Government introduces new visa brake measure
The government has announced a new visa brake measure. It restricts certain work and study visa routes for specific nationalities to reduce the number of people entering the UK on a visa and later claiming asylum.
Who is affected?
From 26 March 2026, the government will refuse:
- Sponsored study visa applications made outside the UK from nationals of Afghanistan, Cameroon, Myanmar, and Sudan.
- Skilled Worker Visa applications made outside the UK from nationals of Afghanistan.
The visa brake does not apply to:
- Applications submitted online before 26 March 2026.
- Any visa categories outside the targeted routes.
Impact on people already in the UK
The new rules do not affect:
- existing visas
- current permission to stay
- conditions attached to visas already granted.
People already in the UK can continue working or studying under their current visa conditions. Any future in‑country applications they make will be considered under the Immigration Rules in place at the time of applying.
Key questions answered
Is the visa brake retrospective?
No. Applications submitted online before 26 March will be processed under existing rules.
How long will the visa brake be in place?
The duration is not fixed. The government will review the measure regularly and lift it when they consider it appropriate.
Does the visa brake apply to nationality or to where someone applies from?
The brake applies to nationality, regardless of where the applicant lives or submits their application.
What about individuals already in the UK?
Those already in the UK are not affected, they may continue to study or work in line with their existing visa conditions and can switch to another visa route later, provided they meet the standard requirements.
Implications for sponsors
Any out‑of‑country application submitted on or after 26 March 2026 by affected nationals will be refused.
No replacement CoS allocations will be issued for applications that miss the deadline.
Sponsors will not receive refunds for CoS assigned to applicants whose applications fail under the visa brake.
For full details see the Statement of Changes to Immigration Rules and Explanatory Memorandum.
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