The new 'Innovator Founder' UK visa - what you need to know!

📧 I am happy to help with your visa and citizenship options. You can book a consultation with me: tom-bradford.com/contact-me
The Innovator Founder visa will replace the Innovator visa from early April.
The changes will be implemented on different dates starting from 12 April 2023.
The new route removes the £50k minimum funds requirement.
You can also now have secondary employment, provided that its for skilled work.
The start-up visa is also being closed to new applications. What the government has said is that, with the removal of the £50k minimum funds requirement for Innovator Founders, it is no longer necessary to retain a separate route for start-up entrepreneurs that don't have access to this level of funds.
Qualifying periods
Success criteria effectively unchanged. A legacy endorsing body can endorse for settlement.
A legacy endorsing body can't endorse you for settlement if you were first endorsed by one of the new endorsing bodies.
You can take up skilled work, but you can't, for example, or hire yourself out through an employment agency.
The investment requirement is removed. The financial requirement remains:
You still need to show significant progress under your business plan.
The contact points are mandatory and need to be at regular intervals (not two right at the end of the visa term!).
The investment requirement is removed, but this is now all about budgeting!
This is now all about due diligence (and AML):
... and genuineness;
Termination of visa.
Further due diligence at the entry clearance stage.
There are now "Legacy endorsing bodies".

[@TomBradford]

📧 I am happy to help with your visa and citizenship options. You can book a consultation with me: tom-bradford.com/contact-me Download my free Global Talent planner (that has helped my clients to get endorsed): mailchi.mp/tom-bradford.com/global-talent-planner Download my free innovator visa checklist (the one my successful clients use): mailchi.mp/tom-bradford/innovator-visa-document-checklist Download my free guide for the UK Expansion Worker visa: mailchi.mp/tom-bradford.com/lvvaqm5rtl

[@dailyvlog202]

Can u help for endorsement body

[@dailyvlog202]

How much need to spend on endorsement body

[@gmmabdulkadermasum9001]

Dear. Sir , I would like to contact with you regarding this process, if possible give me your email or contact number

[@gmmabdulkadermasum9001]

I would like to meet with you regarding this process, please give me your contact information

[@gantamk]

Thanks Tom, for such a thorough video.

[@TomBradford]

Thank you so much! I'm glad that the video has been of help! Best, Tom

[@atharali8496]

Thanks for sharing!

[@TomBradford]

Thank you for the comment, Athar Ali! I'm buzzing to learn that this Innovator Founder video has been of interest and help to you. Best, Tom

[@binetagueye4614]

Hi Tom, thanks for this video!!! Does the innovator visa need to be sponsor to work outside their startup ? ( skilled work visa )

[@EB-ci7yo]

Many thanks.

[@TomBradford]

Thank you for the comment! It's an honour to hear that this Innovator Founder video has been of help to you, cheers! Best, Tom

[@a.o.palmer3085]

Thanks Tommy

[@TomBradford]

And thank you for comment A. O. Palmer; hope you have enjoyed the contents, info, and methodology on various visa routes here! Best, Tom

[@levent7735]

Hi Mr. Bradford, has the cost of the endorsing bodies changed with the new regulations? They had very high costs in 2022?

[@Pointoc]

Hi Tom, is there any further clarity on the first point here for Legacy Innovator migrants to be allowed to work professionally (to undertake secondary employment)? Please advise.

[@hamedmehrabi9243]

Hi Tom, thanks for your useful explanation. Just a quick question. Is it still possible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after 3 years if we work outside of business on this visa route? What criteria will be used to qualify us for ILR, considering that candidates are generally assessed by endorsing bodies at 12, 24, and 36 months, but in that can the story is different?

[@dominicovo6754]

Hi Tom, I’d like to ask this very important question, before applying for an endorsement and also the innovator visa itself,it is required that the business must be a new business (not registered) and then can be registered after the visa has been approved, so how then is it possible for the said business to meet the due diligence (of paying taxes) assuming I launched the business and get paying customers before my application.

[@abdulwahidmattoo9712]

Does this mean the legacy innovator visa holders can also work now as skilled workers...

[@malikibrahim3989]

At the time of ILR that £50,000 we just need to show them or we need to invest them into our businesses

[@asphaltxtremeracing9719]

Hi Tom, I read the document published by the home office about the innovator founder visa. The document states that multiple innovator founders need to independently demonstrate they each have a separate £50,000 available to invest where the applications is under the ‘new business’ criterion. So, does it mean that only single innovator founders won’t be asked to show an investment of £50,000 when they are applying as a new business. I would appreciate your input on this.

[@TomBradford]

Hi there, the £50,000 now under the Innovator Founder is only an optional criterion for ILR (so it does not need to be shown at the initial visa stage). All you need to show at the initial visa stage for the Innovator Founder visa is show that you can afford to do whatever it is in the business plan that you are saying that you are going to do. At the ILR stage (for the Innovator visa - which is what I assume you are referencing), if there is more than one founder, and you both want to rely on the £50,000 optional criterion as part of proving your eligibility for ILR, then, yes, you each need to show it. Generally, I would warn against going down any of these visa routes with co-founders - for the most part it's asking for trouble. Better to do a business that you own and control 100%. I hope that helps. Obviously do take legal advice on your individual circumstances to determine the best way forward.

