Exciting news for international students planning to build a business in the UK! The UK government has announced major changes that will benefit students on a Study Visa.

Switch to Innovator Founder Visa Without Leaving the UK

Effective from November 25, 2025, students on a Study Visa will be able to switch to the Innovator Founder visa from inside the UK. This new rule allows students to apply while staying in the UK and even start working on their business idea during the application process.

What is the Innovator Founder Visa?

The Innovator Founder visa is designed for foreign nationals who want to set up and run an innovative business in the UK. To qualify, the business idea must meet the following criteria:
– Be innovative and different from anything currently in the market
– Be viable and scalable with a clear plan for growth
– Be endorsed by an approved UK endorsing body
To be eligible for the UK Innovator Founder Visa, you’ll need to meet the following criteria:

– Age: You must be at least 18 years old.
– Business Idea: Your business must be new, innovative, viable, and scalable.
* Endorsement: You’ll need endorsement from a UK-approved endorsing body.
– English Language: You’ll need to demonstrate proficiency in English, typically at CEFR B2 level or higher.
– Financial Requirements: You’ll need to show you have at least £1,270 in your bank account for 28 consecutive days before applying

Additionally, you’ll need to provide evidence of your business plan, including market research, financial projections, and growth strategy.

Key Benefits:

– Stay in the UK while switching visas
– Begin building your business immediately
– No need to travel back home to submit your application

Important Note:

The UK has closed the Start-up visa route, so new applicants must now choose the Innovator Founder Visa to launch a business in the UK.