading and sustainable, progress against its plan and actual day-to-day involvement. Do not apply the new-business rule universally. Use a genuine valid endorsement issued within 3 months before applying. Permission is up to 3 years; settlement requires a separate decision and additional conditions.
GOV.UK: GBP 1,357 per person applying outside the UK, GBP 1,693 to extend or switch in the UK. Endorsement GBP 1,000 from an approved endorsing body, plus GBP 500 each time you meet your endorsing body. The healthcare surcharge also applies.≈ $1,723
GOV.UK: you will usually get a decision within 3 weeks if you are outside the UK and 8 weeks if you are inside the UK.
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Source-backed requirements
Eligibility
(3)Active Founding Role
MandatoryThe applicant must be an active founder of the business and play a key role in its day-to-day management and development.
Verified officialEnglish Language Requirement
DocumentConditionalUnless an exemption applies, meet B2 in reading, writing, speaking and listening. Evidence may be an eligible nationality, accepted UK qualification, English-taught degree with the required Ecctis assessment, accepted prior proof or an approved SELT; a new test is not required for everyone.
Verified officialMinimum Age Requirement
MandatoryThe applicant must be at least 18 years old to apply for the Innovator Founder visa.
Verified official
Qualification
(2)Personal Savings Requirement
ConditionalFor entry clearance, or permission to stay after less than 12 months in the UK, hold at least £1,270 for 28 days under Appendix Finance. The exemption requires an in-country application after 12 months with permission. Personal maintenance cannot use business investment funds or illegal UK earnings.
Verified officialEndorsement Requirement
MandatoryApplicants must have their business or business idea assessed and approved by a Home Office-approved endorsing body.
Verified official
Application
(1)Business Innovation Criteria
ConditionalThe new-business branch requires an original innovative, viable and scalable plan and a genuine founding role. The same-business branch instead requires qualifying previous permission, a previously assessed business that is active, trading and sustainable, progress against its plan and actual day-to-day involvement. Do not apply the new-business rule universally.
Verified official
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Immigration Documents & Forms
Source citations
Immigration Rules Appendix Innovator Founder — validity, new/same business, English and maintenance
Home Office
INNF1 genuine endorsement within3months and age18atapplication; INNF5–10 new/samebusiness distinction, genuineactivefounding/day-to-day role; INNF11 B2unlessexempt underAppendixEnglishLanguage; INNF12 conditional1270/28days and in-country12monthswithpermission exception; INNF14 temporarymaximum3years; INNF15–20 separate settlement conditions. Public eligibility excludes businessinvestment/illegalUKearnings frommaintenance, current English page lists actual proof alternatives.
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