UK Ends Study Visas for Four Nations as Canada Remains Open
The United Kingdom has announced it will stop issuing study visas to citizens of Afghanistan, Cameroon, Myanmar, and Sudan. The change, described by the UK Home Office as a “visa brake,” will take effect on March 26.
The decision follows a reported surge in asylum claims made by students from these countries between 2021 and 2025. The move marks the first time the UK has applied a nationality-based restriction to study visas.
In contrast, Canadian authorities continue to accept study permit applications from all nationalities, including those affected by the UK policy.
- UK visa suspension affects nationals of Afghanistan, Cameroon, Myanmar, and Sudan
- Policy begins March 26 following a reported rise in asylum claims
- Canada continues to process study permit applications globally
- International students in Canada can later qualify for permanent residency pathways
- Processing times for study permits vary by country
Policy Overview
The UK Home Office announced the visa suspension on March 4, citing a sharp increase in asylum applications from students of the affected nations once in the UK. The measure is part of a broader border management initiative.
Under the new policy, students from the four countries will no longer be able to apply for study visas in the UK beginning late March. The government has not specified when or whether the suspension will be reviewed.
Canada’s Ongoing Admission Framework
Canada has reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining open access to study permit processing for all eligible applicants. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) continues to issue permits to students worldwide, including those from the four nations affected by the UK policy.
To study in Canada, applicants must receive a Letter of Acceptance from a designated learning institution and, if required, a provincial or territorial attestation letter confirming space allocation. Financial proof covering tuition, living expenses, and transportation is mandatory.
From September 1, 2025, the minimum required living expenses will begin at CAD 22,895 for a single applicant, excluding tuition and travel costs. For studies in Quebec, the baseline requirement is CAD 24,617.
Application Documentation
Applicants must provide identification documents, proof of admission, financial evidence, and medical examination results. Police certificates may also be requested. All documents in languages other than English or French require certified translation.
Study permit applications are generally submitted online through IRCC forms and guides, including IMM 1294 and IMM 5483. The application process involves payment of a CAD 150 permit fee and CAD 85 biometrics fee per person.
Nationals of Afghanistan, Cameroon, Myanmar, and Sudan must submit biometrics if not previously recorded. Where no Visa Application Centre is available locally, applicants can attend a centre in another country.
Processing Times by Country
Study permit processing durations differ by nation. As of March 11, 2026, IRCC reported the following estimated timelines for applications made from affected countries:
| Country | Processing Time |
|---|---|
| Afghanistan | 1 week |
| Cameroon | 7 weeks |
| Myanmar | 4 weeks |
| Sudan | Not available |
IRCC notes that these times are indicative and can fluctuate. Doctoral-level applicants applying online from outside Canada are eligible for expedited processing, typically around two weeks, along with their accompanying family members.
Post-Graduation and Permanent Residence Pathways
International graduates from recognized Canadian institutions can transition from study to work through the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) program. The permit allows graduates to gain Canadian work experience for up to three years, depending on the program length.
Graduates with at least one year of Canadian work experience can later qualify for permanent residency through the Canadian Experience Class under the Express Entry system. Between January 2025 and March 2026, IRCC conducted 19 such selection rounds, issuing nearly 60,000 invitations to apply for permanent residence.
Express Entry candidates can also receive additional points for Canadian education and work experience, improving their ranking within the system. In 2026, Canada has set a target of admitting 109,000 new permanent residents through Express Entry, rising slightly in subsequent years.
Provincial Pathways for International Graduates
In addition to federal programs, provinces such as Manitoba operate separate nomination streams for international graduates through the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP). These programs often favour candidates who completed studies locally and have secured employment offers within the province.
Broader Context
Canada’s continued openness contrasts with recent restrictive visa measures elsewhere. The UK’s suspension, motivated by irregular asylum claim trends, has drawn attention to differing immigration management strategies among major education destinations.
As global demand for international education remains high, visa and permit policies continue to influence where students choose to study. Canada’s immigration strategy continues to emphasize transparency, eligibility consistency, and post-graduation settlement opportunities.
Further updates on international student policy changes and immigration program adjustments are expected as both the UK and Canada refine their respective frameworks for academic migration.