Big news for international graduates in the UK: starting 25 November 2025, you can switch from a Student visa (or Graduate route) directly to the Innovator Founder visa without having to leave the country. This is a game-changer for student founders who dream of building their startups in the UK.
What Exactly Has Changed?
The UK government updated its immigration rules to allow in-country switching for students who have completed their studies. Previously, many had to return home to apply for entrepreneurial visas, but that changes in November.
This is part of a larger effort to retain global entrepreneurial talent and make it easier for graduates to scale their business ideas in the UK.
What You Can Do as a Student
- Apply from inside the UK: No more visa runs or returning to your home country just to change your status.
- Start building your business as soon as possible: If your Innovator Founder visa application has been processed and approved, you can legally begin working as an entrepreneur.
- Self-employment permitted (after application): This replicates a provision that existed under the previous Start-up visa.
What Are the Requirements?
To switch, you’ll need to:
- Secure endorsement from a UK-approved body. Your business must be innovative, viable, and scalable.
- Prove English proficiency (minimum CEFR B2).
- Show maintenance funds: at least £1,270 in personal savings for 28 days (unless exempt).
- Be actively involved in the business: you should have a key day-to-day role in running it.
- There’s no strict £50,000 cash investment anymore, but you’ll need to demonstrate sufficient funding or business plan credibility.
What Happens After You Switch
- You’ll be granted a 3-year Innovator Founder visa initially.
- If your business grows and meets the criteria, you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after 3 years.
- You’ll likely face 12- and 24-month checkpoint assessments from your endorsing body to track business progress.
Why This Is a Huge Opportunity for Student Founders
- No “exit hurdle”: You don’t need to leave the UK to apply.
- Faster entrepreneur route: You get a 3-year visa with a clear pathway to settlement.
- Real autonomy: You can legally run your own business while transitioning.
- Access to top-tier UK support: Mentorship, investors, and endorsing bodies are more accessible than ever.
Conclusion
This is more than just an immigration update; it’s an opportunity for international students to build their future in the UK with minimal disruption.
If you’re a student with a startup idea and want to take advantage of this route:
📩 DM us “FOUNDER” on WhatsApp: https://wa.me/+447387220911
Or fill out this short form to get started:
👉 https://intarelscholars.com/new-intake/
🎓 Let Intarel Scholars guide you through your Innovator Founder visa journey—from endorsement to settlement.