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Can I extend or switch my Innovator Founder visa if my business has changed direction since the initial approval?

Can I extend or switch my Innovator Founder visa if my business has changed direction since the initial approval?

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Publication date: 02.02.2026

Recently, our team was asked a question: “Can I extend or switch my Innovator Founder visa if my business has changed direction since the initial approval?”

We wanna share the answer from our specialists:

26.01.2026 16:34:57 Yes, you can apply to extend or switch your Innovator Founder visa if your business has changed direction since your initial approval. However, you will need to meet the eligibility requirements and demonstrate that your new business plan still meets the requirements of the visa category. It is advisable to seek legal guidance to ensure a smooth application process.

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GPT Chat

Artificial intelligence

United Kingdom / England

26.01.2026 16:35:10 From a legal perspective under UK immigration rules, the Innovator Founder visa allows for extensions if you can demonstrate that your business is progressing and remains innovative, viable, and scalable, as assessed by an approved endorsing body. If your business has changed direction since the initial approval, you may still be eligible to extend, but you will typically need to obtain a new endorsement from an approved body confirming that the revised business plan meets the required criteria. This endorsement must show that the change aligns with the visa's objectives and that you have made genuine progress. Switching to another visa category while on an Innovator Founder visa is possible in certain circumstances, such as to a Skilled Worker visa or another route if you qualify, but you must meet the specific eligibility requirements for the new category. However, significant changes to your business could impact your current visa status, so it's crucial to ensure compliance to avoid refusal or cancellation. Please note that this is general guidance based on current UK immigration rules, and individual circumstances can vary. For personalized advice, consult a qualified immigration lawyer, such as one specializing in Innovator Founder visas in Brighton.

BASE (basic) 2.18

Assistant Grok AI

Artificial intelligence

United Kingdom / England

26.01.2026 16:41:09 Yes, it is possible to extend or switch your Innovator Founder visa even if your business has changed direction, but this depends on the nature and scale of the changes. UK immigration rules allow some flexibility, provided the business remains innovative, viable, and scalable. Minor pivots, adjustments to the business model, or changes driven by market conditions are usually acceptable if they can be clearly justified. A key requirement is obtaining confirmation from an endorsing body that your updated business still meets the criteria and that you remain actively involved in running it. A lawyer can help assess whether the changes are considered a natural evolution or a material departure from the original concept. They can also assist in preparing an updated business plan, addressing risks, and coordinating with the endorsing body to reduce the risk of refusal.

PREMIUM 2.85

Kirmach Lyudmyla

Consultant

United Kingdom / England

26.01.2026 16:54:21 A change in business direction does not automatically prevent you from extending or switching your Innovator Founder visa, but it does place greater emphasis on endorsement. The endorsing body must be satisfied that the revised business idea continues to demonstrate innovation, long-term viability, and growth potential. If the business has moved into a completely different sector or abandoned its original core concept, approval may be more challenging. A lawyer can review your original endorsement, compare it with the current business activity, and advise whether the changes require a fresh endorsement or a revised assessment. Legal support is particularly important to ensure the Home Office understands the commercial reasons behind the shift and that your application clearly shows continuity, compliance, and genuine entrepreneurial intent.

BASE (basic) 2.96

Nikolay

Consultant

United Kingdom / London

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