UK to Allow International Students to Switch Directly to Innovator Founder Visa

From 25 November 2025, international students in the UK will be able to move directly from a Study visa to the Innovator Founder visa without leaving the country.

The Innovator Founder visa, which replaced the Start-up visa, allows foreign nationals to establish and run businesses that are innovative and commercially viable. Applicants must obtain endorsement from an approved body that evaluates the originality and market potential of the proposed venture, and meet the general eligibility criteria for the visa.

Previously, students who wished to pursue entrepreneurship were required to leave the UK before applying for the Innovator Founder visa. The new regulations remove this requirement, enabling graduates to remain in the country while their applications are processed. This change is intended to make it easier for international students to transition from study to business ownership.

The reform follows recommendations from the UK White Paper 2025, which called for a review of the Innovator Founder visa to better support international students with entrepreneurial ambitions. The government aims to retain skilled graduates and encourage them to contribute to the UK’s innovation-driven economy.

The new pathway includes safeguards. Students can only operate as self-employed under the Innovator Founder visa if they have formally applied for the route, obtained endorsement from a recognised body, and submitted their application while still holding a valid student status. These measures ensure that only serious candidates pursue the scheme.