There’s a significant update for international students in the UK 🇬🇧, from 25 November 2025, international students will be able to switch to the Innovator Founder Visa from inside the UK, immediately after completing their studies.
This removes the previous requirement to leave the country to apply, making the transition into entrepreneurship far more practical and accessible for those who are ready to start building a business as soon as their academic journey ends.
The Innovator Founder Visa is one of the UK’s main business immigration routes and is specifically designed for individuals with a genuine entrepreneurial idea.
To qualify, your business concept must be innovative (something new or significantly different from what already exists), viable (you must have the skills, knowledge, and background to run it), and scalable (the potential for growth, job creation, or expansion into new markets).
Unlike previous schemes, you no longer need a specific minimum investment amount, but you must secure an endorsement from an approved endorsing body.
These bodies assess your business idea in depth, require a detailed business plan, and expect clear evidence of how the venture will operate and grow. They also continue to monitor your progress through mandatory “check in” meetings during the visa period.
The visa is granted for three years, is extendable, and importantly, the time spent on it counts toward Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). Many founders may be eligible to apply for settlement after three years if they meet the required business milestones, these typically include demonstrating strong business activity, job creation, market growth, or investment traction.
You must also remain actively involved in the day to day operations of the company, as passive ownership is not permitted under this route.
A major benefit of the Innovator Founder Visa is that your partner and children can join you in the UK or continue staying with you as your dependants. This offers stability and certainty for families while you focus on building and expanding your business.
Dependants are also permitted to work and study in the UK, which adds even more flexibility to this pathway.
For students considering this route, preparation is essential. Endorsements can take time, and the approval process is highly competitive.
A strong application requires a well-researched business plan, an understanding of your target market, a clear financial model, and evidence of how your idea meets the innovation and scalability criteria.
Starting early ideally during your studies, will give you the best chance of success. Begin shaping your concept, gathering evidence, and exploring potential endorsing bodies as soon as possible.
The more thorough and organised you are, the stronger your application will be when you are ready to switch.
@Amaka Damaris Onuoha