• November 19, 2025

From Nov 25 International students can switch to Innovator Founder Visa without leaving UK

LONDON Nov 19: Starting November 25, 2025, international students in the UK will be able to switch to the Innovator Founder visa without exiting the country, the UK government has confirmed. The change allows graduates who have completed their courses to pursue entrepreneurship more smoothly and avoid travel delays previously required to apply for this visa.

This change removes a previous barrier and allows them to become self-employed while their visa application is processed. To qualify, students must complete their course, have a valid Student visa, and obtain an endorsement for their innovative, viable, and scalable business idea from an approved body. Click to Read Full Details About Innovator Founder Visa

The Innovator Founder visa is for individuals planning to establish or run an innovative business in the UK. Applicants must secure endorsement from an approved body, meet English language requirements, be at least 18, and prove they have sufficient personal savings. Those starting a new business must also demonstrate funding sources unless the business was previously endorsed or approved after changes.

To qualify, students must have completed their course, obtain an endorsement from an approved body and show £1,270 in maintenance funds. They no longer need to demonstrate £50,000 in investment capital, following 2024 rule changes. Innovator Founder visas run for three years and offer a route to settlement if milestones are met.

Applicants must show at least £1,270 in personal savings for 28 consecutive days before applying if switching within the UK. The funds cannot come from investment capital or illegal work. The visa allows business operations, limited study, and dependants’ inclusion, with either single or multiple entries based on circumstances.

After three years, applicants can apply for indefinite leave to remain, provided the business is “active, trading and sustainable” and the applicant can show “significant achievements” judged against the business plan.

Click to Read Full Details About Innovator Founder Visa

Click to View Innovator Founder Endorsing Bodies

Key changes for students
In-country switching: Students can now apply to switch to the Innovator Founder route while remaining in the UK, instead of having to leave to re-apply.
Immediate self-employment: Once they have switched, they can immediately start working on their business and are permitted to be self-employed while their application is being processed.
Eligibility:
Must have successfully completed their course of study.
Must hold a valid Student visa at the time of application.
Must obtain an endorsement from an approved body for their innovative, viable, and scalable business idea.
Must meet the maintenance fund requirement of £1,270.
Other related changes
Graduate Route: The duration of the Graduate Route will be reduced to 18 months for applications submitted on or after January 1, 2027 (though PhD graduates will still receive three years).
English language requirements: The English language requirements for some routes will be raised to B2 on January 8, 2026.

Click to View Innovator Founder Endorsing Bodies