Immigration law
Innovator Founder & Investors
Bring a business idea to the UK, on a route the Home Office actually has open.
The Tier 1 (Investor) visa closed to new applicants on 17 February 2022. For new founders, the main route is now Innovator Founder. Rules checked October 2026.
Is this you?
Who this is for
- You are founding an innovative, viable and scalable business in the UK
- You need an endorsement from an approved endorsing body
- You already hold Tier 1 (Investor) or Innovator leave and need to extend or settle
What the rules require
- Endorsement
- From an approved endorsing body, issued no more than 3 months before you apply.
- The business
- Must be innovative, viable and scalable. There is no fixed minimum investment.
- English
- B2 in all four skills, unless exempt.
- Funds
- £1,270 personal funds held for 28 days.
A summary, not legal advice. The Immigration Rules change often; we confirm what applies on your application date.
Free first step
10 minutes with a solicitor about your innovator founder & investors matter.
Often goes with
Prepare
Your document checklist
Tick off what you already have. Bring the rest to mind before your consultation, and we'll tell you what really matters for your case.
0 of 6 ready
A general guide. Your solicitor confirms exactly what your case needs. Your ticks are saved on this device only.
The process
How it works
- 1Free consultationWe assess whether the business and your profile fit the route.
- 2EndorsementWe help you prepare for the endorsing body's assessment.
- 3ApplicationVisa application within 3 months of endorsement.
- 4CheckpointsYour endorsing body checks progress during your permission.
- 5SettlementPossible after 3 years if the business meets the settlement criteria.
Fixed.
How our fees work
After your free consultation we quote a fixed fee in writing, covering exactly what we will do. Home Office fees and the Immigration Health Surcharge are paid separately to the government, and we tell you the current amounts before you commit.
Free
Your first 10 minutes with a solicitor.
In writing
A fixed fee for the agreed work, before anything starts.
No surprises
Government fees quoted up front and paid to the Home Office.
FAQs
Innovator Founder & Investors: your questions
Still unsure? A ten-minute call usually settles it.
Can I still apply for a Tier 1 Investor visa?
No. It closed to new applicants on 17 February 2022. If you already hold Tier 1 (Investor) leave, talk to us about your remaining options.
How much must I invest for Innovator Founder?
There is no fixed minimum investment. The test is whether an endorsing body judges your business innovative, viable and scalable, and you need £1,270 in personal funds.
Who are the endorsing bodies?
The Home Office publishes the list, which changes. We check it for you and help you choose the right one.
Can I work for someone else on this visa?
You can do some work outside your business, within limits, but your main role must be running it.