What English level do you need for the UK Innovator Founder visa?

Instead of a test, gov.uk accepts a GCSE, A level, Scottish National Qualification level 4 or 5, or Scottish Higher or Advanced Higher in English from a UK school you began before age 18; a degree taught in English and awarded by a UK institution; or a degree taught in English outside the UK, with an Ecctis code confirming it is equivalent to a UK bachelor's degree or higher.

Gov.uk adds that if you have already proved your English in a previous successful visa application, you may not have to prove it again. Nationals of Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, the Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, the British overseas territories, Canada, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, Malta, New Zealand, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago and the USA are exempt (gov.uk).

English is one requirement alongside the business tests. The Innovator Founder overview says your business idea must be new, innovative, viable and scalable, and endorsed by an approved endorsing body. You can stay for 3 years, extend for another 3 years with no limit on extensions, and may be able to settle after 3 years.

Rules change, sometimes at short notice. Confirm the current requirement on the gov.uk Innovator Founder page before you book a test or apply. This guide restates the official page; it is not legal or immigration advice.