United Kingdom ends study visas for students from Myanmar, Afghanistan, Cameroon and Sudan
Change
United Kingdom ended study visas for nationals of Afghanistan, Cameroon, Myanmar and Sudan and suspended work visas for Afghan nationals under an ‘emergency brake’ after student asylum claims rose more than 470% between 2021 and 2025.
Why it matters
The change closes a common legal route used to enter the United Kingdom and then lodge asylum claims, making lawful entry options for those four nationalities substantially narrower. It also removes an employment-based migration pathway for Afghan nationals, forcing sponsors and officials to rework admissions and visa-processing procedures.
Implications
- • UK visa application centres must refuse and stop processing study visa applications from nationals of Afghanistan, Cameroon, Myanmar and Sudan.
- • UK universities' international admissions and sponsorship offices must suspend new student sponsorships that rely on UK study visas for applicants from the four named countries.
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