Build Your Legacy in Britain.

The bespoke route for experienced entrepreneurs with an innovative, scalable business idea. Now with accelerated settlement and flexible working rights.

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The Business Plan Audit.

You cannot simply 'apply' for this visa. You must first pitch your business to an approved Endorsing Body (typically a UK University or specialized business hub).

They assess your business plan against three strict statutory criteria. If you fail one, the application fails.

The "ISV" Criteria (The 3 Pillars)

  • Innovative

    Is it new? You cannot open a generic coffee shop or consultancy. You must hold a genuine, original business plan that meets new or existing market needs and creates a competitive advantage.

  • Scalable

    Can it grow? There must be evidence of structured planning and potential for job creation and growth into national and international markets.

  • Viable

    Is it realistic? Do you have the necessary skills, knowledge, experience, and market awareness to successfully run the business? We audit your financial projections to ensure they are grounded in reality.

  • Citizenship Otherwise By Descent

    For those born in the UK (post-1983) or complex historic cases. You may already be a citizen 'Otherwise than by Descent' without knowing it. We conduct a Status Trace to prove your right to a passport.

Work While You Build.

Under the new 'Innovator Founder' rules, you are no longer restricted to working only for your business.

The Freedom: You can take up secondary skilled employment (at Level RQF Level 3 or above) to support yourself while your startup gains traction. This significantly de-risks the move to the UK.

The Fastest Route to ILR.

 

Innovator Founders can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain after just 3 years. However, to qualify, your business must hit specific milestones:

  • Invested £50,000+ into the business.

  • Doubled the customer base.

  • Created 10 full-time jobs (or 5 high-salary jobs).

  • Generated £1 million in revenue (or £500k with exports).

Note: You only need to meet two of the varied Home Office targets to qualify.

Innovator Founder FAQs

  • Do I really need £50,000 to apply?

    • Answer: "For the initial visa? No.

      • Entry: The requirement to show £50,000 in investment funds upfront was removed in April 2023. You just need to prove you have enough to launch the business (whatever that cost is) and support yourself.

      • Settlement: To get Indefinite Leave to Remain after 3 years, investing £50,000 is one of the possible ways to qualify, but not the only way.

  • Yes, this is the 'Game Changer' rule introduced in 2023.

    • The Rule: You can take 'Secondary Employment' provided the job is skilled to at least RQF Level 3 (A-Level equivalent).

    • The Strategy: This allows you to work a 9-5 job to pay your London rent while you build your startup on evenings and weekends, significantly de-risking your move.

  • Yes, but each founder needs their own individual endorsement. You cannot 'share' the endorsement.

    • The Restriction: If you apply as a team, you cannot 'double count' your success. For example, if the settlement rule requires creating 10 jobs, a team of 2 founders must create 20 jobs in total (10 each).

  • If your business folds, your endorsement may be withdrawn, which would curtail your visa. However, you can:

    1. Pivot: Propose a new business idea to your Endorsing Body (requires re-endorsement).

    2. Switch: Move to a Skilled Worker or Global Talent visa from inside the UK.

Do You Meet the Requirements?

The rules are rigid, but your strategy doesn't have to be. Use our free assessment to see if you qualify.

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