On 5 March 2026, Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood announced an emergency suspension of student visa applications for nationals of Afghanistan, Cameroon, Myanmar, and Sudan. The measure, described as a "visa brake," took effect on 26 March 2026.
Rationale
The government cited a 470 percent increase in asylum claims from students holding visas from these four countries since 2021. The visa brake is a new enforcement mechanism allowing the Home Office to temporarily suspend specific visa routes from countries where significant abuse patterns are identified.
Who Is Affected?
Any national of Afghanistan, Cameroon, Myanmar, or Sudan who submits a new Student visa application after 26 March 2026 will have their application automatically refused. This applies to applications made both within and outside the UK.
Students from these countries who already hold valid Student visas are not affected and can continue their studies. Those who submitted applications before 26 March will have their applications processed normally.
Dual Nationals
The guidance indicates that the brake applies based on nationality. Dual nationals — for example, those holding Sudanese and British citizenship — are not restricted when applying on their British passport. However, individual circumstances vary and specialist immigration advice is recommended.
Alternatives
Affected students should seek specialist immigration advice promptly. In some cases, alternative visa routes or deferrals may be possible. Universities have been advised to contact affected offer-holders to discuss options.
