The United Kingdom has announced a major policy shift that will allow Nigerian students and other international students to switch from a Student Visa to the Innovator Founder Visa starting November 25, 2025.
This update marks a significant relaxation of previous rules that required applicants to leave the UK before applying for the business-focused visa.
Under the new policy, eligible students who have viable, innovative, and scalable business ideas can transition seamlessly into the Innovator Founder route without leaving the country.
The visa will enable young entrepreneurs to start businesses, access funding opportunities, and remain in the UK while building their ventures.
Migration experts say this policy is expected to attract more entrepreneurial talent from Nigeria, encourage innovation, and create a clearer pathway for students who want to establish themselves professionally after graduation.
Many Nigerian students in the UK have welcomed the development, describing it as a “game changer” that removes unnecessary barriers and reduces the financial burden of switching visas from abroad.