Visa brake for four countries.

Visa brake for four countries 

The UK Government has introduced a ‘visa brake’, placing a restriction on Student visa applications made from outside the UK by nationals of Afghanistan, Cameroon, Myanmar and Sudan. This measure has been introduced due to a high number of asylum claims made by students of these nationalities after arriving in the UK. 

From 26 March 2026, any Student visa application submitted from outside the UK by nationals of these countries will be refused, regardless of the country from which it is submitted. As a result, the University will not be able to issue a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) to applicants from these countries to support a Student visa application. 

The visa brake does not affect:	Dual nationals who hold a passport from another country not affected by the visa brake and apply using that nationality.
	Individuals already in the UK who meet the eligibility requirements to apply for a Student visa from within the UK. For example, switching from Dependant to Student visa.   Applicants applying under other visa routes, except for the Skilled Worker route for nationals of Afghanistan.
	Current students in the UK whose existing Student visas remain valid, applying for a visa extension to complete the same course, or applying for a new period of Student visa for a further course at a higher level.
	Dependants of eligible visa holders, who may still apply from overseas if they meet the requirements of the main visa holder’s category and their application is not affected by the visa brake.

 

The visa brake has been described as a temporary measure, and the Government has indicated that it will be kept under review, with an expected review period of around 18 months. 

If you have any questions, you can attend one of our immigration drop-in sessions to speak with an immigration adviser.