From 25 November 2025, students will be permitted to be self-employed where they have completed their course and are switching to the Innovator Founder visa route.
The change replicates a similar provision under the old Start-Up visa route but is welcome news for student entrepreneurs looking to establish a business in the UK. From November, students may be self-employed while an Innovator Founder visa application is pending provided they have obtained an endorsement from an approved body.
Importantly, students interested in switching to the Innovator Founder visa route must still have completed their course unless they are at least 24 months into a PhD programme.
The Innovator Founder visa route was introduced in April 2023 and replaced the old Innovator and Start-Up routes. The Innovator Founder visa is designed for entrepreneurs looking to build an innovative, viable and scalable business in the UK and currently provides an accelerated route to settlement within three years if certain targets are met.
To qualify, applicants must first secure an endorsement from a Home Office-approved endorsing body who will evaluate the business plan.
The endorsement process costs are more affordable and transparent than previously, where applicants were often required to join expensive accelerator programmes. Endorsing bodies now charge £1,000 to assess business plans for the initial visa. If successful, there are two mandatory contact point meetings during the three years at a cost of £500 each.
For advice and assistance with your Innovator Founder endorsement and visa application, contact our experienced Business and Skilled Immigration team.