The Innovator Visa UK route closed to new applicants on 13 April 2023 and was replaced by the Innovator Founder Visa. However, existing Innovator Visa holders can still extend their visas and apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) through the accelerated 3-year settlement route. This guide provides essential guidance for current holders navigating extensions, ILR requirements, and the pathway to British citizenship, while explaining your options if you're a new entrepreneur looking to start a business in the UK.
Innovator Visa UK Guidance 2026: Route Status & Options
The Innovator Visa UK was introduced on 29 March 2019 as the replacement for the Tier 1 Entrepreneur route. It required a £50,000 minimum investment and endorsement from an approved body to establish an innovative, viable, and scalable business. The route offered one of the fastest paths to settlement in the UK, with ILR available after just 3 years.
What Happened to the Innovator Visa?
The Innovator Visa closed to new applicants on 13 April 2023 and was replaced by the Innovator Founder Visa. Existing Innovator Visa holders can still extend their visas through legacy endorsing bodies and apply for ILR after completing 3 years of continuous residence. The 3-year settlement pathway is protected from the proposed "earned settlement" changes.
The Innovator Visa was replaced by the Innovator Founder Visa as part of the Home Office's streamlining of entrepreneur visa routes. The key differences include the removal of the £50,000 minimum investment requirement and changes to endorsement criteria.
Innovator Visa Extension Requirements for Existing Holders
If you currently hold an Innovator Visa, you can still extend your permission to stay in the UK. Extensions are granted for 3 years at a time, and there is no limit on the number of times you can extend. However, you must obtain fresh endorsement from a legacy endorsing body that previously supported Innovator Visa applicants.
Can I Still Extend My Innovator Visa in 2026?
Yes, existing Innovator Visa holders can extend their permission through legacy endorsing bodies. You must demonstrate that your business remains active, trading, and sustainable, and that you continue to play an active role in its day-to-day management. The extension fee is £1,590 for in-country applications (2026 rate).
Legacy endorsing bodies from the previous Innovator and Start-up schemes can continue supporting founders they previously endorsed. However, they cannot endorse new ventures under the closed Innovator route. If your original endorsing body no longer operates, you may need to transfer to another legacy body that can review your "same business" application.
- Fresh endorsement: From your legacy endorsing body confirming continued eligibility
- Active business: Evidence your business is trading and financially sustainable
- Active role: Demonstrate your ongoing involvement in business management
- Maintenance funds: £1,270 held for 28 consecutive days (waived if in UK 12+ months)
- Contact point meetings: Evidence of attendance at required 12 and 24-month reviews
Innovator Visa Fees 2026
For the latest UK visa fees, check our comprehensive fee guide. Note that fees typically increase each April.
Innovator Visa to ILR: 3-Year Settlement Route
One of the most attractive features of the Innovator Visa is the accelerated 3-year path to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). This remains available to existing holders and is protected from the proposed "earned settlement" changes that would extend most other routes to 10 years.
What Are the ILR Requirements for Innovator Visa Holders?
Innovator Visa holders can apply for ILR after 3 years of continuous residence. You must obtain an endorsement letter confirming your business has achieved significant achievements in at least two categories: investment growth, job creation, revenue increase, product development, market expansion, or securing follow-on funding.
To qualify for settlement, your business must demonstrate measurable success. The endorsing body will assess whether your venture has met the growth criteria originally outlined in your business plan and whether you have made a material contribution to the UK economy.
- 3 years continuous residence: Max 180 days absence per 12-month period
- Endorsement for settlement: Letter confirming business achievements (2+ criteria)
- Life in the UK test: Passed within 12 months before application
- English language: CEFR B1 level or higher
- No criminal convictions: Meeting good character requirements
- Valid passport: Current travel document
Business Achievement Criteria for ILR
Your endorsing body must confirm you have achieved significant success in at least two of the following categories:
- Investment growth: At least £50,000 additional investment into the business from third parties or personal funds
- Job creation: Created at least 10 full-time jobs for settled workers
- Revenue generation: Generated at least £1 million in annual revenue in the last financial year
- Product/service development: Developed significant new products, services, or processes registered with UK intellectual property protections
- Market expansion: Generated at least £500,000 annual revenue from overseas customer base
- Follow-on funding: Secured venture capital or equity funding of at least £5 million
For detailed information on ILR processing times and the application process, see our comprehensive settlement guide.
How Long After ILR Can You Apply for Citizenship?
You can apply for British citizenship through naturalisation 12 months after receiving ILR. During this period, you must not have spent more than 90 days outside the UK, and you must meet good character requirements and pass the Life in the UK test (if not already completed for ILR).
