Innovator Founder visa

The Innovator Founder Visa is for entrepreneurs seeking to establish a business in the UK. Applicants do not need to have any specific level of funds to invest in their proposed business, but must have an innovative, viable and scalable business idea, supported by a business plan, which has been approved by an endorsing body.

As a Legacy Endorsing Body, we cannot endorse Innovator Founder route applicants . If you wish to apply for an Innovator Founder visa, you will need to seek an endorsement from one of the relevant authorised organisations.

Innovator Founder Endorsing Bodies

Please note we cannot provide advice with regard to Innovator Founder visa applications. If you need help applying, we recommend that you contact a regulated immigration adviser or solicitor with expertise in this area.

OISC adviser finder

Find a solicitor

Please note you cannot switch from a Student visa to an Innovator Founder visa until when you have completed your programme of studies (or 12 months of your programme if you are studying a PhD). 

The University of Edinburgh/Edinburgh Innovations are now considered a “Legacy Endorsing Body” for the Innovator Founder route. This means we are allowed to endorse you for the Innovator Founder visa if you currently hold a valid Start-up visa that was also endorsed by us and meet the requirements relevant to this immigration route.

Innovator Founder Eligibility

Edinburgh Innovations will be responsible for assessing whether you meet the business requirements for the Innovator Founder route prior to endorsement. You should not apply in this visa category prior to receiving an endorsement.