Indefinite leave to remain if you have an Innovator Founder or Innovator visa
After you apply
You’ll usually get a decision within 6 months. If you paid to use the ‘super priority service’ you’ll get a decision within 2 working days, or within 5 working days if you paid to use the ‘priority service’.
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 Your application will be withdrawn if you do.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’ll 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’ve 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.