James ObasiUK to Allow Nigerians, Other Foreign Students Switch to Innovator Founder Visa Without Leaving the Country
International students in the United Kingdom including thousands of Nigerians will soon be able to switch directly to the Innovator Founder visa from within the country, following major reforms to the UK’s immigration rules.
The new policy, which takes effect on November 25, 2025, marks a significant departure from the previous system that required students to return to their home countries before applying for the business-focused visa.
Under the updated rules, students holding a valid Study visa can transition to the Innovator Founder route without leaving the UK, enabling them to begin building their businesses while their applications are processed. This added flexibility removes a key obstacle for foreign students looking to launch innovative ventures in the country.
The Innovator Founder visa allows eligible graduates to establish and run an innovative business offering products or services not currently available in the market. To qualify, applicants must present a viable business proposal endorsed by an approved Innovator Founder endorsing body and meet all other eligibility criteria.
The changes follow recommendations in the 2025 UK White Paper, which called for a review of the Innovator Founder route to ensure entrepreneurial talent already studying in the UK can transition smoothly into business creation and long-term careers.
With the Start-up visa now discontinued, the Innovator Founder visa becomes the primary pathway for foreign nationals seeking to establish new businesses in the UK.
However, students must meet specific conditions before engaging in business activities. A student can be self-employed under the Innovator Founder route only if:
- They have applied for permission under the visa,
- Their application includes an endorsement from an approved body, and
- The application was submitted while they still held valid Student visa status.
The policy shift is expected to stimulate entrepreneurship among international students particularly Nigerians, who make up one of the largest foreign student groups in the UK.
