In a landmark shift that could reshape the future for African entrepreneurs in the UK, international students will now be able to switch to the Innovator Founder visa without leaving the country. The update, confirmed by the UK Home Office, takes effect on 25 November 2025, allowing students who have completed their studies to apply in‑country to launch scalable, high-growth businesses.
This change dismantles a major barrier: previously, students even with a validated business idea were required to return to their home countries to apply for the visa. The reform replaces the discontinued Start‑up visa route and signals a broader commitment from the UK government to retain and cultivate entrepreneurial talent.
Eligibility requirements, as outlined by the Home Office, include securing endorsement from an approved endorsing body, meeting English-language criteria, and maintaining at least £1,270 in personal savings. Once granted, the Innovator Founder visa lasts three years and can be extended indefinitely, with the possibility of applying for settlement after that period.
Crucially, students are now permitted to begin self-employment immediately while their visa application is under review, provided they have the required endorsement. This dramatically reduces friction for young innovators seeking to bootstrap their startups from the university ecosystem.
