Graduate route stay reduced from 2027Higher English requirements for skilled routesStarting November 25, 2025, international students in the UK will be able to switch to the Innovator Founder visa without exiting the country, the UK government has confirmed. The change allows graduates who have completed their courses to pursue entrepreneurship more smoothly and avoid travel delays previously required to apply for this visa.The Innovator Founder visa is for individuals planning to establish or run an innovative business in the UK. Applicants must secure endorsement from an approved body, meet English language requirements , be at least 18, and prove they have sufficient personal savings. The visa allows business operations, limited study, and dependants’ inclusion, with either single or multiple entries based on circumstances.Alongside the Innovator Founder update, the UK will reduce the Graduate Route stay period from two years to 18 months for applications submitted from January 1, 2027. Applicants must carefully prepare documents, financial evidence, and endorsements to meet the new requirements.
