International students in the UK will soon be able to switch to an Innovator Founder visa without leaving the country, following a major update in UK immigration policy. The new rules, effective November 25, 2025, aim to make it easier for foreign students to establish and run innovative businesses while remaining in the UK.
The Innovator Founder visa allows international students to start and operate businesses that are unique and marketable, with endorsement from an approved endorsing body. Applicants must also meet all other eligibility requirements.
Previously, students were required to leave the UK to transition from a Study visa to a startup or entrepreneur visa. The updated policy removes this restriction, enabling students to remain in the country while their applications are processed.
Eligibility Conditions
International students can apply for the Innovator Founder visa if they meet the following conditions:
1. They have applied for permission on the Innovator Founder route.
2. Their application is supported by an endorsement from an approved Innovator Founder endorsing body.
3. The application was submitted while the applicant held permission as a student.
The UK White Paper 2025 emphasized the need for the visa update to support entrepreneurial talent among students studying at UK universities. It aims to allow talented students to seamlessly transition into business founders, contributing to the UK economy.
Shift from Startup Visa
With the new policy, foreigners can no longer apply for a Start-up visa. Instead, the Innovator Founder visa is the recommended route to launch businesses in the UK.
This policy is expected to encourage innovation, promote talent retention, and allow international students to pursue entrepreneurial opportunities without disrupting their studies or residency status.
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