Learn the Innovator Founder visa, in plain English
How endorsement works, the three assessment criteria, and the business plan structure assessors expect. Lessons are designed to be read in order, but you can jump straight to whichever topic you're stuck on.
- Lesson 1· 4 min read
What is the Innovator Founder Visa?
A 3-year UK visa for founders building genuinely innovative businesses — who it's for, how it differs from the old Start-up and Innovator visas, and what it lets you do.
- Lesson 2· 6 min read
The three assessment criteria — Innovation, Viability, Scalability
Every IFV decision turns on these three questions. Plain-English explanation of each, what counts as evidence, and the most common rejection patterns.
- Lesson 3· 5 min read
Endorsing bodies — who they are, what they expect
The three Home Office-approved IFV endorsing bodies (Envestors, UK Endorsing Services, Innovator International), what each focuses on, and how to choose.
- Lesson 4· 6 min read
Your business plan — what assessors actually read
The structure assessors expect, the sections they skim, the sections they read carefully, and where most rejected plans fall apart.
- Lesson 5· 5 min read
Proving innovation — what 'genuinely new' actually means
The single criterion most rejected applications fail. How to articulate innovation, with examples of what counts and what doesn't.
- Lesson 6· 5 min read
The endorsement journey — from application to settlement
Step-by-step path: endorsement application → visa application → 12/24/36-month checkpoints → indefinite leave to remain.
Ready to see where you stand?
Once you've read the basics, submit your profile to our team for a manual expert review.