Work / Immigration visa · Senegal to United Kingdom

Innovator Founder Visa

Embassy required

Processing time
3 weeks
Fee
£1,274 to £1,590
Validity
3 years
Entry
Multiple entry

Replaced Tier 1 Entrepreneur visa. Requires endorsement from approved UK body. Must have innovative, viable, scalable business idea. Can lead to settlement. Immigration Health Surcharge £1,035/year applies. Additional endorsing body fees £1,000-£15,000.

Eligibility

  • Purpose of visit

    Establishing or running innovative business in UK. Business must be endorsed as innovative, viable, and scalable.

    Includes
    • Start or run innovative business
  • Financial

    Must have £1,270 maintenance funds if applying from outside UK or in UK less than 12 months

    Minimum funds: £1,270

Documents you need

  • Passport

    Blank pages required: 1; Validity months: 0

  • Proof of funds

    Accepted forms: Bank statements for 28 consecutive days; Minimum amount: £1,270

  • Application form

    Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.

    Form name: Innovator Founder Visa Application; Form url: https://www.gov.uk/innovator-founder-visa

  • Language proficiency

    Accepted tests: IELTS for UKVI or other approved SELT; Minimum score: B2 CEFR

  • Sponsorship certificate

    Certificate name: Endorsement letter; Sponsor type: Approved endorsing body

  • Business plan

    Provide a business plan showing the activity, funding, market and expected costs.

    Minimum investment: No fixed minimum (varies by endorsing body); Must include financials: Yes

  • Health surcharge

    Amount: £1,035 per year; Applicant category: Main applicant and dependants

  • Endorsement letter

    Endorsement type: Innovator Founder endorsement confirming innovative, viable, and scalable business; Endorsing body: UK-approved endorsing body (e.g., Tech Nation, Innovator International)

How to apply

  1. Document gathering

    Develop business plan and apply to endorsing body for endorsement

  2. Online application

    Apply online with endorsement letter reference

  3. Fee payment

    Pay £1,274 (outside UK) or £1,590 (inside UK) plus £1,035/year IHS. Endorsing body fees £1,000-£15,000 separate.

  4. Biometrics

    Provide biometric information

  5. Processing wait

    Wait for decision

Sign in to apply
This information is general guidance only and can change frequently. Always verify with the official embassy or consulate before making travel plans. Contact [email protected] for help.

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