UK rule lets students switch to Innovator Founder Visas
In a major policy update, the United Kingdom has announced that international students will soon be able to switch from a Student Visa to the Innovator Founder Visa without having to leave the country. The rule, set to take effect from 25 November 2025, is designed to strengthen the UK’s appeal as a global hub for innovation and entrepreneurship.
The Innovator Founder Visa allows talented entrepreneurs to launch and scale innovative businesses in the UK. Under the new change, eligible students can apply for this visa from within the UK, eliminating the need for costly and disruptive overseas travel previously required for such transitions.
To qualify, students must have completed their course or, in the case of PhD candidates, completed at least 24 months of study. A key requirement is obtaining an endorsement from an approved endorsing body, which must confirm that the business idea is innovative, viable, and scalable. Applicants must also meet English-language standards and demonstrate credible resources to support their proposed venture.
The updated rules also permit students to engage in self-employment while their Innovator Founder application is being processed, provided they hold valid student permission and possess an endorsing body–supported application.
Once granted, the Innovator Founder Visa is valid for three years, with the option to extend and a pathway to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) if the business continues to demonstrate strong performance.
The move is expected to boost the UK’s startup ecosystem by enabling more international students to convert their academic experience into long-term entrepreneurial opportunities, while supporting the government’s broader strategy to attract global talent and stimulate economic growth.