The Innovator Founder Visa is intended for individuals seeking to establish and manage an innovative, viable, and scalable business in the United Kingdom. Applicants must present a credible business plan and obtain endorsement from a Home Office-approved endorsing body. Should the applicant meet all eligibility requirements and maintain the visa continuously for three years, they may become eligible for indefinite leave to remain (ILR), granting permanent residence in the UK.

How Does the Innovator Founder Visa Lead to Settlement?

Eligibility for ILR via the Innovator Founder Visa requires three years of continuous, lawful residence in the UK under this route. Applicants who successfully demonstrate compliance with all required conditions, including sustained business progress and endorsement, may transition to settled status and subsequently reside and work without immigration restrictions.

What Are the Key Requirements for Indefinite Leave to Remain?

To obtain ILR as an Innovator Founder, applicants must provide evidence of three years of residence in the category, supply a current endorsement letter verifying significant achievement against at least two of the relevant business criteria—such as notable job creation or revenue growth—and demonstrate competence in the English language and success in the Life in the UK Test. The applicant must not have breached immigration law during the qualifying period.

Is a New Endorsement Letter Required for ILR?

A new endorsement letter from an authorised endorsing body is required for the ILR application. This letter must confirm ongoing compliance with business achievement criteria throughout the most recent period of visa permission. The original endorsing body or another eligible organisation may issue this letter, provided that it covers recent business performance as required by law.

What qualifies Job Creation for ILR Purposes?

For ILR under the Innovator Founder Visa, job creation commonly refers to the business generating at least ten full-time equivalent roles for resident workers, with each role being maintained for a minimum of twelve months. Other achievement criteria, such as significant turnover growth or customer base expansion, may also qualify if met in lieu of job creation.

Can the Same Endorsing Body Be Used for ILR?

Applicants can use the same endorsing body as previously, if it remains approved by the Home Office, or may seek endorsement from a different body, so long as it is recognised and can verify the required business achievements for the duration of the most recent visa period.

What Is Meant by Continuous Residence for ILR?

Continuous residence requires the applicant to have lived in the UK for a full three-year period under the Innovator Founder Visa, with absences limited to no more than 180 days in any twelve-month period. Exceeding this threshold or holding another visa during the qualifying period may result in loss of eligibility for ILR.

Can Multiple Innovator Founders from the Same Business Apply for ILR?

Where there are multiple founders of the same business, each founder may apply for ILR provided individual eligibility is satisfied. For achievement criteria such as job creation, the overall business achievement must be subdivided accordingly; for instance, two applicants relying on job creation must collectively demonstrate the creation of twenty qualifying jobs.

What Options Are Available if the ILR Requirement Cannot Be Met?

If the necessary ILR requirements cannot be fulfilled, the applicant may apply to renew their Innovator Founder Visa or consider switching to another category, such as the Skilled Worker route, depending on individual eligibility. Alternatively, it may be possible to update the business plan and secure a new endorsement in order to address deficiencies and continue lawful residence. Where compliance is uncertain or complex, specialist legal advice should be sought.

Obtaining ILR as an Innovator Founder is a complex and highly scrutinised process that demands comprehensive preparation. Every element, from business achievement to compliance with residence and endorsement requirements, must be meticulously documented and evidenced. For these reasons, the support of a professional immigration adviser is invaluable. Applicants needing expert guidance or having any concerns regarding the application process are encouraged to contact us on 020 3865 6219 or leave a message for tailored, professional assistance at any stage of the process.