[@Spreadtheknowledge-qf1up]

How much expenses on innovator founder visa with fees everything?,

[@SaiqatUrRada]

Thanks for sharing the information. If someone already has Innovator visa, will it also allow them to take secondary employment?

[@TomBradford]

Thank you so much! As to doing any other work outside your business under the Innovator visa route, it is unfortunately forbidden, assuming the secondary employment you meant is a different business entity outside of your own. Hope this helps! Best, Tom

[@youssef2023]

I am on a five year visa Spouse visa when fill form ILR not give me SUPER PRIORITY SERVICE WHY

[@janakaweerabaddanadissanay4698]

Thanks for this Tom. Any idea if Innovator migrants on previous route will be allowed to work professionally too? Also can there be co-founders in new Innovator route?

[@TomBradford]

This is an important point (your first point). The answer (in my view, based on the current position at the time of writing) is: no. Under the (soon to be) old rules, you cannot work in this way. If you were granted under the old rules, then this restriction continues. On your second point, I am doing a video on this soon. Thank you. Best wishes, Tom

[@Pointoc]

Hi Tom, is there any further clarity on the first point here for Legacy Innovator migrants to be allowed to work professionally (to undertake secondary employment)? Please advise.

[@asmahwilliams4323]

Hi Tom, thank you for such a detailed video. I have just been endorsed for a Start up visa. Seeing that the new innovator founder visa route will replace the start up visa, can I wait to use my start up endorsement to apply for the Innovator Founder once it opens on the 13th? Thank you.

[@nwamauzoma7932]

What business do you do?

[@TomBradford]

Hi Asmah, congratulations on getting endorsed for the start-up visa! That’s a real achievement. I’m doing a video on this point shortly. In the meantime: I think the answer depends on the merit of the business idea. If it is solid (and has a solid plan), then it may be worth simply going for the Innovator Founder visa now. I’d equally want to assess whether it is weak, i.e. you are going to have to switch sooner or later at the 2 year point, so if there’s a problem with it I’d prefer to know now. I’ll cover this in my video coming up. Make sure to take legal advice on your individual circumstances before deciding how to proceed. I have a consultation service if you want help. Best wishes, Tom

[@asmahwilliams4323]

@@TomBradford Thank you Tom!

[@dailyvlog202]

Can innovator founder visa can do delivery job when they come uk? If they can't find any other jobs

[@shalabhb]

Hi Tom, after 3 years on Innovator Founder visa if I am not able to fulfill the criteria and I switch to skilled visa them will these 3 years will be counted for ILR i.e. I can apply for ILR after 2 years on Skilled Visa or it should be 5 years on Skilled visa?

[@theasadrehman]

Hi Tom, What's the timeframe to get this visa look like? From making a business plan, getting endorsed, to getting the actual visa?

[@NautStartupVisa]

For some people, this process can take 6-8 weeks, while for others, we are looking at 6+ months. I understand this is a very general answer; unfortunately, based on what we have observed with our clients, it tends to vary in this manner.

[@ozgulsal]

Hi Tom, thanks for this informative video. I just need to ask you a simple question. If I decide to change my visa from skilled worker to innovator after working 2 years, can I apply leave to remain after 1 year later? I wonder if my skilled worker years count when I get an innovator visa?

[@hassanrazabukhari9468]

No. Quoting the official website "lived in the UK for 3 years using an Innovator Founder or Innovator visa - you cannot include time spent in the UK using any other visa"

[@MOONSPORTS]

Hi Tom, I am just about to submit my BP for my start up VISA by end of March. I have been assured that if I were to succeed I would have my endorsement by 12 April, which means i can still apply for start up, however since start up's 2 years are NOT counted in settlement I was thinking maybe i shouldn't apply for start up at all and just wait how this new visa turns out, what do you recommend? should i just apply with start up or wait and see?

[@TomBradford]

There is a case for waiting for the Innovator Founder visa to come in. However, if you are lucky enough to get your endorsement letter by 12th April, then I’d be minded to use it, notwithstanding that the time on the visa will not count to settlement.

[@Healthandbeauty169]

Proposal assessment fee?

[@a.s.kchannel7502]

I have my I'd card and driving license no auction only driving experience mine truck car driving what about me I am eligible

[@mdrahimchowdhury2579]

Sir, I am a Web Designer, Top rated nominated at fiverr. I am working since past over 3 years & i have started virtually a new web & digital media agency which is "NextCobra". I am the founder & CEO. I have some of team members also.. If i tell them IT Business plan, goals, how it works, How creative people’s will be benefit. Is it possible to get this type of Visa? If yes, how can i procedure?

[@monaharoon3762]

Hi Tom, can you recommend any one to write a business plan with innovation

[@NautStartupVisa]

We are a team that typically works with European startups, but now we have extended our services to UK innovator applicants. We assist with various Startup Visa categories, including the innovator founder visa. Obtaining this visa isn't easy; you may face challenges in your business plan, funding, personal bank accounts, business bank account, and more. At NAUT, we guide you from the initial business idea to the airport pick-up. We also provide assistance to international students. Your first consultation with us is free.

