MATES Resources

Student Visa News & Updates

Stay informed about important student visa, immigration, work-rights and post-study updates for Australia, the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, Ireland and New Zealand.

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20 updates

IrelandStudent Visa
Status: Temporary measure
Ireland's 2026 Stamp 2 bridging permission for English-language students: applications closed, permissions end 30 September
Immigration Service Delivery offered a short Stamp 2 bridging permission, running to 30 September 2026, for eligible English-language students moving into an ILEP higher education programme starting by the end of October 2026. ISD's notice was valid only from 1 May to 31 August 2026, so new applications are no longer accepted under it.
Announced
15 April 2026
Effective
1 May 2026
CanadaStudent Work Rights
Status: In effect
Canada drops the separate co-op work permit for post-secondary students
Since 1 April 2026, eligible post-secondary international students no longer need a separate work permit for work placements required by their programme, such as co-op placements and internships. IRCC is withdrawing eligible pending co-op work permit applications.
Announced
9 April 2026
Effective
1 April 2026
CanadaStudent Visa
Status: In effect
Canada's 2026 study permit cap, and no PAL for master's and PhD students at public institutions
IRCC expects to issue up to 408,000 study permits in 2026, including 155,000 for newly arriving students. Since 1 January 2026, master's and doctoral students enrolled at a public designated learning institution no longer need a provincial or territorial attestation letter (PAL/TAL).
Announced
25 November 2025
Effective
1 January 2026
AustraliaProcessing and Appointments
Status: Service notice
Home Affairs asks 2026 students to lodge complete student visa applications early
The Department of Home Affairs asked students planning to study in Australia in 2026 to lodge a complete Student visa application as early as practical, following the Document Checklist Tool. It warns that incomplete applications may be refused and will be delayed, and that peak-period applications take longer.
New ZealandStudent Work Rights
Status: In effect
New Zealand student work rights increased to 25 hours a week
Since 3 November 2025, eligible tertiary and secondary students in New Zealand can work up to 25 hours a week during study, up from 20. It applies to student visas granted from that date; holders of an older 20-hour visa must apply for a variation of conditions or a new visa to get the extra hours.
United KingdomEnglish-Language Requirements
Status: In effect
UK raises the English requirement for Skilled Worker visas to B2
Since 8 January 2026, people seeking an initial grant on the Skilled Worker, High Potential Individual or Scale-up routes must show English at CEFR level B2 instead of B1. This matters to students who plan to move into skilled work after their studies.
Announced
14 October 2025
Effective
8 January 2026
United KingdomPost-Study Work
Status: Announced — upcoming
UK Graduate route to be cut to 18 months for applications from 1 January 2027
Graduate visa applications submitted on or after 1 January 2027 will be granted for 18 months instead of two years. PhD graduates will continue to receive three years.
Announced
14 October 2025
Takes effect
1 January 2027

Visa and immigration requirements can change. Review the linked official government source and confirm the latest requirements with MATES before making an application decision. This page is general information, not legal or immigration advice.

Ireland's 2026 Stamp 2 bridging permission for English-language students: applications closed, permissions end 30 September

Immigration Service Delivery offered a short Stamp 2 bridging permission, running to 30 September 2026, for eligible English-language students moving into an ILEP higher education programme starting by the end of October 2026. ISD's notice was valid only from 1 May to 31 August 2026, so new applications are no longer accepted under it.

Announced

15 April 2026

Effective

1 May 2026

Canada drops the separate co-op work permit for post-secondary students

Since 1 April 2026, eligible post-secondary international students no longer need a separate work permit for work placements required by their programme, such as co-op placements and internships. IRCC is withdrawing eligible pending co-op work permit applications.

Announced

9 April 2026

Effective

1 April 2026

Canada's 2026 study permit cap, and no PAL for master's and PhD students at public institutions

IRCC expects to issue up to 408,000 study permits in 2026, including 155,000 for newly arriving students. Since 1 January 2026, master's and doctoral students enrolled at a public designated learning institution no longer need a provincial or territorial attestation letter (PAL/TAL).

Announced

25 November 2025

Effective

1 January 2026

Home Affairs asks 2026 students to lodge complete student visa applications early

The Department of Home Affairs asked students planning to study in Australia in 2026 to lodge a complete Student visa application as early as practical, following the Document Checklist Tool. It warns that incomplete applications may be refused and will be delayed, and that peak-period applications take longer.

UK raises the English requirement for Skilled Worker visas to B2

Since 8 January 2026, people seeking an initial grant on the Skilled Worker, High Potential Individual or Scale-up routes must show English at CEFR level B2 instead of B1. This matters to students who plan to move into skilled work after their studies.

Announced

14 October 2025

Effective

8 January 2026

Student Visa News & Updates

Ireland's 2026 Stamp 2 bridging permission for English-language students: applications closed, permissions end 30 September

Canada drops the separate co-op work permit for post-secondary students

Canada's 2026 study permit cap, and no PAL for master's and PhD students at public institutions

Home Affairs asks 2026 students to lodge complete student visa applications early

New Zealand student work rights increased to 25 hours a week

UK raises the English requirement for Skilled Worker visas to B2

UK Graduate route to be cut to 18 months for applications from 1 January 2027

Ready to Begin Your Study-Abroad Journey?

Ireland's 2026 Stamp 2 bridging permission for English-language students: applications closed, permissions end 30 September

Canada drops the separate co-op work permit for post-secondary students

Canada's 2026 study permit cap, and no PAL for master's and PhD students at public institutions

Home Affairs asks 2026 students to lodge complete student visa applications early

New Zealand student work rights increased to 25 hours a week

UK raises the English requirement for Skilled Worker visas to B2

UK Graduate route to be cut to 18 months for applications from 1 January 2027

US H-1B cap selection is now weighted towards higher wage levels