Governments of the United States, United Kingdom, Canada and Australia have announced major changes to their student visa policies for 2026. The updates affect eligibility, financial proof, duration of stay and work rights. Indian students planning to study abroad this year must review the new requirements and adjust their applications accordingly.

Key points

• USA: Maximum 4-year stay, 30-day post-graduation grace period, USCIS-handled extensions.
• UK: Visa fee rises to £558, health surcharge £776/yr, higher monthly maintenance funds, digital e-visa replaces BRP.
• Canada: Study-permit cap set at 408,000, Student Direct Stream closed, higher GIC requirement (CAD 22,895).
• Australia: New Genuine Student test, living cost proof AUD 29,710, visa fee AUD 2,000, age limit 35, stricter work-hour limits.

Details

United States – The “Duration of Status” model is being replaced. Most F-1 students will receive a stay that matches their program length, capped at four years. The post-graduation grace period is cut from 60 days to 30 days, so students must plan any further study or work quickly. Extensions now require a formal Extension of Stay (EOS) application filed with USCIS, rather than being handled internally by the school’s Designated School Official. Undergraduate students cannot change majors or transfer schools in their first year, and graduate students face tighter limits throughout their program. CPT and OPT work authorisations are also under stricter monitoring.

United Kingdom – From 8 April 2026 the student visa fee increases to £558 per application and the Immigration Health Surcharge rises to £776 per year. Applicants must now show £1,529 per month for living costs in London or £1,171 per month elsewhere, held for 28 consecutive days. Physical Biometric Residence Permits are being phased out in favour of a digital e-visa system. Most taught-programme students can no longer bring dependants unless they hold a government-funded scholarship, and digital proof of funds is required in many cases.

Canada – The annual study-permit cap is set at 408,000, lower than the 437,000 cap in previous years. The fast-track Student Direct Stream has been discontinued, so all applicants must use the standard processing stream, which now takes 7–12 weeks. Most undergraduate applicants need a Provincial Attestation Letter, while master’s and doctoral students at public universities are exempt. Financial proof must include a Guaranteed Investment Certificate of at least CAD 22,895 plus first-year tuition. Minimum IELTS scores are 6.0 for degree programmes and 5.5 for pathway programmes.

Australia – The Genuine Student (GS) test replaces the former Genuine Temporary Entrant test, demanding clear evidence of academic intent and career alignment. Living-cost proof has risen to AUD 29,710, with additional amounts for partners (AUD 10,394) and children (AUD 4,449). Visa processing now begins only after the AUD 2,000 fee is paid. The age limit for new student visas is now 35 years, down from 50. Applicants must lodge their visa offshore; switching from a visitor visa to a student visa inside Australia is no longer allowed. Work rights allow up to 48 hours per fortnight during term for most students, with unlimited hours during holidays; master’s-by-research and PhD students may work unlimited hours year-round.

What it means for students

Indian aspirants should start preparing their applications early to meet the tighter timelines and higher financial thresholds. For the USA, file any extension requests with USCIS well before the 30-day grace period ends. In the UK, ensure you have the required monthly funds and be ready for the digital e-visa submission. Canadian applicants must secure a GIC of at least CAD 22,895 and obtain any necessary Provincial Attestation Letter before applying. Australian students should verify that they meet the new age and financial criteria and be prepared to pay the higher visa fee.

Important dates and official sources:

• UK visa fee increase effective 8 April 2026 – check the UK Home Office website.
• US post-graduation grace period change – see USCIS guidelines.
• Canada study-permit cap and processing times – refer to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
• Australia visa fee and age limit – consult the Department of Home Affairs.

By reviewing the updated rules and gathering all required documents well in advance, students can avoid delays and keep their study-abroad plans on track for 2026.

Source: Wikati Education. Written for students by the Isolated Study News Desk from public reports. Always check the official website for final dates and details.