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 to their home countries. The change follows a major update to the UK’s immigration rules.
The revised policy, which takes effect on 25 November 2025, eliminates the long-standing requirement for applicants to exit the UK before applying for the business-focused visa route. Under the new rules, holders of a valid Study visa can now transition to the Innovator Founder category from within the UK, enabling them to begin developing their business ventures while their applications are under consideration.
The policy shift is expected to reduce barriers for foreign students hoping to establish innovative businesses in the UK.
The Innovator Founder visa allows applicants to create and run an innovative enterprise that differs from existing products or services in the country. To qualify, individuals must present a viable business plan endorsed by an approved Innovator Founder endorsing body, along with meeting all other eligibility criteria.
The updated rules align with recommendations from the UK White Paper 2025, which proposed reforms aimed at retaining entrepreneurial talent already studying in UK institutions. With the discontinuation of the Start-up visa, the Innovator Founder visa now serves as the primary route for foreign nationals intending to launch new businesses in Britain.
However, students can only engage in self-employment under the Innovator Founder route if they have applied for permission under the category, obtained an endorsement from a recognized body, and submitted their application while still holding a valid Study visa.
The development is expected to boost entrepreneurial activity among international students, particularly Nigerians, who make up one of the largest foreign student groups in the UK.
