Visa brake: guidance for applicants

The UK government has introduced a visa brake for Student visa applications from Afghanistan, Cameroon, Myanmar and Sudan. This guidance explains what this means for University of Leeds applicants from these countries. 

What is the visa brake? 

The visa brake is a UK government policy that means that Student visa applications made from outside the UK on or after 26 March 2026 will be refused if the applicant is a national of one of the affected countries: Afghanistan, Cameroon, Myanmar and Sudan. 

For more information on the visa brake, please see the UK government website. 

What does the visa brake mean for my application/offer? 

If you have applied to the University of Leeds, you should have received an email with an update on the status of your application. Unfortunately, we are no longer able to consider applications from visa brake countries, and any existing applications will be made unsuccessful.  

If you have not received any communications from the University, please email the Admissions Enquiries team on study@leeds.ac.uk to discuss this further.  

Can I defer my offer? 

Unfortunately, we are unable to defer any applications as the visa brake may still be in effect at the time of the deferred entry start date.  While the UK government has advised that the visa brake will not be permanent, no end date has been indicated.  

Applicants and potential applicants are advised to check the UK government website for any updates on when the visa brake may end.  

I am a national of one of the affected countries, can I still apply for a course? 

If you would need a Student visa to study with us, unfortunately we would not be able to consider your application as we would not be able to sponsor your visa application. 

I do not need a Student visa, am I affected? 

If you have alternative immigration permission that enables you to study in the UK for the duration of your course without a Student visa, we’ll consider your application on a case-by-case basis. Please provide your immigration evidence (e.g. eVisa share code) as part of your application or, if you’ve already applied, please email it to the Admissions Enquiries team on study@leeds.ac.uk. 

I can apply for a Student visa within the UK, can I still study at the University? 

The University has taken the decision to not consider any course applications from nationals of the affected countries who would need a Student visa to study with us. This includes applicants who would be able to apply for or extend a Student visa within the UK.  

The only exception is for current University of Leeds students who have applied for further study with us. We will continue to accept applications from current students who meet the requirements to apply for their Student visa within the UK. 

I have dual nationality, can I still study at the University? 

If you are a dual national of a country not affected by the visa brake, we’ll consider your application on a case-by-case basis. Please provide your passport as part of your application or, if you’ve already applied, please email it to the Admissions Enquiries team on study@leeds.ac.uk.  

Can I receive a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies now so I can apply for a visa before the brake comes into effect on 26 March? 

The University will not be issuing CAS for nationals of the affected countries prior to the visa brake.