UK LATEST TRAVEL UPDATE
THIS IS GOOD NEWS FOR STUDENTS IN UK AND PEOPLE WHO INTEND TO GO AND STUDY IN UK.
Starting November 25, 2025, international students on a valid Student visa, including those from Nigeria and other countries, can apply to switch directly to the Innovator Founder visa from within the UK, without needing to leave the country and reapply from abroad.
▪︎ This change eliminates a major previous barrier that often forced graduates to return home, disrupting their plans and incurring extra costs.
▪︎ The policy aims to retain entrepreneurial talent who have studied in the UK, allowing them to launch innovative businesses and contribute to the economy.
▪︎ For Nigerian students, who form one of the largest groups of international applicants (over 50,000 annually), this opens a practical pathway to stay, build startups, and potentially settle long-term.
📍What is the Innovator Founder Visa?
▪︎ The Innovator Founder visa replaced the Start-up visa in 2023 and is designed for experienced entrepreneurs to set up and run an innovative business in the UK.
▪︎ Unlike the old routes, it no longer requires a minimum £50,000 investment; instead, it focuses on the quality of your business idea.
📍Key Takeaways:
▪︎ Path to Settlement (ILR): The visa offers a direct path to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after just three years of demonstrated business success (e.g., job creation or revenue growth).
▪︎ Duration & Work Rights: An initial grant of up to 3 years (renewable), providing full freedom to work in the endorsed business.
▪︎ Endorsement is Crucial: Applicants must secure an endorsement letter from an approved UK body, verifying that the business idea is Innovative, Viable, and Scalable. This process can take weeks and has a fee (~£1,000).
▪︎ Student Switching Condition: Applicants must hold a valid Student Visa, have completed their course, and meet financial proof (£1,270 in savings).
▪︎ New Benefit: Students can now legally start self-employment/business setup immediately after submitting their endorsed application, even while the Student Visa is still valid and the application is being processed.
▪︎ Costs: The total initial cost for a single applicant (application fee, endorsement fee, and 3 years of Immigration Health Surcharge) is typically over £4,000.
▪︎ Significance: This is considered a “game-changer” for entrepreneurial students, offering a stable post-study route amid tightening UK immigration rules.
In conclusion, this is not for lazy students, its for students who have something to offer and can prove it. It is also a good news for those who intend to extend their stay in UK after graduating in UK.