Latest Student Visa Updates from Around the Globe

Updates from the USA 

The U.S. continues to be a favourite study destination with nearly 337,630 Indian students studying there in 2024, making Indian students one of the largest international student cohorts in the country. Since 2025, postgraduate enrolments have risen by 18%, with about 196,000 students currently enrolled.

However, policy changes under the new administration have created a mixed picture:

Possible OPT restrictions and stricter immigration rules on one hand, and a proposed automatic green card pathway for top US university graduates on the other.

Other important updates include:

• Student visa fees may increase in 2026 with the introduction of the proposed Visa Integrity Fee.
• The Optional Practical Training (OPT) programme remains a major attraction, allowing 12 months of work authorisation upon graduation and up to 36 months for STEM students.
• Visa processing has largely returned to routine timelines, but priority may be given to students enrolling in institutions with lower international student numbers.
• Applicants are now subject to strict social media screening, so maintaining a respectful and responsible online presence is increasingly important for visa approval.
• Students must carry proof of their visa status at all times and report any change of address promptly.
• Under new guidelines, F, M, and J visa applicants must ensure that their passport details are accurate when creating profiles and booking appointments.
• The US Embassy in India has cautioned that incorrect information may lead to appointment cancellations and the loss of visa fees.

Updates from the UK

Visa updates from the UK include increased financial requirements, changes to dependent visa rules and adjustments to the Graduate Route.

Streamlined Digital eVisa System

• The UK is streamlining its digital eVisa system, offering faster and more secure visa processing.
• Under this system, students can apply up to six months before their course start date.
• Standard processing times are now approximately three weeks for most applicants.

Stricter university compliance standards

To maintain their sponsorship licences, UK universities must meet rigorous compliance requirements, including:

• 90% course completion rate
• 95% enrolment rate, and
• <5% visa refusal rates

These enhanced standards aim to create stronger learning environments, along with providing better student support.

Increased financial requirements

• Applicants must demonstrate they have held the required funds in their bank account for at least 28 days before applying.
• Outside London: £1,171 per month of study (up to a maximum of 9 months)
• In London: At least £1,529 per month of study (up to a maximum of 9 months).
• This amount is in addition to the tuition fees.

Bringing dependents

• Only students pursuing their PhDs or research-based higher degrees can bring dependants.
• Additional fees apply for each dependent.

Career and post-study work pathways

• From 22 July 2025, the minimum skill level for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship increased to RQF Level 6 (graduate level), focusing on high-skilled roles.
• Starting 2027, the UK plans to reduce the Graduate Route visa duration to 18 months (down from 2 years).
• PhD graduates continue to be eligible for a 3-year Graduate Route Visa.
• International students must secure a job and obtain a work visa within six months of course completion.

Updates from Canada

Canada has introduced policy changes in several areas, including study permits, PSW visa, and financial requirements.

Tighter regulations and permit caps

• Canada has implemented caps on international student permits in order to manage its temporary resident population more effectively. 155,000 new study permits will be issued in 2026.
• In 2025, the Student Direct Stream (SDS) system was officially discontinued, requiring all applicants to follow the standard study permit application process.
• Students at the post-secondary level must reapply for a new study permit if they wish to switch to a new Designated Learning Institution (DLI).
• To combat fraud, all Letters of Acceptance (LOA) must now be verified directly by the Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs) before a study permit can be issued.

Changes to PGWP

• Canada has revised the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) eligibility criteria and increased the financial requirements.
• The PGWP allows graduates to work in Canada for up to three years. However, eligibility is now closely tied to the labour market needs.
• A total of 119 new programmes in Health, Education, STEM, and Skilled Trades have been added to the eligibility list.
• Private college graduates may no longer be eligible to apply for a post-study work visa according to the new visa rules.

Applicants must now provide enhanced proof of English language proficiency to be eligible for PGWP (CLB 7 for degree graduates, CLB 5 for diploma graduates).

Part-time work hours

Canada has increased the limit on part-time work from 20 to 24 hours per week, providing more opportunities for students to obtain industry exposure during their studies.

Increase in proof-of-funds requirements

For 2026, a single applicant must show CAD22,895 as proof of funds.

Updates from Australia

Australia has announced a series of significant changes to the rules and regulations surrounding student visas.

• From July 2025, the student visa fee has increased by 25%.
• A Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) is now mandatory for all applications.
  Financial requirements have also been raised to approximately 75% of the national minimum wage.
• International applicants must demonstrate higher English-language proficiency scores.

Post-study opportunities:

• The Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485) allows graduates to stay and work in Australia for up to six years, depending on their qualification level and study location.
• Indian students will benefit from the extended post-study work rights under the Australia–India Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement.
• STEM graduates may be eligible for extended work periods of up to four years, reflecting Australia’s demand for highly skilled professionals.

Although the initial proposal aimed to cap international student enrolments to 270,000 in 2025, ongoing political discussions suggest that some flexibility may be offered to students from around the world.

Updates from New Zealand 

New Zealand places international students at the centre of its International Education: Going for Growth strategy.

Under the new policy, students from countries such as India, France, Germany, and South Korea will no longer require international qualification assessments, making their entry pathway simpler and quicker.

• A new online visa (immigration) platform, launched in August 2025, further streamlines and speeds up the application process.
• Any changes in studies, such as changing institutions or study levels, require a new study permit.
• Starting November 2025, students (including students enrolled in language courses) will be permitted to work up to 25 hours per week during term time, an increase from the previous 20-hour limit. 
• PhD students can stay and work for up to 3 years after submitting their thesis.
• International students who seek employment must obtain an Inland Revenue Department (IRD) number for tax purposes.
• New Zealand also plans to introduce multi-year student visas and a six-month post-study visa for undergraduates, creating more long-term opportunities for international students.

Updates from Ireland

For the first time, all non-EU students—including those from countries that previously enjoyed visa-free entry—must now provide proof of financial readiness.

Long-term students are required to show EUR 10,000 (INR 10.6 lakhs) in savings to cover living expenses, while short-term students must demonstrate EUR 833 (INR 88,000) per month for the duration of their study.

What Indian students should do

• Apply early: Some visa rule changes only apply after certain dates; start the process early.
• Be informed: Check financial and visa requirements for your destination regularly. Explore financial aids like scholarships, grants, and other funding sources. 
• Plan your pathway: Consider how your course facilitates post-study or in-study work rights and permanent residency.
• Plan and track your budget: Set aside visa funds and use tech tools to track changes in fees and exchange rates.

2026 is a year of transformation in global education, and you are right at the centre of it. While the rules may be shifting, the opportunities remain wide open for students who are prepared, passionate, and ready to leap. Always check official websites for up-to-date and authentic information, or consult education experts for help.