Just over a month ago, I created a YouTube video exploring the policy flaws of the UK’s Innovator Founder visa. This article is essentially a reflection of the same video, highlighting three fundamental policy flaws surrounding the Innovator Founder visa requirements. 

*Please note that this content is merely a reflection of my personal opinion and evaluation and does not constitute immigration advice in any shape or form. If you are seeking immigration advice, please refer to OISC to find a registered immigration advisor/solicitor.*

According to the UK Government’s website, the Innovator Founder visa allows international entrepreneurs to set up businesses in the UK. Full details of the visa rules can be found HERE. 

The purpose of this article, however, is not to outline the general information about this visa. I have written this blog post to:

–Highlight the flaws that other founders may resonate with;

–To draw the attention of policymakers towards the anticipated flaws of the Innovator Founder visa and how it may potentially harm the UK in the short and long term

So, let’s explore the flaws of the Innovator Founder visa policy.

The low number of Innovator Founder visa endorsing bodies 

This is perhaps the major weakness of the Innovator Founder visa policy. 

This is especially the case when one takes a comparative evaluation between this visa path and its predecessor, the Innovator visa. 

There are currently 3 endorsing bodies overseeing all applications made under the Innovator Founder visa pathway. This excludes the Global Entrepreneurs Programme (GEP) which is administered by the Department for Business and Trade.

The aforementioned is in contrast to over 20 endorsing bodies that had the authority to issue endorsements for the former Innovator visa. Moreover, the previous endorsing bodies included well-established and reputable accelerators such as Founders Factory.

To summarise the key issues in relation to the number of endorsing bodies:

• Three endorsing bodies are unlikely to have the expertise to oversee ALL the endorsement applications by founders operating within various sectors, especially with emerging sectors such as AI, blockchain and robotics. 

• A higher number of endorsing bodies means more sector-specific expertise, a direct contrast to the current low number of endorsing bodies

High endorsement & visa fees 

Another major issue which may discourage many prospective applicants is the high visa fees associated with this visa pathway. 

Let’s look at the initial costs associated with the Innovator Founder visa (and these are for single applicants only):

• Endorsement assessment fee: £1000 + VAT. It is notable that this is for your idea to be assessed by the endorsing body, and it is non-refundable regardless of the outcome
• Visa application fee: £1,191 or £1486
• NHS Health Surcharge: subjective, check here. 

As you see, you are paying a minimum of £3000 to simply make an application under this visa pathway. 

By setting such high fees, the UK Government has failed to consider the long-term economic contribution of international entrepreneurs to the UK. 

Not applicable to all

The Innovator Founder visa is likely to not be applicable to every single founder. And the manner in which this is evident is through the three key business idea requirements, which are:

• Innovation 
• Viability 
• Scalability 

Whilst on the surface, the abovestated factors may seem appropriate, they are not practical in action. 

For instance, the viability requirement may only be evident once a business actually begins trading. Yet, this visa is also aimed at entrepreneurs who wish to “set up” their business in the UK.

Another instance where the lack of applicability of this visa path is reflected is the removal of the former Startup and Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur visas. These visa routes were specifically aimed at founders who were to set up their business in the UK. Personally, I underwent the Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur route myself under the endorsement of Newcastle University. 

Currently, the Innovator Founder visa is a mashup of all founders, from all backgrounds and regardless of their business nature/stage. 

Final notes 

Entrepreneurship is fundamentally unpredictable and involves a core element of risk. Combining this with stringent and unfeasible immigration requirements does not provide an optimal outcome for any stakeholder. Moreover, it will only serve to weaken the UK’s global position as an entrepreneurial hub. 

I appreciate that policymakers ought to ensure that genuine and innovative migrants move to the UK. Nevertheless, policies should be drafted in such a manner that involves a thorough comprehension of entrepreneurship and also mitigates the risk between the government and international entrepreneurs. 

Need help with the Innovator Founder visa?

I am the UK’s #1 & leading business consultant for international entrepreneurs. Whilst I do not provide immigration advice, I am able to assist in multiple areas such as drafting your Innovator Founder visa business plan. 

For a full overview of my services, please refer to my homepage here. 

About | My name is Sohrab Vazir. I’m a UK-based entrepreneur and business consultant. At the age of 22, and while I was an international student (graduate), I started my own Property Technology (PropTech) business, StudyFlats. I did so by obtaining an endorsement from Newcastle University under the Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur Scheme (similar to the current Start-Up Visa). Subsequently, I obtained a further 3-year Tier 1 Entrepreneur Visa (replaced by the Innovator Visa). I grew my business to over 30 UK cities, and a team of four, and also obtained my Indefinite Leave to Remain (Settlement) in the UK. I now help other migrant entrepreneurs, such as myself, with their businesses, and mainly with obtaining endorsements from the endorsing bodies.