Innovator Founder Visa Requirements Explained: AI-Powered Step-by-Step Guide

Why Innovator Visa Requirements Feel Daunting

You’ve got a brilliant idea. You’re ready to launch in the UK’s vibrant startup scene. But then: Innovator Visa Requirements. Suddenly you’re lost in a maze of documents, endorsement bodies, financial thresholds and legal jargon. Been there. Frustrating, right?

Let’s cut through the noise. This guide will cover every key point you need to nail those Innovator Visa Requirements—no fluff. Plus, we’ll show you how Torly.ai, an AI-powered assistant, turns a headache into a clear, step-by-step road map.

1. What Is the Innovator Founder Visa?

The Innovator Founder visa launched in April 2023. It merged the old Innovator and Start-up routes into one. It’s for entrepreneurs who want to:

• Set up an innovative, viable, scalable business in the UK.
• Lead the company day-to-day.
• Bring fresh ideas to existing market needs.

Before you apply, an approved Endorsing Body (EB) must back your business plan. They’ll check if your project ticks three boxes: innovative, viable, and scalable.

2. Breaking Down the Core Innovator Visa Requirements

You need 70 points to qualify. Here’s how they split:

• 50 points for EB endorsement.
• 10 points for English language (CEFR B2+).
• 10 points for financial requirement (£1,270 held for 28 days).

Beyond points, you must:

• Be 18 or older.
• Not fall under Home Office refusal grounds.
• Provide a TB test certificate, if you’re from a listed country.
• Demonstrate you’re a genuine Innovator Founder.

Quick Checklist

• ✔ Age ≥ 18
• ✔ Endorsement letter from an EB
• ✔ CEFR B2 English test
• ✔ £1,270 in funds for 28 days
• ✔ TB certificate (if applicable)
• ✔ Original, robust business plan

3. Endorsement Criteria: New vs Same Business

Innovator Visa Requirements hinge on whether you’re a first-timer or renewing/extending.

New Business

1. Business Plan
   – You’ve created or significantly contributed to it.
   – You’ll manage it daily.
   – You’ll attend two EB review meetings.

2. Innovative, Viable, Scalable
   – It meets market needs.
   – It’s realistic and achievable.
   – You’ll create jobs in the UK or beyond.

Same Business

1. Previously Endorsed
   – You held Innovator Founder, Start-up or Tier 1 (Graduate Entrepreneur) status.
2. Active & Trading
   – Show growth and sustainability.
3. Management Role
   – You’re still in day-to-day operations.

Note: Endorsing Bodies list on gov.uk. Don’t skip that search.

4. Document Checklist & Timeline

Time kills deals—and visa applications. Here’s your streamlined timeline:

1. Pre-Endorsement (2–4 weeks)
   – Draft business plan.
   – Run a quick eligibility check with Torly.ai.

2. Endorsement Application (4–6 weeks)
   – Submit to EB.
   – Attend virtual or in-person pitch.

3. Visa Submission (3–5 days)
   – Gather TB, proof of funds, English test.
   – Apply online.

4. Decision & Entry (3–8 weeks)
   – Standard decision times.
   – Receive vignette or BRP card.

Document List

• Business plan & EB endorsement letter
• English language certificate
• Bank statements (28-day hold)
• TB test (if needed)
• Passport & photos

5. Traditional Solicitors vs AI-Powered Assistant

Many turn to firms like Carter Thomas Solicitors. They’re strong on legal nuance. Clients praise them for “in-depth knowledge” and a “personalised service.” But:

• They only help after endorsement.
• They can be expensive.
• Slower turnaround—awaiting solicitors’ schedules.

Enter Torly.ai:

• Instant eligibility checker—no waiting for offices to open.
• 24/7 AI support answering your visa queries.
• Tailored business plan feedback before you pitch.
• Average processing time: 48 hours for improvement suggestions.

In short, you go from what on earth to I’m ready in record time.

Explore our features

6. How Torly.ai Simplifies Innovator Visa Requirements

Torly.ai is more than a chatbot. It’s an AI readiness analyst. Here’s what it does:

1. Idea Qualification
   – Checks if your concept is truly innovative.
2. Founder Assessment
   – Reviews your CV, skills, and experience.
3. Gap Identification & Roadmap
   – Pinpoints weak spots in your plan.
   – Offers concrete next steps.

Plus, once your visa is approved, Torly.ai keeps helping:

• Content marketing via Maggie’s AutoBlog—automated blog posts to boost your online presence.
• Compliance reminders for 12 and 24-month EB meetings.
• Predictive adjustments if visa rules change.

Think of Torly.ai as your personal visa Yoda. It learns from every application, getting sharper over time.

7. Pro Tips for Nail­ing Innovator Visa Requirements

• Start your EB search early—some bodies have long waiting lists.
• Craft a genuine business plan. Copy-pasting from templates rarely works.
• Hold more than £1,270—banks sometimes flag edge-case balances.
• Keep communication logs with your EB. It shows commitment.
• Use Torly.ai’s tailored feedback to polish your pitch.

Example: One founder used Torly.ai to tighten her financial projections. Her EB endorsement went through on the first try—no extra tweaks.

8. Next Steps

You’ve got the rundown on Innovator Visa Requirements. You know the documents, the points, the timeline. You even know why traditional solicitors might slow you down. Now it’s your move.

• Ready to see if you qualify?
• Got a half-baked idea that needs sharpening?
• Want a clear plan to wow an Endorsing Body?

Get a personalized demo

Start your Innovator Founder visa journey with confidence. Let AI guide you from idea to UK launch—fast.