The innovator founder visa is the UK’s premier immigration route for experienced entrepreneurs with innovative, viable, and scalable business ideas. It began operation in April 2023 and replaced two predecessor categories: the Innovator and Start-up visas. It provides a seamless path for international founders to establish their businesses in the United Kingdom.

Complete Timeline Overview

Generally speaking, the whole UK Innovator Visa application process, from start to finish, can take approximately 4 to 7 months. Here is what you may expect:

Phase 1: Pre-Application Preparation (4-8 Weeks)

Business Plan Development

For applying to the United Kingdom innovator founder visa, a detailed business plan is required, showing:

• Innovation – Your firm should be offering something truly different from what already exists in the UK market
• Viability – It must be realistic and achievable, based on one’s competence and the resources available
• Scalability – The potential for the creation of jobs or to expand nationally and internationally

This is the most important stage, and it should not be rushed. You should at least dedicate one to two months to researching and coming up with a well-articulated business plan supported by market analysis and financial projections.

Document Collection

Documents required at this stage are as follows:

• Valid passport or travel document
• Bank statements showing that at least £1,270 has been held for 28 consecutive days
• Certificate of English, CEFR Level B2 or higher
• Tuberculosis test results, if applicable, depending on country of origin
• Evidence of academic qualifications and professional experience

Phase 2: Endorsement Process (4-8 Weeks)

Choosing an Endorsing Body

The innovative founder visa application has to be endorsed by an endorsing body approved by the Home Office. A list of approved organisations for 2024 includes:

• Envestors Limited
• The Entrepreneurs Network
• Innovator International
• Global Entrepreneurs Programme (GEP) – invitation only

Each endorsing body has its sector focuses and assessment criteria.

Phase 3: Home Office Visa Application (3–8 Weeks)

Submitting the Application Online

On the strength of this endorsement letter, you may proceed with the formal application for an Innovator founder visa through the online portal of the UK government.

Required Documents

• Endorsement letter from approved body
• Valid passport
• Bank statements reflecting maintenance funds
• Evidence of English language qualification
• Results of tuberculosis test, if applicable
• Certified translations for all non-English documents

Biometric Appointment

You will also need to give biometric information: scans of fingerprints and a photo. If you are applying online, this is usually done at a visa application centre if you are applying from outside the UK. You may be eligible to use the UK Immigration: ID Check app instead of going to an application centre.

Processing Times

Standard processing times for the UK innovator visa:

• Outside the UK: Approximately 3 weeks
• Inside the UK (switching or extending): About 8 weeks

Priority Services Available

You can also pay extra fees for faster processing:

• Priority Service: Decision within 5 working days – £500
• Super Priority Service: Decision by next working day – £1,000

Note: Priority services are available based on your location and application type.

Phase 4: Decision and Visa Issuance

If your application is approved, you will receive:

• Digital immigration status (eVisa) confirming your permission
• Permission to stay in the UK for up to 3 years
• The right to work for your business and to take on additional skilled employment

When Processing May Take Longer

Processing may extend in cases where:

• Further documentation verification is required
• You are asked to attend an interview
• Your case requires additional scrutiny

Total Timeline Breakdown by Stage

Application Fees and Charges

Sponsorship Costs

• Initial endorsement fee: £1,000
• Compulsory contact point meetings: £500 per meeting (2 required over the visa period)

Visa Application Fees

• From outside UK: £1,274 per person
• Inside UK (switching/extending): £1,590 per head

Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)

• £1,035 per year (paid for 3 years = £3,105 total)

Additional Costs

• English language test: £150–200
• Document translation: Variable
• Priority processing: £500–£1,000 (optional)

Estimated Total Cost: £5,500–£7,000 (Main Applicant, excluding priority services)

Timeline and Requirements Post-Approval

First 3 Years on the Visa

Contact Point Meetings

You must attend at least two mandatory check-in meetings with your endorsing body:

• First meeting: About 12 months from visa grant
• Second meeting: About 24 months after the visa grant

These meetings review your business performance and whether you’re meeting your endorsed objectives. Failure to attend can lead to withdrawal of your endorsement and visa curtailment.

Timeline for Extension (Beyond Initial 3 Years)

• Application Window: Apply before the expiration date of your current visa.
• Processing Time: About 8 weeks

Requirements

• Ongoing support from your nominating organization
• Evidence of business progress
• Meeting financial requirements

There is no limit to how many times you can extend the UK Innovator Founder Visa if you continue meeting the requirements.

Settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain) Timeline

Eligibility After 3 Years

This visa offers an accelerated pathway to settlement. You can apply for ILR after just 3 years, provided you meet the required criteria.

Requirements (Meet at Least 2)

1. Invested at least £50,000 in the business
2. Created at least 10 full-time jobs for UK/settled workers for at least 12 months
3. Created at least 5 full-time jobs, each paying at least £25,000
4. The business generated £1 million per year
5. The company showed significant research and development activity

ILR Application Timeline

• Application Fee: £3,029 per applicant
• Processing time: Up to 6 months
• Residency: No more than 180 days outside the UK per year

Timeline for British Citizenship

Once you have held ILR for 12 months, you may apply for British citizenship.
This means you can potentially become a UK citizen in approximately 4 years from the initial visa grant.

Tips for Minimizing Timeline Delays

Common Timeline Extensions and Delays

Delays in the Endorsement Stage

Home Office Delays

Dependants Timeline

If you’re bringing family members, their applications are processed at the same time.

Eligible Dependants

Additional Costs per Dependant

Dependent Settlement Timeline

Conclusion

The Innovator Founder Visa application timeline in the UK requires careful planning and patience. From preparation to approval, the process spans 4 to 7 months. Success strongly depends on thorough preparation, choosing the right endorsing body, and submitting complete and accurate documentation.

By understanding every stage and allowing buffer time for delays, you can better plan your entrepreneurial journey to the United Kingdom. Among visa options, the Innovator Founder Visa offers one of the fastest routes to settlement, allowing ILR in just 3 years and potential British citizenship in 4 years.