The UK government has announced that, from Thursday 26 March, they will implement an emergency brake on certain student and work visa routes for applicants from Afghanistan, Cameroon, Myanmar and Sudan.
Published:
From Thursday 26 March, all new sponsored student visa applications for applicants from Sudan, Afghanistan, Cameroon, and Myanmar will be paused until further notice.
This only includes applications submitted from outside the UK – those submitted from inside the UK are unaffected.
At the time of writing, it does not impact students from any other nation.
Those already studying in the UK are not immediately affected but should consult the International Student Advice Team and the Home Office regarding any upcoming visa applications.
Current students who need to extend their visa during their studies can submit new student visa applications from inside the UK as normal.
Unfortunately, the UK government have confirmed that any students from affected countries who need to make a new student visa application from outside the UK to complete their current programme will not be able to do so until after the brake period ends.
The University recommends that affected students who are considering applying for periods of temporary withdrawal, or who are required to undertake periods of resits, make an appointment with the International Student Advice Team before taking any action.
If an affected student does find themselves unable to return to the UK, the University will help as much as possible to facilitate completion of studies, however it may be necessary for an extended period of temporary withdrawal to be taken if further attendance on campus is required.
Afghan nationals will not be able to apply for skilled worker visas from outside of the UK during the brake period.
Nationals from Cameroon, Myanmar and Sudan are not affected by work visa suspensions at this time.
Students holding Skilled Work visas sponsored by external sponsors should contact their employer regarding any queries or concerns.
We know that this news will be unsettling and confusing for those impacted. We recommend booking an appointment with our International Student Advice Team if you would like to discuss what this means for you, and you can also contact the Centre for Wellbeing for emotional and practical support.
The change is being implemented with a view to reducing the numbers of asylum claims by students from Afghanistan, Cameroon, Myanmar and Sudan.
You can read more about the change on the UK government website.