The United Kingdom will now allow international students, including thousands of Nigerians, to switch directly from a Study visa to the Innovator Founder visa without leaving the country, a significant departure from previous rules.
Under the updated policy, effective November 25, 2025, students with a valid Study visa can transition to the Innovator Founder route from within the UK, enabling them to begin setting up their businesses while their applications are processed. This change is expected to ease barriers faced by foreign students seeking to establish innovative ventures in the country.
The Innovator Founder visa allows holders to create and operate businesses that offer innovative products or services distinct from existing offerings in the UK market.
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To qualify, applicants must present a viable business idea endorsed by a recognised Innovator Founder endorsing body and meet all other eligibility criteria.
This policy update follows recommendations from the UK White Paper 2025, which called for a comprehensive review of the Innovator Founder route to retain entrepreneurial talent already studying in the UK. With the discontinuation of the Start-up visa, the Innovator Founder visa now serves as the primary pathway for foreign nationals aiming to launch new businesses.
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.
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The new policy is expected to encourage more entrepreneurship among international students, particularly Nigerians, who constitute one of the largest foreign student groups in the UK. Experts say the reform could strengthen the UK’s innovation ecosystem while providing foreign students with greater opportunities to turn their business ideas into reality.
Esther Ososanya is an investigative journalist with Pinnacle Daily, reporting across health, business, environment, metro, Fct and crime. Known for her bold, empathetic storytelling, she uncovers hidden truths, challenges broken systems, and gives voice to overlooked Nigerians. Her work drives national conversations and demands accountability one powerful story at a time.
