Start-up Visa ReplacedBy Innovator Founder
Entrepreneur visa guidance with 98%+ success rate. Start-up closed July 2023. Innovator Founder is BETTER with direct settlement.
Start-up Visa (2 years, no investment, no settlement) no longer accepts applications. Use Innovator Founder (3 years, £50k waivable, ILR in 3 years) - direct path to settlement!
*Success rates based on properly prepared cases. UKVI makes final decisions on all applications.
Free Entrepreneur Visa Assessment
Start-up replacement advice • Same-day callback
Start-up Visa Closed July 13, 2023
The UK Start-up Visa route was CLOSED to new applications on July 13, 2023. It has been replaced by the Innovator Founder Visa which actually offers BETTER benefits: 3-year settlement path (vs no settlement on Start-up), can extend, and direct route to ILR.
Start-up Visa vs Innovator Founder Comparison
Innovator Founder offers superior benefits compared to the old Start-up route.
Start-up Visa
✓ 2 years only (could not extend)
✓ £0 investment required
✓ For first-time entrepreneurs
✓ Endorsement required
✗ NO path to settlement
✗ Had to switch to Innovator after 2 years
✗ Route closed
Innovator Founder Visa
✓ 3 years (extendable 3 more = 6 years total)
✓ £50k investment (CAN BE WAIVED if funded!)
✓ For experienced AND first-time entrepreneurs
✓ Endorsement required (same process)
✓ DIRECT path to ILR after 3 years
✓ No need to switch routes
✓ Active now - better benefits!
Why Innovator Founder Is BETTER Than Start-up
✓ Settlement path: ILR after 3 years (Start-up had NO settlement)
✓ Longer duration: 3 years vs 2 years (50% more time)
✓ Can extend: 3+3 years total (Start-up couldn't extend at all)
✓ Investment waivable: £50k can be waived with funding (many pay £0)
✓ No route switching: Direct settlement vs Start-up requiring switch to Innovator
The old Start-up route was a stepping stone. Innovator Founder is the complete solution - from launch to citizenship in one route!
Frequently Asked Questions
Questions about the closed Start-up Visa and its replacement, Innovator Founder.
Speak to Entrepreneur Immigration Expert
Get expert advice on Innovator Founder (Start-up replacement), endorsement, and settlement planning.
Call 0121 271 0499Free consultation • Same-day callback • First-timers welcome
Free Business Plan Review
Get your business plan reviewed for Innovator Founder endorsement requirements.
Completely confidential • No obligation • Expert reviewed
98%+ Success Rate for Innovator Founder (Start-up Replacement)
Since Start-up closed in July 2023, we've helped over 2,850 first-time and experienced entrepreneurs successfully transition to Innovator Founder Visas with Loading... requirements. Better route with faster settlement and investment waivers available.
What Our Clients Say
Don't just take our word for it. See what thousands of satisfied clients say about our immigration services.
How We Compare to National Average
Value for Money
Would Recommend to Friend
Satisfied With Outcome
"Start-up visa secured with our tech accelerator endorsement."
"Business plan refined in two iterations and approved straight away."
"I transitioned from Start-up to Innovator with their roadmap."
Outstanding Client Satisfaction – 4.7/5 Rating
Trusted by clients worldwide with 251 verified Google reviews. BSB-regulated immigration specialists helping thousands achieve their UK visa goals.
Google Maps - 4.7 Rating with 251 Google reviews →Dated: 04 April 2025
Meet the Specialists Behind Your Success
Our experienced team of immigration professionals is dedicated to helping you navigate the UK visa process with confidence.
Ian Henery
Solicitor
Malik Ansar
Immigration Consultant
Saima Kauser
Head of Administration
Alybah Fatima
Admin
Mohamed Mohamed
Immigration Case Worker
Safwan Shah
Legal Assistant
Musa Babal
Immigration Consultant
With decades of combined experience, our team has successfully helped thousands of families reunite in the UK.
Our Offices
Nationwide coverage via our offices plus secure remote representation worldwide
Get In Touch Today
Ready to start your UK visa journey? Contact our expert team for personalized guidance and professional representation.
How to Reach Us
Email Enquiry
info@ukmigrationsolicitors.co.uk
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Facing detention, deportation, or time-sensitive deadlines? Call us immediately for priority assistance.
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