Innovator Founder Visa to ILR (Indefinite Leave to Remain)
The Innovator Founder route is for overseas nationals who come to the UK to establish a business based on an innovative, viable, and scalable idea. After living in the UK for 3 years on this visa, an Innovator Founder can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), also known as a permanent residence or settlement.
Requirements
To qualify for ILR under the Innovator Founder visa, the applicant must:
Residency: Have spent at least 3 years in the UK with permission as an Innovator Founder visa holder.
Continuous residence: Not have spent more than 180 days outside the UK in any 12-month period during these 3 years.
Compliance with the UK immigration laws: Not be in breach of immigration laws or on immigration bail.
Knowledge of Life in the UK: Meet the Knowledge of Life in the UK requirement (unless exempt due to age or disability).
Endorsement: Have an endorsement letter from an endorsing body, dated within 3 months of application.
Endorsement Letter Criteria
The endorsement letter must confirm:
Significant Business Achievement: Significant progress according to the business plan.
Registration: The business is registered with Companies House, and you are a director or member.
Activity and Trading: The business is active and trading.
Sustainability: The business is sustainable for at least the next 12 months.
Active Role: You play a key role in daily management and development.
Business Success: The business meets at least two of the following:
£50,000 investment spent on the business.
Customer numbers doubled in three years and exceed the average for similar UK businesses.
Significant R&D and intellectual property applications.
Annual gross revenue of £1 million or more.
Annual gross revenue of £500,000 with at least £100,000 from exports.
Creation of 10 or more full-time jobs for settled workers.
Creation of 5 or more full-time jobs with an average salary of £25,000. Additional criteria that may be fulfilled:
Job Creation: Jobs must exist for at least 12 months, comply with the National Minimum Wage Act and Working Time Regulations, and involve at least 30 hours of paid work per week (part-time jobs can be combined).
Required Documents
Applicant must be in the UK to apply.
Applicant is required to provide Biometric information (fingerprints, passport pictures)
BRP and any other National Identity Cards
Endorsement letter specifying investment and achievements.
Additional documents depending on the criteria you were relying on for endorsement and confirmation of your business achievements (e.g., contracts, bank statements).
Medical History: NHS records
Travel history: Document your travel history for the entire duration of your most recent visa.
Life in the UK test
Proof of English Language
How to Apply
Applications must be made online, and applicants should not wait until their current visa expires. They can apply up to 28 days before becoming eligible for ILR. Applications submitted more than 28 days before eligibility may be refused.
Processing Time
Applicants will typically receive a decision within 6 months of submitting their application or attending a biometric appointment. Applicants must not travel outside the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands, or the Isle of Man during this period.
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