International students in the United Kingdom (UK) will now be permitted to transition directly from a student visa to the innovator founder visa, without leaving the country.
The new policy takes effect from November 25, 2025.
This reform aligns with recommendations outlined in the UK White Paper 2025, which advocated for smoother transitions from academic study to entrepreneurial activity for foreign students.
Previously, international graduates were required to leave the UK before applying for this visa.
The new provision removes that barrier, allowing students to remain in the country while their applications are processed.
The initiative is part of the UK government’s broader strategy to retain entrepreneurial talent and bolster its domestic start-up ecosystem
Policy overhaul to foster innovation
The Innovator Founder visa, which replaced the now-defunct Start-up visa, enables foreign nationals to establish and operate innovative businesses in the UK. To qualify, applicants must present a business idea that is both original and commercially viable, and secure endorsement from an approved body.
Under the revised rules, international students may pursue self-employment through the Innovator Founder route if:
They apply for the visa while still holding valid student status.
Their application is backed by an endorsement from a recognised Innovator Founder endorsing body.
All other eligibility conditions are satisfied, including the viability and scalability of the proposed business.
The Innovator Founder visa reform is part of a wider overhaul of UK immigration rules, which also includes the introduction of a unified ‘Part Suitability’ framework for visa refusals and updates across work, study, and family visa categories.
The changes reflect a growing global trend of countries seeking to attract and retain skilled migrants, particularly those with entrepreneurial potential.
Similar initiatives have recently been launched in Australia and the United States, targeting graduates and tech professionals.