This route replaced the Start-Up and Innovator visa routes.

The Innovator Founder route is for those individuals with an innovative, viable and scalable business idea they have generated, or to which they have significantly contributed. You must have a business plan and have a day-to-day role in carrying out that plan. You must be the sole founder or an instrumental member of the founding team of the business.

Your business idea will require to be endorsed by one of the Home Office's recognised Endorsing Bodies. Under this new route, there is no requirement to show initial capital of £50,000 to invest in the business.

However, the business plan must be realistic and achievable based on your 'available resources' and the endorsing body will need to confirm that there are no concerns over the legitimacy of sources of, or mode of transfer of funds and that there is no reason to believe that you or the endorsed business may be the beneficiary of illicit or otherwise unsatisfactory explained wealth.

To be able to switch from a Student visa to the Innovator Founder visa, you must have

• completed the course already, or
• you must have studies for a PhD for at least 24 months.

This visa would last for a maximum of 3 years initially. Towards the end of this period, you will have the option to apply for an extension for a further three years, or to apply to settle permanently in the UK. This visa would allow you to carry out additional work in the UK for third parties providing the work is at level RQF level 3 or above.

Find out more about the Innovator Founder visa on GOV.UK opens in a new window  

The Graduate visa provides a route for international students who have been awarded their degree to stay in the UK and work (or look for work) at any skill level for two years (or three years for doctoral students). This route is unsponsored, so you don’t need a job offer to apply under this route. You can also work more flexibly and can change jobs during this time.

You do not need to show funds or finance and do not need to demonstrate English language ability when you apply. Applicants under this route must pay the application fee plus the Immigration Health Surcharge.

Find out more about these fees on GOV.UK. opens in a new window  

The route does not count toward settlement, but it is possible to switch from the Graduate visa to another visa, such as the Skilled Worker visa, if you meet the requirements.

Find out more about the Graduate visa on GOV.UK opens in a new window

If you have an employer in Scotland who is willing to sponsor you for an eligible role, you can apply for a Skilled Worker visa. They’ll need to be an approved sponsor opens in a new window to be able to sponsor you.

To be able to switch from a Student visa to a Skilled Worker visa, you must have

• completed your course already, or
• the start date on your certificate of sponsorship must be after your course has finished, or
• you must have studied for a PhD for at least 24 months.

Find out about eligibility (including the required skills level and minimum salary requirements) and how to apply on GOV.UK

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You may be eligible for a Scale-up visa if you have a job offer from a qualifying UK scale-up that is willing to sponsor you, and the role is sponsorable.

To be able to switch from a Student visa to a Scale-up Worker visa, you must have 

• completed your course already, or
• the start date on your certificate of sponsorship must be after your course has finished, or
• you must have studied for a PhD for at least 24 months.

Find out more about the Scale-up visa on GOV.UK opens in a new window  

If you decide to continue studying in Scotland after your initial studies, you need to apply for a new Student visa. There are limits on how long you can remain in Scotland as a student and you must show that your new course represents academic progress.  

See student visa eligibility and how to apply guidance on GOV.UK opens in a new window  

If you want to come to Scotland to study, generally you must first secure a place at a licensed education institution, which can then sponsor you for your visa application. There are a number of additional requirements you must meet in order to get a student visa.  

Find further information on studying in Scotland on Scotland.org opens in a new window  

If you're married to or have a civil, same-sex or unmarried partner who is a British citizen, you may be able to apply for a visa to live and work in Scotland and the UK.

If you are not married or in a civil partnership, then you must have lived together for at least two years.

You'll need to show that:

• Your relationship with your spouse or partner is genuine and continuing.
• You intend to live together for the duration of your stay.
• Your British spouse or partner meets certain financial requirements and has an income of at least £18,600. This amount increases if you have dependent children under 18 who are not British, European Economic Area (EEA) or Swiss citizens.

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The deadline for most people to apply to the EU Settlement Scheme was 30 June 2021. However, there may be some circumstances where you may still be able to submit an application.  

Find out more about the EU Settlement Scheme on GOV.UK opens in a new window