LS Legal News Bulletin
UK Innovator Founder Visa: Your Ultimate Guide to Endorsing Bodies
Thursday 20th April 2023
The United Kingdom government has recently introduced the Innovator Founder visa scheme to encourage and attract aspiring entrepreneurs and seasoned business professionals to establish their start-ups in the country.
As per the eligibility criteria for the Innovator Founder visa, candidates are not required to possess a specific amount of investment capital for their proposed business venture. However, they must present an innovative, practical, and scalable business idea and a well-crafted business plan. Additionally, an approved endorsing body should endorse their business proposal, which is a prerequisite for submitting an Innovator Founder visa application.
In this regard, the Home Office has released a comprehensive list of authorised Endorsing Bodies responsible for issuing endorsements to aspiring entrepreneurs for their Innovator Founder visa application.
What is the function of an Innovator Founder Endorsing Body?
An Innovator Founder Endorsing Body is an organisation authorised by the Home Office to evaluate the qualifications of candidates seeking the Innovator Founder visa route.
These designated Endorsing Bodies possess expertise in particular sectors or industries. They are entrusted with evaluating the candidate's business proposal's merit, proficiency, experience, and potential to thrive in the United Kingdom. They play a critical role in determining the credibility and viability of the applicant's business idea or plan.
What Endorsing Bodies have been granted authorisation to endorse Innovator Founder Visa applications?
Below are the approved Endorsing Bodies authorised by the UK government to endorse applications for Innovator Founder visas:
- Envestors Limited
- UK Endorsement Services
- Innovator International
- The Global Entrepreneurs Programme (GEP) (GEP is only eligible to endorse applicants invited to participate in their programme).
Every Endorsing Body has its unique selection criteria for assessing applicants. Our team of business immigration solicitors can guide candidates regarding the distinct requirements of each Endorsing Body and support them in preparing their Innovator Founder visa endorsement application.
What information is included in an Endorsement Letter?
To apply for an Innovator Founder visa, a candidate must provide an endorsement letter issued by an Endorsing Body. The endorsement letter must contain specific information, such as the endorsing body's name, the endorsement reference number, the date of issue (no more than three months before the application date), the applicant's details, and the contact details of a person who can verify the letter's contents to the Home Office if necessary.
The endorsement letter will not be accepted if it has been used in an application submitted more than three months after the issue date, withdrawn by the endorsing body, or if the endorsing body is no longer authorised at the decision date. Additionally, the endorsement letter must confirm that the applicant satisfies either the "new business" or "same business" criteria under the Innovator Founder route, according to the endorsing body's assessment.
The endorsement letter must state that the endorsing body has verified that the applicant meets the Innovator Founder route's rules and guidelines and is considered a fit and proper person to receive the endorsement. Additionally, the endorsing body must have no concerns regarding the legitimacy of the applicant's funding sources or modes of transfer of funds invested in the endorsed business. Furthermore, the endorsing body should have no reason to believe that the applicant or their endorsed business may benefit from illicit or unexplained wealth.
Different criteria apply for endorsement letters to support applications for ILR as an Innovator Founder.
Is endorsement from an Innovator Founder Endorsing Body a guarantee of a successful visa application?
Please note that receiving an endorsement from an Innovator Founder Endorsing Body does not guarantee the approval of your Innovator Founder visa application. The UK Home Office will carefully examine your application to confirm that you meet all the necessary Immigration Rules criteria. The Immigration Rules are very specific about the evidence required to support an Innovator Founder Visa application. If the mandatory evidence is absent, in the incorrect format, or missing crucial details, your Innovator Founder visa application may be denied. To ensure your Innovator Founder Visa application meets the requirements of the Immigration Rules and is presented professionally, our immigration solicitors can assist you.
Can applicants who were previously endorsed under the former Innovator or Start-up visa routes still rely on their endorsement?
The UK Home Office has created a list of 'Legacy Innovator Endorsing Bodies', which comprises organisations authorised to continue supporting endorsed migrants who received their endorsement under the Innovator or Start-up visa routes before 13 April 2023.
If you received your endorsement from a 'Legacy Endorsing Body' before 13 April 2023, you will be allowed to rely on your endorsement and do not need to seek endorsement from one of the currently approved endorsing bodies, provided that your endorsement letter is dated before 13 April 2023.
LS Legal Solicitors' Immigration Team can provide professional support and advice on Innovator Founder visa applications, including the strict requirements for evidence and presentation outlined in the Immigration Rules. Our team of experienced immigration solicitors is available to assist with any questions or concerns you may have regarding the application process. Please do not hesitate to contact us for advice, send us an e-mail, or follow us on social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn to stay updated on the latest immigration news and insights.