The path from Innovator Visa to British citizenship can be completed in as little as 4 years: 3 years to ILR plus 12 months before citizenship eligibility. This makes it one of the fastest routes to British nationality for entrepreneurs. The continuous residence requirements must be met throughout.
UK Innovator Visa Success Rate: Historical Data
Understanding the Innovator Visa success rate provides valuable context for existing holders assessing their extension and ILR prospects, as well as for those considering the successor Innovator Founder route.
What Was the Innovator Visa Success Rate?
Over its operational period from 2019-2023, the Innovator Visa had an overall success rate of approximately 83%. Early years showed lower approval rates (around 45% in 2020), but this improved significantly as applicants better understood the stringent requirements for innovation, viability, and scalability.
The relatively high refusal rate in earlier years was attributed to applicants submitting underdeveloped business plans, insufficient evidence of innovation compared to existing competitors, and failure to demonstrate scalability. The successor Innovator Founder Visa has maintained strong approval rates of approximately 86%.
Transition to Innovator Founder Visa
For new entrepreneurs and existing Innovator Visa holders considering their options, the Innovator Founder Visa offers several advantages over the closed Innovator route.
Key Differences: Innovator vs Innovator Founder
Existing Innovator Visa holders can choose to continue on their current visa (extending through legacy endorsing bodies) or switch to the Innovator Founder route if they meet the new criteria. The "same business" provisions allow founders to continue their existing venture under the new route if they obtain endorsement from an approved Innovator Founder endorsing body.
- Innovator Visa closed to new applicants on 13 April 2023
- Existing holders can still extend and apply for ILR (3-year route protected)
- ILR requires endorsement confirming 2+ business achievement criteria met
- British citizenship available 12 months after ILR grant
- New entrepreneurs should apply for the Innovator Founder Visa instead
For official guidance on the Innovator visa requirements, visit the Immigration Rules Appendix Innovator.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Innovator Visa UK still available in 2026?
No, the Innovator Visa closed to new applicants on 13 April 2023 and was replaced by the Innovator Founder Visa. However, existing Innovator Visa holders can still extend their permission and apply for ILR through legacy endorsing bodies. New entrepreneurs wishing to start businesses in the UK should apply for the Innovator Founder Visa.
Can I still extend my Innovator Visa?
Yes, existing Innovator Visa holders can extend for another 3 years. You must obtain fresh endorsement from a legacy endorsing body confirming your business is active, trading, and sustainable, and that you continue to play an active management role. The extension fee is £1,590 (2026 rate) plus the Immigration Health Surcharge.
How long after ILR can I apply for British citizenship?
You can apply for British citizenship through naturalisation 12 months after receiving ILR. During this year, you must not spend more than 90 days outside the UK. The total journey from Innovator Visa to citizenship can be completed in as little as 4 years (3 years to ILR + 12 months to citizenship eligibility).
What is the Innovator Visa ILR processing time?
Standard ILR processing for Innovator Visa holders takes approximately 6 months. Priority service (£500 extra) aims for a decision within 5 working days, and Super Priority (£1,000 extra) aims for next working day. The ILR application fee is £3,029 per person (2026 rate).
What was the UK Innovator Visa success rate?
Over its operational period (2019-2023), the Innovator Visa had an overall success rate of approximately 83%, with 1,512 visas granted from 1,814 applications. Early years had lower success rates (around 45%) due to applicants submitting underdeveloped business plans. The successor Innovator Founder Visa maintains a similar success rate of around 86%.
Can I switch from Innovator Visa to Innovator Founder?
Yes, Innovator Visa holders can switch to the Innovator Founder Visa. You can continue with the same business under the "same business" provisions if you obtain endorsement from an approved Innovator Founder endorsing body. This may be beneficial if your original endorsing body no longer operates or if you want to take advantage of the new route's flexibility, such as permission for secondary employment.
Will the 10-year ILR changes affect Innovator Visa holders?
No, the proposed "earned settlement" changes that would extend ILR qualifying periods to 10 years for most routes are not expected to affect Innovator Visa or Innovator Founder holders. The 3-year settlement pathway is specifically protected under the proposals, recognising the exceptional contribution these entrepreneurs make to the UK economy and innovation ecosystem.
What happens if my endorsing body has closed down?
If your original endorsing body no longer operates, you can seek endorsement from another legacy endorsing body that supports "same business" applications for existing Innovator Visa holders. Alternatively, you may switch to the Innovator Founder route by obtaining endorsement from one of the four currently approved endorsing bodies: Envestors Limited, UK Endorsing Services, Innovator International, or the Global Entrepreneurs Programme.