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Nov. 17, 2025
International students in the UK can switch to Innovator Founder visa
International students in the UK will be able to transition directly from their student visa onto the Innovator Founder visa route without returning home if they meet the necessary eligibility criteria.
The Innovator Founder visa is for people aged 18+ who want to set up a unique business with the potential to expand and provide jobs. Successful applicants will need approval from an endorsing body, as well as £1,270 in savings. The visa lasts for three years and has the potential to be extended and lead onto settled status.
International students in the UK who have an endorsed business proposal will be able to switch to an Innovator Founder visa to start and run their own innovative business without leaving the country.
Foreign students can apply if they plan to establish and run a business in the UK that is innovative and distinct from existing offerings in the market under the Innovator Founder visa. The proposed business must demonstrate strong growth potential, the ability to create jobs, and prospects for expanding into national and international markets.
Approved applicants will have to meet with their endorsing body at the 12-month and 24-month marks after starting their business to demonstrate its ongoing progress.
This new pathway replaces the now-closed Start-up visa route and was first proposed in a government White Paper published in May.
Find out more about the Innovator Founder visa.
Looking for funding for postgraduate studies? Check out the exclusive bursaries on offer from Postgrad Solutions.
Content added on 17th November 2025.
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