The United Kingdom (UK) government has announced a major update to its immigration rules, allowing international students on a Student visa to switch directly to the Innovator Founder visa from 25 November 2025 without having to leave the country.
Previously, students were required to return home before applying for this business-focused visa. Under the updated rules, individuals with a valid Study visa can now transition to the Innovator Founder route from within the UK, allowing them to establish their businesses while their applications are being processed. This change removes a significant barrier for foreign students hoping to launch innovative ventures.
The Innovator Founder visa allows international graduates to establish and run a business that is distinctive and innovative, offering products or services not currently available in the market.
Applicants must present a viable business idea endorsed by an approved Innovator Founder endorsing body and meet all other eligibility requirements.
The policy update follows recommendations in the UK White Paper 2025, which suggested reviewing the Innovator Founder visa to allow entrepreneurial talent already studying in the UK to seamlessly transition into building careers and businesses.
With the Start-up visa discontinued, the Innovator Founder visa now serves as the main route for foreigners seeking to establish new businesses in the country.
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International students can only begin business activities under the Innovator Founder visa if they:
- Have applied for permission under the Innovator Founder route;
- Have their application endorsed by an approved body; and
- Submitted the application while still holding valid Student visa status.
The new policy is expected to boost entrepreneurship among international students, particularly Nigerians, who make up one of the largest foreign student communities in the UK.
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