Quick answer
The Innovator Founder visa lets you set up and run an innovative business in the UK. You can stay for 3 years [1] with mandatory check-ins at 12 and 24 months. Your visa may be cut short if your endorsement is withdrawn [2]. You can extend your stay by 3 years [4] with no limit on extensions [5], and may settle after 3 years [6]. Fees include £1,357 outside the UK [7] or £1,693 inside the UK [8], a £1,000 endorsement fee [9], £500 per meeting (at least twice) [10], and a healthcare surcharge [11]. Your business idea must be new, innovative, viable, and scalable [12], and you must prove English [13]. Apply online [14]; decisions take 3 weeks outside or 8 weeks inside the UK [15]. You can work for your business, do other jobs requiring level 3 qualifications, and bring dependants [16][17]. You cannot access public funds or work as a professional sportsperson [16].
Key facts
| Visa duration | 3 years[1] |
| Application fee (outside UK) | £1,357 per person[7] |
| Application fee (inside UK – extend/switch) | £1,693 per person[8] |
| Endorsement fee | £1,000[9] |
| Meeting fee (per check-in) | £500 (minimum 2 meetings)[10] |
| Settlement eligibility | After 3 years in the UK[6] |
| Extension length | 3 years (unlimited extensions)[4][5] |
| English language requirement | Yes – prove reading, writing, speaking, listening[13] |
Requirements
Don't want to read through this yourself? Answer a few questions and see exactly which category fits your situation.
Requirements in detail
You must have a valid endorsement from an approved endorsing body for your business idea.
Your business idea must be new, innovative, viable, and scalable.
You must prove your knowledge of English (speak, read, write, understand).
You must pay the visa application fee (£1,357 outside UK, £1,693 inside UK), endorsement fee (£1,000), ongoing meeting fees (£500 each, at least two meetings), and the healthcare surcharge.
Documents you'll need
This list adjusts automatically based on your nationality and category.
How to apply
- 1
Get your business idea endorsed by an approved endorsing body [18][12].
- 2
Prepare the required documents, including proof of English [13][20].
- 3
Complete the online application form [14].
- 4
Provide your identity and documents – you may need to attend an appointment [20].
- 5
Pay the application fee, endorsement fee, and healthcare surcharge [7][8][9][11].
- 6
Wait for a decision: 3 weeks if applying outside the UK, 8 weeks if inside the UK [15].
- 7
If successful, attend mandatory check-ins with your endorsing body at 12 and 24 months [1][10].
Frequently asked questions
Can I extend my Innovator Founder visa?
Yes, you can extend for another 3 years [4]. There is no limit on the number of extensions [5]. You must re-apply with a new endorsement before your current visa expires [3].
Can I settle permanently (indefinite leave to remain) with this visa?
You may be eligible to apply for settlement once you have lived in the UK for 3 years and meet all other requirements [6].
Can I bring my family to the UK?
Yes, your partner and children can join you as dependants [17].
What happens if my endorsement is withdrawn?
Your visa may be cut short if the endorsing body withdraws its endorsement [2].
What can I not do with this visa?
You cannot claim most public funds (benefits) or work as a professional sportsperson [16].
Related visas
Child Student visa
Student — Up to 6 years and 4 months for under 16; up to 3 years and 4 months for ages 16-17
Full requirements
Family visa
Family — 2 years and 9 months
Full requirements
Graduate visa
Work — 2 years (non-PhD, if apply by Dec 2026); 3 years (PhD); reduced to 18 months from Jan 2027
Full requirements
Sources
One numbered entry per specific claim — several entries may point to the same underlying document, each with its own locator.
- [1]
Visa duration is 3 years with mandatory check-ins at 12 and 24 months
Primary source · Last verified: Jul 23, 2026Cross-referenced - [2]
Visa may be cut short if endorsement is withdrawn
Primary source · Last verified: Jul 23, 2026Cross-referenced - [3]
To stay longer, you must re-apply with a new endorsement before current visa expires
Primary source · Last verified: Jul 23, 2026Cross-referenced - [4]
You can extend your stay by another 3 years
Primary source · Last verified: Jul 23, 2026Cross-referenced - [5]
No limit on number of extensions
Primary source · Last verified: Jul 23, 2026Cross-referenced - [6]
You may be eligible for settlement after 3 years in the UK
Primary source · Last verified: Jul 23, 2026Cross-referenced - [7]
Application fee outside the UK is £1,357 per person
Primary source · Last verified: Jul 23, 2026Cross-referenced - [8]
Application fee inside the UK for extension/switch is £1,693 per person
Primary source · Last verified: Jul 23, 2026Cross-referenced - [9]
Endorsement fee is £1,000
Primary source · Last verified: Jul 23, 2026Cross-referenced - [10]
You must pay £500 per meeting with endorsing body, at least twice
Primary source · Last verified: Jul 23, 2026Cross-referenced - [11]
Healthcare surcharge applies
Primary source · Last verified: Jul 23, 2026Cross-referenced - [12]
Business idea must be new, innovative, viable, and scalable
Primary source · Last verified: Jul 23, 2026Cross-referenced - [13]
You must prove knowledge of English
Primary source · Last verified: Jul 23, 2026Cross-referenced - [14]
Application is made online
Primary source · Last verified: Jul 23, 2026Cross-referenced - [15]
Decision times: 3 weeks outside UK, 8 weeks inside UK
Primary source · Last verified: Jul 23, 2026Cross-referenced - [16]
What you can and cannot do with this visa
Primary source · Last verified: Jul 23, 2026Cross-referenced - [17]
Your partner and children can join as dependants
Primary source · Last verified: Jul 23, 2026Cross-referenced - [18]
You need an endorsement from an approved endorsing body before applying
Primary source · Last verified: Jul 23, 2026Cross-referenced - [20]
You must prove your identity and provide documents; may need an appointment
Primary source · Last verified: Jul 23, 2026Cross-referenced
This page reflects United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland's officially published requirements as of the dates above. It is not legal advice, and final approval is solely at the discretion of United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland's immigration authorities. For a case-specific compliance check against your own documents, try VisaBook free.