Visa 'brake' announced on student visas for nationals of Afghanistan, Cameroon, Myanmar and Sudan
The UK Government is introducing a visa brake on the student visa route for certain nationalities. This measure will affect entry clearance (overseas) applications for nationals from Afghanistan, Cameroon, Myanmar and Sudan. UKVI are introducing this measure due to data suggesting a large number of people from these countries entering the UK on a student visa subsequently go on to claim asylum.
The changes will come into force on 26 March 2026. From this point, any new student visa application submitted from outside the UK will be refused, regardless of whether a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) has been previously issued.
The brake only applies to the Student Visa route (as well as the Skilled Worker route for people from Afghanistan). It does not apply to any other visa for the purpose of studying in the UK, including extending your student visa from within the UK. The Home Office have said 'The brake only affects visa applications that are for entry clearance [from overseas]. The brake does not affect current permission to stay, nor does it cancel existing visas. It also does not change the conditions of visas already granted. If you are already in the UK lawfully you may continue to study or work in line with your existing visa conditions. Any future application will be considered under the Immigration Rules in force at the time you apply'. They have also confirmed that nationals from these countries already in the UK are able to switch to another visa route at the end of their current visa (for example, the Graduate Route), provided they meet the relevant eligibility requirements of that visa route at the time of application.
If you have any questions or concerns about this visa brake then please contact ASKUs for more information.
