Foreign News

UK Introduces New Rule Allowing Nigerians to Switch Visa Status Without Leaving the Country

Ayo Marvel Posted on 3 weeks ago 2 min read

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The United Kingdom (UK) has announced a major change in its immigration policy that will benefit thousands of international students, including Nigerians.

Starting November 25, 2025, students in the UK on a valid Study visa can now switch directly to the Innovator Founder visa without having to return to their home countries.

Previously, students were required to leave the UK before applying for this business-focused visa, creating delays and additional costs. The new rule allows foreign students to begin setting up their innovative businesses while their applications are processed, making it easier for them to launch ventures within the country.

The Innovator Founder visa is designed for graduates who want to establish and run a business that is unique and different from existing products or services in the UK market. To qualify, applicants must:

Apply for permission under the Innovator Founder route while holding a valid Study visa;

Obtain endorsement from an approved Innovator Founder endorsing body;

Submit their application before their current visa expires.

The change comes after recommendations in the UK White Paper 2025, which aimed to allow entrepreneurial talent already studying in the UK to transition smoothly into business. With the discontinuation of the Start-up visa, the Innovator Founder visa has now become the primary route for international graduates seeking to establish new businesses.

The policy is expected to boost entrepreneurship among Nigerian students, who make up one of the largest foreign student communities in the UK, and encourage innovative projects across sectors such as technology, healthcare, and creative industries.