How to Successfully Apply for an Innovator Visa

This visa is designed for ambitious founders who want to start or run an innovative business in the United Kingdom—and it’s one of the most direct routes to residency and citizenship, too.

In this guide, we’ll break down exactly how to apply for an Innovator Visa, what you need to prepare, and how to give your application the best chance of success.

Let’s look into it.

What Is the Innovator Visa?

The Innovator Visa is a UK immigration route for individuals looking to set up a new, innovative, and scalable business in the UK.

It’s aimed at experienced entrepreneurs and replaces the previous Tier 1 Entrepreneur Visa.

What makes it different?

• Your business must be endorsed by an approved UK endorsing body

• It must be innovative, viable, and scalable

• The visa leads to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after 3 years if conditions are met

Who Can Apply?

You can apply for an Innovator Visa if you meet these key criteria:

• You’re 18 years or older

• You have a genuine and original business idea

• Your business is endorsed by an approved endorsing body

• You can speak English at B2 level or higher (CEFR scale)

• You have enough money to support yourself in the UK

Business Eligibility: Innovation, Viability & Scalability

To qualify, your idea must meet three core standards:

• Innovative: A new idea that brings something different to the UK market

• Viable: You must have the skills and experience to make it work

• Scalable: Your business should show potential for growth and job creation

Tip: Think beyond small local startups—your idea should offer unique value and broader market potential.

Investment Requirement

As of the most recent updates, you typically need to have £50,000 in investment funds.

However:

• If you’re switching from the Start-up Visa, the investment may be waived

• Some endorsing bodies may accept less if they believe in your business potential

Note: You must prove that the funds are legitimate and available.

Secure Endorsement from an Approved Body

This is the most crucial step.

What is an endorsing body?

A UK-based organization (like a venture capital firm, accelerator, or university partner) approved by the Home Office to assess and support Innovator Visa applicants.

How to get endorsed:

1. Choose a body that fits your industry or business model

2. Submit a detailed business plan

3. Possibly attend interviews or pitch sessions

4. Receive a formal endorsement letter if approved

Pro tip: Tailor your pitch to each body’s focus—some prioritize tech, others creative industries or social impact.

Prepare a Strong Business Plan

Your plan should include:

• A clear executive summary

• Market research and competition analysis

• Revenue model and financial projections

• Team background and skillsets

• How the business meets innovation, viability, and scalability criteria

A generic plan won’t cut it. Make it investor-level quality.

Meet the English Language Requirement

You must prove your English is at B2 level on the CEFR scale. You can do this by:

• Passing a Home Office-approved English test

• Holding a degree taught in English

• Being from a majority English-speaking country (e.g., USA, Canada, Australia)

Show Proof of Financial Support

You need to show you can support yourself financially in the UK, without public funds.

• At least £1,270 in savings

• Held for 28 consecutive days before your application

• Separate from your business investment money

Apply Online

Once you’ve secured endorsement and documents, apply via the official UK visa application site.

You’ll need to:

• Complete the online form

• Pay the visa fee (approx. £1,292 if applying from abroad)

• Pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (approx. £624 per year)

• Book your biometric appointment

Submit Supporting Documents

These include:

• Valid passport

• Endorsement letter

• Proof of investment funds

• Business plan

• Bank statements for maintenance funds

• Proof of English proficiency

• Tuberculosis test results (if required for your country)

Scan and upload these as per the guidelines after submission.

Attend a Biometric Appointment

You’ll be required to provide:

• Fingerprints

• A digital photo

• Signature

This usually happens at a local visa application center.

Wait for a Decision

Processing time is usually:

• 3 weeks if applying from outside the UK

• 8 weeks if applying inside the UK (switching routes)

Priority processing may be available for an extra fee.

After Approval: What Happens Next?

Once approved:

• You’ll receive a visa for 3 years

• You can start, operate, and grow your business in the UK

• You can bring dependents (spouse and children under 18)

• You must stay in regular contact with your endorsing body

Extension and Path to Settlement

If your business is progressing well:

• You can extend the visa or

• Apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after 3 years

To qualify for ILR, your business must meet one of the success criteria (e.g., significant revenue, job creation, etc.)

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Submitting a weak or vague business plan

• Choosing the wrong endorsing body

• Failing to meet the investment requirement

• Not preparing for your endorsement interview

• Missing documentation or deadlines

Tip: Consider legal or professional advice—especially for the endorsement stage.

Conclusion

The UK Innovator Visa offers an incredible opportunity for entrepreneurs who are ready to take their business idea global.

With the right preparation, a strong plan, and support from the right endorsing body, you can set up and grow your venture in one of the world’s most exciting markets.