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Posted on 19 Mar '26
UK ‘Visa Brake’: What This Means For You
The UK Government has announced that from Thursday 26 March 2026, students from Afghanistan, Cameroon, Myanmar and Sudan will no longer be granted study visas. Applicants from Afghanistan will also not be granted skilled workers visas.
We understand this can seem a bit scary, so here’s everything you need to know about these changes.
When do these changes take effect?
These changes will take effect from 12:01 am on Thursday 26 March 2026.
If you apply after this cut-off, your application will automatically be refused (even if you have a valid CAS).
If you apply before this cut-off, your application will be processed as normal. You still have to meet all the eligibility requirements for a student visa including a valid CAS, English language requirements and proof of funds.
Which visa routes are affected?
The visa brake only applies to student visas (for Afghanistan, Cameroon, Myanmar and Sudan nationals) and skilled workers visas (for Afghanistan nationals).
If you’re applying for any other eligible UK visa, your application will be processed as normal.
Does this affect any existing visas?
No! If you’ve already been granted a visa, even if it is a student or skilled workers visa, it remains valid until it’s expiry date.
Can I apply for a Graduate Route visa if I’m already a student?
Yes! You can still apply for any extensions or another visa route (which is what the Graduate Route would be) as long as the application is made from within the UK.
How long is this ‘brake’ for?
For now, the UK Government hasn’t announced an end date. But it is important to remember that this change is not permanent.
We’ll keep you updated with any new developments. You can also sign up to our newsletter, so you get the news straight to your inbox.
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