News & Updates

Important Update: UK Government Introduces Visa Brake for specific nationalities

The Visa Brake applies even if a student already holds a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from a university and affects applications outside the UK only.

If you are a national of one of these countries (Afghanistan, Cameroon, Myanmar, Sudan):

· You may still submit a student visa application before 26 March 2026.

· Overseas applications submitted before this date will be assessed under the immigration rules in place before 26 March 2026.

· Overseas applications submitted on or after 26 March 2026 will be refused, regardless of whether a CAS has already been issued.

If you are a specified national, you will still be affected by the Visa Brake even if you:

· live in another country (e.g., UAE, Turkey, Germany, etc.), or

· submit an application from a visa application centre in another country.

If you already hold a CAS, then we strongly suggest that you submit the visa application as soon as possible.

If you currently hold an offer, and awaiting a CAS then please get in touch with our Admissions Services team to get a CAS as soon as possible to submit the visa application before 26 Mar 2026.

Important:

· This change only affects Student Visa applications made from outside the UK.

· Students who are already in the UK on a valid Student Visa are not affected by this measure.

Applicants who hold dual nationality will not be affected by the Visa Brake, provided you apply using a main nationality that is not included in the affected list. You must still answer the question about any additional nationality truthfully.

These changes have been introduced by the UK Government following concerns about high levels of asylum claims linked to certain visa routes. The decision is based on nationality and applies across all UK universities.

This ban is not permanent and will be reviewed by the government periodically.

We recognise that this will be very disappointing for many genuine students who wish to study in the UK.

If you are affected and have questions about your situation, please contact the University’s Student Visa Advice Service for guidance.

CURRENT WARWICK STUDENTS

What does this mean for students (specified nationals) currently in the UK?

If you are already in the UK on a valid visa, these changes do not affect your current immigration permission.

This means that:

· Your current visa remains valid, and your immigration conditions do not change.

· You can continue your studies in the UK as normal, in line with the conditions of your visa.

· The measure does not cancel existing visas.

Students who are already in the UK may still be able to:

· Apply to extend the Student Visa from within the UK, provided you meet the immigration rules to apply in the UK, for example, to continue your current studies due to resits or progress to a higher-level course; or

· Apply to switch to another visa route from within the UK, if you meet the relevant eligibility requirements of that new visa, at the time of application.

Further information and support

We understand that changes to immigration rules can cause uncertainty. If you have questions about your situation or your future visa options, we recommend contacting the University’s Student Visa Advice Service for guidance.

We will continue to monitor any updates from the UK Government and will share further information with students if the situation changes.