[@hakankaya]

👍💡🚀🚀

[@TomBradford]

Thank you for liking the contents in the form cheerful emojis 👍👍 Cheers. Best, Tom

[@nkumar2704]

Hi Tom I am quite not understanding about last thing you said about legacy endorsing bodies because my sister in at second stage review from one of the endorsing bodies for start up visa and she spent last whole year on the particular process in order to acquire endorsement she’s only few weeks away to get endorsement So if existing endorsing body still can offer her endorsement? I am confused please help us Thanks

[@gauravsharma-ce6gq]

Make sure you get endorsed by really good endorsing body like Bradford University. Otherwise, the chances are they will refuse the visa based on the assumption that your business idea is not innovative despite being endorsed by a startup visa endorsing body

[@TomBradford]

Thanks N Kumar, if she is endorsed before 12th April then she will proceed under the (then) ‘old’ rules. If it takes longer than that, then the position is more complicated. Feel free to book a consultation with me using my consultation service. Best wishes, Tom

[@nkumar2704]

@@TomBradford may I know when does the nearest slats available to book an appointment with you please ?

[@nkumar2704]

@@gauravsharma-ce6gq Thanks Gaurav any chance I get email or contact please so I can clarify some doubts about the process please ?

[@AmbreenSattar]

How can we get endorsement?

[@abiodunsalami4123]

Can a student still on study visa apply or must he see through his visa? Can he partner with the wife(dependant) for a new innovator start up Visa? How long does it take to get endorsed? How many weeks /Month?

[@NautStartupVisa]

Yes, it's possible. However, this is a tricky situation.

[@sobinsojan5312]

Hello, I am Sobin Sojan, a recent graduate with a Master's in Business Administration from Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge, currently residing in the UK under the Graduate Route. I have a compelling business idea involving a product from Asian countries that I believe holds significant potential in the UK market. This product has unique qualities, and I am keen on distributing it, envisioning a monopoly in the UK market. I am exploring the possibility of applying for the Innovator Visa to establish and scale this business. I am confident in its ability to meet a demand in the UK market. My business plan outlines its scalability, supported by market research and I am excited about the prospect of contributing to the UK market with this distinctive product. Could you please help?

[@almhmd8879]

Hi mr tom . i have a house in the uk in addition i just registered a limited company to start a business in the amazon uk so is there a way that i can have a residence “brp” without living remaining for years cause im overseas resident not uk .

[@AmbreenSattar]

Can you throw some light upon how to get an endorser thanks

[@TomBradford]

Thanks Almhud88 for your earlier comment. I think this is one where it would be sensible to take legal advice. Feel free to use my consultation service on my website here: tom-bradford.com/

[@creedaberdeen]

Hi Tom, can we speak to us as a group on Innovator Visa UK

[@TomBradford]

Hi, yes, happy to do so. Please use my consultation service, link in the description. Best wishes, Tom

[@rajatahirali1495]

Hi... Sir how's are you I need job visa for your country Do you have any website for applying labourer law visa any working..

[@TomBradford]

Thanks Raja, I’d recommend checking out indeed.co.uk and filtering the jobs accordingly.

[@Solobuddy11]

How much you charge for same

[@TomBradford]

Thanks for the question. The booking link below shall direct you to a calendar where dates of availability are shown and the charge be disclosed; should you decide to use the consultation service. Hope this helps. tom-bradford.com/contact-me Best, Tom

[@tenzyatnt5403]

Hello my name is Michael I'm from Nigeria, I'm into real estate business here in Nigeria, I'm planing to relocate to the UK with my family through innovator Visa ,my aim of coming is to study full time llb full time llm and full time PhD in law . I wanna have a full time studies in UK ,I wouldn't want any investment that would take much of my time......... My question is this ,can it be possible and how much money do I need to qualify for it , thank you

[@NautStartupVisa]

This visa category is for ideas and startups only. Have you considered applying for PhD scholarships?

[@dailyvlog202]

Can u help me

[@TomBradford]

Hi, thanks for your interest. You might need a consultation for a clearer picture of visa options you have as well as giving me more contexts to help you, assuming you're aiming for the Innovator Founder visa. You can book a consultation with me using the link: tom-bradford.com/contact-me Best, Tom

[@dailyvlog202]

@@TomBradford i have one question if someone can't find skilled level three jobs..can they do other work like any work?

[@solangekingue9342]

Hi. Tom i have been following you. I am really interested in this. I saw all the wonderful testimonies. How do i get to chat with you on whatsapp ?

[@TomBradford]

Hi, Thank you for the interest! You can book a consultation with me using the link below for more in-depth discussions / analysis on your immigration matters. tom-bradford.com/contact-me Best, Tom

[@SameeraMohamed-kr2le]

Thnkz tom how can we get ur number link youtoub plz

[@TomBradford]

Hi Sameera, I am happy to help with your visa and citizenship options. Please feel free to book a consultation with me: tom-bradford.com/contact-me if you're in need of further analysis and discussion of the situation you're in. Best, Tom