New Visa Brake Introduced by UK Government

Visa Brake to Impact Four Countries and Two Visa Routes

The new visa brake will apply to Student Visa applications made from outside the UK by nationals of Afghanistan, Cameroon, Myanmar and Sudan. It will also apply to Skilled Worker Visa applications from nationals of Afghanistan made from outside the UK.

All applications submitted after 12:01am on 26th March 2026 will be subjected to the new restrictions.

Even if you have already been issued a valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) or a valid Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) if you apply after the 26th March 2026, your application will not be approved.

What Is A Visa Brake?

A visa brake allows the government to restrict applications from certain nationalities and automatically reject their applications. The brake will only apply to applications made from outside the UK and are often used in circumstances where there is concern that issuing visas will lead to an increase in asylum claims in the long run.

Between 2021 and 2025, the number of asylum applications by students from Afghanistan, Cameroon, Myanmar and Sudan increased by 470 per cent.

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood explained: “Britain will always provide refuge to people fleeing war and persecution, but our visa system must not be abused.   

“That is why I am taking the unprecedented decision to refuse visas for those nationals seeking to exploit our generosity.”

I Already Have a Visa, What Does the Visa Brake Mean for Me?

Visa brakes are not applied retrospectively so if you have already been issued a visa and you come from a nation that is now subject to restrictions, your permission to stay in the UK will not be revoked.

You are also permitted to apply to extend your visa or switch to another immigration route from within the UK as long as you meet the requirements.

The visa brake will only be a concern if you apply for a restricted visa route from outside the UK and after the introduction of the brake.

When Will the Visa Brake End?

There is not a set time for a visa brake to remain in place, and the government does not need to provide an end date. It is expected the Home Office will continue to review the restrictions on a regular basis.

How Can IAS Help?

If you are currently thinking of applying for a Student or Skilled Worker Visa then you may wish to submit your application as soon as possible in case further visa brakes are introduced over the coming months.

IAS can help with document checking and provide step-by-step guidance in making a successful application to work, live or study in the UK.

For more details on how further immigration changes could affect you, our team of immigration lawyers can provide personalised support. Contact us at +44 (0)333 414 9244 or online to find out more.