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The United Kingdom is preparing for one of its most consequential immigration shifts in recent years. From 25 November 2025, international students will be able to switch to the Innovator Founder visa without returning to their home countries, a rule that overturns a long-standing requirement and signals a clear change in how Britain wants to hold on to global talent.For years, students who wished to stay on and build a business had to exit the United Kingdom, reapply from abroad, and wait for a fresh decision. British officials now say the updated framework is designed to ensure that promising graduates do not take their ideas, networks, and early-stage ventures elsewhere. Under the new rules, any student on a valid Study visa can apply for the Innovator Founder route from within the country.Below is a detailed explanation of how the visa works, who qualifies, and what the updated process means for future founders.
What the Innovator Founder visa is meant for
The Innovator Founder visa is aimed at individuals who wish to set up and run an innovative business in the United Kingdom. The proposed venture must be different from anything already available in the market, and it must be endorsed by an approved organisation known as an endorsing body.This visa was previously known simply as the Innovator visa, but has since been updated to give founders more flexibility, especially in the early stages of building a company.
Eligibility requirements
Before applying, international students must have their business idea assessed by an endorsing body. If the idea meets the required criteria: innovation, viability, and scalability, the endorsing body will issue an endorsement letter.Applicants must also:
- Meet the English language requirement
- Be at least 18 years old
- Demonstrate that they have sufficient personal savings to support themselves
- Show the source of any funding if they are setting up a new business
If a business is already established and has been endorsed under an earlier visa, or if the applicant has agreed changes with their endorsing body, additional investment funds may not be necessary.
Financial requirements
Applicants need to show they have had at least £1,270 in their bank account for 28 consecutive days before applying or switching to the visa. These funds must not come from investment capital or from earnings generated through illegal work.
English language requirement
Applicants must prove their ability to speak, read, write, and understand English. This is usually demonstrated through an approved test, an academic qualification taught in English, or proof of nationality from an English-speaking country.
Length of stay and extension rules
The Innovator Founder visa allows a stay of up to three years. During this period, applicants must meet their endorsing body at the 12-month and 24-month marks to demonstrate that their business is making progress. If the endorsing body withdraws support, the visa may be curtailed.Holders may extend their stay for another three years. There is no limit to the number of extensions. After completing three years in the United Kingdom on this visa, applicants may also become eligible for settlement, known as indefinite leave to remain.
How the application works
Applications must be submitted online. The process differs slightly depending on whether the applicant is:
- Outside the United Kingdom and applying to enter
- Inside the United Kingdom and extending the visa
- Inside the United Kingdom and switching from a different visa category
Dependants, like partners and children, may join or remain in the UK if they meet eligibility rules.
Processing timelines
Once an applicant has proven their identity and submitted documents:
- Decisions usually take three weeks if applying from outside the United Kingdom
- Decisions usually take eight weeks if applying from inside the United Kingdom
- Faster decisions may be available at an additional cost.
Costs involved
Before applying, it is important to understand the complete range of fees associated with the Innovator Founder visa.
- £1,274 per person when applying from outside the UK
- £1,590 per person when applying from within the UK
- £1,000 for an endorsement from an approved endorsing body
- £500 per check-in meeting with the endorsing body (at least two are required)
- The healthcare surcharge is paid separately
- Biometric enrolment is required but has no additional fee
What visa holders can and cannot do
With an Innovator Founder visa, applicants can:
- Start one or more businesses
- Work for their own business
- Work outside their business if the job requires at least a Level 3 qualification
- Bring their partner and children as dependants
- Travel in and out of the UK
- Apply for settlement after three years if they meet the criteria
They cannot:
- Access most benefits known as public funds
- Work as a professional sportsperson
- A detailed list of conditions is provided once the visa is granted.
What this means for international students
The ability to switch without leaving the country removes one of the most cumbersome elements of the previous system.
It reduces downtime between graduation and venture building, and strengthens the United Kingdom’s attempt to compete for global entrepreneurship talent.For students preparing to launch a company, the updated route offers a more predictable path, one that aligns the end of their education with the beginning of their entrepreneurial ambitions.Please note: Students should verify all fees, requirements, and application details directly with official sources, as rules and costs may change over time.
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