The UK Government announced on 4 March 2026 that it is introducing a temporary "visa brake" for nationals of Afghanistan, Cameroon, Myanmar, and Sudan. 

From 26 March 2026, the UK will refuse all Student route entry clearance applications from nationals of these countries, regardless of when their Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) was issued. 

This change only affects entry clearance applications. If you are already in the UK with Student permission or are applying for Student permission in the UK, you will not be affected. 

The UK Government has stated that this measure is temporary and will be reviewed regularly, although no end date has been confirmed. 

We understand that this announcement may be concerning and unsettling, particularly for applicants from the affected countries who were planning to begin or continue their studies at Queen’s University Belfast. If you have any questions or would like advice about your situation, please contact the Immigration Support Service at immigration@qub.ac.uk.

You can find more information on this change through the following links: 

• UKVI - Visa brake: changes to the UK visa system
• UKCISA - Student update
• UKCISA - Your questions answered