Indefinite leave to remain if you have an Innovator Founder or Innovator visa

Skip contents

After you apply

You鈥檒l usually get a decision within 6 months. If you paid to use the 鈥榮uper priority service鈥� you鈥檒l get a decision within 2 working days, or within 5 working days if you paid to use the 鈥榩riority service鈥�.

Working days are Monday to Friday, not including bank holidays.

You must not travel outside of the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man until you get a decision. Your application will be withdrawn if you do.

You鈥檒l be contacted if your application is complex and will take longer, for example:

  • if your supporting documents need to be verified
  • if you need to attend an interview
  • because of your personal circumstances, for example if you have a criminal conviction

If your application is approved

You can do the following:

  • work
  • run a business
  • study
  • use public services, such as healthcare and schools
  • apply for public funds (benefits) and pensions
  • apply for British citizenship, usually after a minimum of 12 months (as long as you鈥檝e lived in the UK for 5 years)

If you stay outside the UK for 2 years

You can lose your indefinite leave to remain if you stay outside the UK for 2 or more years at a time. You may need to apply before you can return to the UK.