The UK’s student visa rules are evolving, with changes already in place and more proposed under new immigration policies. In 2025, these updates impact how long you can stay, how your visa is issued, and your rights as a student. Below is a clear guide to what has changed and what you should watch out for.

Who Will These Changes Affect?

You should pay attention if you are:

• Planning to apply for a Student visa in the UK.
• Currently studying under a Student visa or Graduate visa.
• Hoping to bring dependants (partners or children) with you.
• Considering switching into work or settlement routes after finishing your studies.

What You Should Know Now

• eVisas replacing BRPs – As of late 2024, the physical Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) is discontinued. Students must access their eVisa via a UKVI account (Study UK).
• New ETA requirement – From 16 July 2025, certain visa-exempt travellers (including some students arriving from abroad) will need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before entering the UK (UKCISA).
• Graduate visa duration cut proposed – The Government has proposed reducing the Graduate (post-study work) visa from 2 years to 18 months for many students (House of Commons Library).
• Child Student changes – New rules will introduce a requirement for a nominated guardian for child students (under 18) as of May 2025 (UKCISA).
• Minimal impact for Student & Graduate routes (so far) – Even though changes are happening, UKCISA notes that many updates in 2025 have limited direct effect on current student and graduate visa rules (UKCISA).

What You’ll Be Able to Do (and What Changes)

• Apply for a Student visa and manage it digitally via eVisa, rather than a physical card.
• Travel with an ETA (if your nationality requires it) to enter the UK.
• Use the Graduate visa after your course, though under a shorter duration if proposed changes are adopted.
• Bring dependants under stricter criteria, especially for student dependants.
• Stay informed: compliance and sponsor rules for universities may tighten.

How These Changes Could Affect Your Application

1. Register your UKVI account early to access your eVisa and manage your status.
2. Check if an ETA is required for your travel before applying for your Student visa.
3. Plan your post-study path now, especially if Graduate visa duration is reduced.
4. Review child student or dependant rules (especially for under-18s).
5. Choose universities carefully — those with strong compliance reputations will be safer sponsors.

Why Hawflein Makes a Difference

As immigration rules shift, even small details matter. At Hawflein Solutions, we:

• Monitor every Home Office update as soon as it’s published.
• Translate the changes into what they mean for you.
• Help you adapt your application strategy, timelines, and documents accordingly.
• Assist from Student visa to post-study and settlement stages.

Starting your UK study journey? Contact Hawflein today to make sure your visa plan is up to date and fit for 2025.