The Home Office has confirmed that, from 25 November 2025, graduates can convert directly from a Student visa to the Innovator Founder route without leaving the UK. Previously, applicants had to depart and re-enter—an administrative hurdle that deterred many would-be entrepreneurs.
To qualify, students must have completed their course, obtain an endorsement from an approved body and show £1,270 in maintenance funds. They no longer need to demonstrate £50,000 in investment capital, following 2024 rule changes. Innovator Founder visas run for three years and offer a route to settlement if milestones are met.
![UK Allows International Students to Switch to Innovator Founder Visa In-Country from 25 November 2025]()
The reform coincides with a separate policy that will shorten the Graduate Route to 18 months from 1 January 2027 and raise English-language thresholds to B2 on 8 January 2026. Officials say the combined package will “focus international talent on starting high-growth businesses rather than using the Graduate Route as a gap year.”
Universities UK welcomed the move, noting that start-ups founded by international alumni have raised an estimated £1.8 billion since 2020. However, migration-watch groups warned it could undermine efforts to cut net migration.
For mobility managers the change simplifies post-study options: graduate entrepreneurs can stay in the UK, avoiding costly exit-and-return trips. Companies running accelerator programmes should update recruitment materials and prepare to issue work contracts aligned with Innovator Founder conditions.
To qualify, students must have completed their course, obtain an endorsement from an approved body and show £1,270 in maintenance funds. They no longer need to demonstrate £50,000 in investment capital, following 2024 rule changes. Innovator Founder visas run for three years and offer a route to settlement if milestones are met.
The reform coincides with a separate policy that will shorten the Graduate Route to 18 months from 1 January 2027 and raise English-language thresholds to B2 on 8 January 2026. Officials say the combined package will “focus international talent on starting high-growth businesses rather than using the Graduate Route as a gap year.”
Universities UK welcomed the move, noting that start-ups founded by international alumni have raised an estimated £1.8 billion since 2020. However, migration-watch groups warned it could undermine efforts to cut net migration.
For mobility managers the change simplifies post-study options: graduate entrepreneurs can stay in the UK, avoiding costly exit-and-return trips. Companies running accelerator programmes should update recruitment materials and prepare to issue work contracts aligned with Innovator Founder conditions.
