The new Innovator Founder Visa Route opened on 13 April 2023

In line with the Home Office’s recent Statement of Changes to the Immigration Rules, the Innovator Founder visa route is now open to applications.

The new Innovator Founder route aims to allow more genuinely innovative entrepreneurs to enter the UK and set up their new business.

To facilitate easier entry into the UK market, the previous £50,000 minimum investment fund requirement has been removed. Instead, the new route requires you to show that you have sufficient capital to get your business idea off the ground.

Innovator Founder visa holders are now also able to work in roles other than their innovative business, provided that the additional employment is in a skilled role of at least RQF level 3 (A-level and above).

The Innovator Founder route provides validity for 3 years with the option to apply for settlement at the end of the 3-year period.

The requirement for having to be endorsed by an industry body remains, though the list has been reduced to four organisations.

Please see more detailed information regarding this new visa route here.

How Gherson can assist

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