Academic changes for Student visa holders
This is one of our Student visa guides, part of the information we provide on study related visa matters.
Changes to study affect many students each year, they can be the result of personal circumstances or academic choices. For students with Student permission any study change may also have to comply with visa requirements, we have outlined below some common scenarios and what you might need to take into account.
The following information is a general guide to help identify relevant issues. It does not cover full details or every scenario, so it is advisable to seek specific advice on your personal situation BEFORE you take any action.鈥� It also only covers visa implications; for other information and guidance on changes to your studies, please refer to your department, the鈥�student handbook鈥痮谤 Doctoral College resources and where relevant, other support from鈥�.
Where changes require further visa permission a new CAS will need to be requested from the Academic Registry online.鈥疍epending on the type of change the CAS may have to be used in an application outside the UK, some scenarios allow the extra visa time to be obtained by applying in the UK.
On 5 March 2026 the introduction of a ‘visa brake’ and will refuse any Student visa applications made outside the UK from 26 March 2026 onwards from the following nationals: Afghanistan, Cameroon, Myanmar or Sudan. While the visa brake is in place the University will not be able to issue a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) to those affected. Where the information below mentions applying for further visa permission from outside the UK this will not be possible for those caught by the visa brake. Applications that can be made inside the UK are not affected by the visa brake (a CAS can be issued for this), however if this option is not available the visa brake could prevent the continuation or resumption of studies. Furthermore, UKVI has confirmed it will not make any exceptions for students who commenced studies before the visa brake. Any student who may potentially be caught by the visa brake is encouraged to seek individual advice.
General information is provided on various scenarios below, for further help .
Last Updated: 15th June 2026