International students in the United Kingdom, including thousands of Nigerians, will soon be able to switch directly from a Study visa to the Innovator Founder visa without returning home, following a major review of the country’s immigration rules.
The new policy takes effect on November 25, 2025, and marks a significant departure from previous regulations that required applicants to leave the UK before applying for the business-focused visa category.
Under the updated rules, students with a valid Study visa can now transition to the Innovator Founder route from within the UK, enabling them to begin setting up their businesses while their applications are being processed. This shift is expected to ease barriers faced by foreign students seeking to establish innovative ventures in the country.
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The Innovator Founder visa allows holders to create and operate an innovative business that is distinct from existing products or services in the UK market. To qualify, applicants must present a viable business idea endorsed by a recognised Innovator Founder endorsing body and meet all other eligibility criteria.
The policy update follows recommendations from the UK White Paper 2025, which advocated a comprehensive review of the Innovator Founder route to help retain entrepreneurial talent already studying in the UK. With the discontinuation of the Start-up visa, the Innovator Founder visa now becomes the primary pathway for foreign nationals looking to launch new businesses in the country.
However, students must meet specific conditions before engaging in business activities. A student may only be self-employed under the Innovator Founder visa if:
- They have applied for permission under the Innovator Founder route;
- Their application includes an endorsement from an approved endorsing body;
The application was submitted while they still held a valid Student visa.
The new policy is expected to encourage more entrepreneurship among international students — particularly Nigerians, who make up one of the largest foreign student groups in the UK.