From 25 November 2025, overseas graduates in the United Kingdom will be able to transition directly from a Student visa to the Innovator Founder route, thanks to Home Office rule changes published this week. Until now, budding entrepreneurs had to return to their home country, apply afresh and wait for a decision—often losing momentum and UK market access.
The Innovator Founder visa, introduced last year, allows holders to establish businesses deemed innovative, viable and scalable by an approved endorsing body. It grants an initial three-year stay, is extendable indefinitely and can lead to settlement. The new in-country switch therefore offers Indian graduates a seamless bridge from academia to entrepreneurship, complementing the two-year Graduate Route and the High Potential Individual visa.
![UK to let international students—including Indians—switch to Innovator Founder visa without leaving the country]()
Financial thresholds remain modest (£1,270 maintenance funds) and no minimum investment capital is mandated if the start-up passes endorsement. However, applicants must budget for endorsement fees (£1,000) and periodic check-ins. They may work outside their venture only in roles at RQF Level 3 or above.
Universities with large Indian cohorts—such as Coventry, Sheffield and Newcastle—are already gearing up with incubator partnerships to help students draft endorsement-ready business plans. Immigration advisers say employers should review policies: staff on Student or Graduate visas who spin out ventures may now remain in the UK without disrupting assignments or requiring costly ICT transfers.
For India’s start-up ecosystem the change opens a fresh channel: alumni can scale UK-registered entities while retaining Indian operations, easing cross-border expansion in fintech, AI and climate tech.
The Innovator Founder visa, introduced last year, allows holders to establish businesses deemed innovative, viable and scalable by an approved endorsing body. It grants an initial three-year stay, is extendable indefinitely and can lead to settlement. The new in-country switch therefore offers Indian graduates a seamless bridge from academia to entrepreneurship, complementing the two-year Graduate Route and the High Potential Individual visa.
Financial thresholds remain modest (£1,270 maintenance funds) and no minimum investment capital is mandated if the start-up passes endorsement. However, applicants must budget for endorsement fees (£1,000) and periodic check-ins. They may work outside their venture only in roles at RQF Level 3 or above.
Universities with large Indian cohorts—such as Coventry, Sheffield and Newcastle—are already gearing up with incubator partnerships to help students draft endorsement-ready business plans. Immigration advisers say employers should review policies: staff on Student or Graduate visas who spin out ventures may now remain in the UK without disrupting assignments or requiring costly ICT transfers.
For India’s start-up ecosystem the change opens a fresh channel: alumni can scale UK-registered entities while retaining Indian operations, easing cross-border expansion in fintech, AI and climate tech.
