“As of April 13, 2023, the UK Start-up Visa route is no longer open to new applicants. Those who already held a valid Start-up endorsement before this date had until July 13, 2023, to apply for their visa under this route” 

The Innovator Founder Visa and the Start-up Visa are two distinct immigration routes offered by the UK for individuals looking to establish innovative businesses. 

The Start-up Visa, introduced on 29th March 2019, was aimed at new entrepreneurs starting their first UK business and was granted for 2 years with no requirement for initial capital. However, the Start-Up visa route will no longer accept new applications after 13 July 2023. 

On the other hand, the Innovator Founder Visa is aimed at individuals with considerable business experience and requires a minimum investment of £50,000 in the business. Innovators are eligible for permanent residence, known as Indefinite Leave to Remain, in 3 years, and for citizenship after 6 years from the initial entry to the United Kingdom. Time spent in the UK under the Innovator Founder Visa route can be used to count towards the indefinite leave to remain after 3 years, making it a more favourable route to settlement compared to the Start-up Visa.