Image Source: Hindustan Times
International students are confronting an unprecedented wave of immigration restrictions as the US, UK, Canada, and Australia roll out tough new policies in 2025. These changes are reshaping global study destinations and raising fresh hurdles for aspiring scholars.
Key Highlights:
United Kingdom:
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Graduate Route Visa Shortened: The post-study work visa will be reduced from two years to 18 months for undergraduates, master’s, and PhD students, leaving less time to secure skilled employment after graduation.
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Levy on Universities: A new financial levy on university earnings from international tuition will fund domestic skills training—potentially driving up tuition fees for overseas students.
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Stricter University Compliance: Universities must meet higher enrolment and completion targets, with a new red/amber/green rating system. Those falling short risk losing their ability to sponsor international students.
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Dependent Visa Ban: Only PhD and research-based postgraduate students can bring dependents, a rule extended from 2024.
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Longer Path to Settlement: Most migrants will now need 10 years (up from 5) to qualify for permanent residency, with few exceptions.
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Tougher English Requirements: Higher language proficiency will be needed for work visas.
United States:
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Visa Suspensions and Revocations: The Trump administration has halted new student visa interviews and begun revoking visas—especially for Chinese students and those in sensitive fields—citing national security.
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Increased Scrutiny: Visa decisions are now more subjective, and students face heightened social media checks and arbitrary evaluations.
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Legal Uncertainty: Ongoing lawsuits and injunctions have created a climate of fear and confusion for current and prospective students.
Canada:
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Study Permit Cap: Canada has slashed study permits by 40%, aiming to reduce temporary residents to under 5% of the population by 2027.
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Work and Spousal Restrictions: Foreign students now face stricter work hour limits and tighter spousal work permit rules.
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Rising Asylum Claims: Over 5,500 international students sought asylum in early 2025, up 22% from 2024, reflecting growing uncertainty.
Australia:
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Higher Visa Fees and Eligibility Barriers: Visa fees have increased and eligibility tightened, with a focus on curbing permanent migration and preventing misuse of student visas.
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Crackdown on “Ghost Colleges”: Authorities target institutions enrolling students primarily for visa purposes, aiming to protect the integrity of the education system.
As traditional study destinations tighten their borders, countries like Japan are seizing the moment by easing visa processes and offering clearer paths to residency, hoping to attract displaced talent.
The road to studying abroad is changing—but uncertainty can be a powerful prompt for reflection. — The Red Pen
Source: Forbes, The Indian Express, The Red Pen, Times of India, Business Standard, NBC News, Fateh Education, Free Movement, Prospects
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