Eligibility
From the Graduate visa to Innovator Founder: planning the switch
I followed a similar path myself: I studied in the UK, then moved onto a founder route. The Graduate visa gives you time and freedom to work on an idea. Used well, it is the best preparation period you will get.
Updated · 3 min read
Check the switching rules first
Whether and when you can switch, and from inside the UK, is set by the official rules. Check the current position on gov.uk and with a regulated immigration adviser before you plan your timeline. This guide covers the business side only.
Use the Graduate period to build evidence
- Talk to potential customers and record what they say
- Collect letters of intent, pilot agreements or early sales
- Build a simple prototype or first version if your idea involves technology
- Work out your costs and how you will fund the first year
Leave enough time
Preparing a strong case — idea, evidence, business plan, endorsement application and interview — usually takes months, not weeks. Founders who start late often submit a weaker plan because the deadline forces them to.
Show you are the right founder
Recent graduates sometimes worry they lack experience. Your degree, projects, part-time work and the evidence you gather can all show why you are the right person to build this business. Make that link clear.
Common questions
- Can I start a business on a Graduate visa?
- The Graduate visa generally allows self-employment, but check the current rules on gov.uk. Many founders use it to test an idea before applying for the Innovator Founder visa.
- When should I start preparing?
- As early as possible. Building evidence of demand and a strong business plan takes several months.
- Do I need work experience to apply?
- There is no fixed experience requirement, but the endorsing body will ask why you are the right person to run this business, so your background needs to fit it.
New to the route? Start with the complete Innovator Founder visa guide.