Study destinations working to manage visa backlogs
Towards the end of 2022, visa backlogs are largely being managed by study destinations but there are concerns that some students will miss out on January intakes.
Towards the end of 2022, visa backlogs are largely being managed by study destinations but there are concerns that some students will miss out on January intakes.
Applications for UK study visas and extensions in Q3 2022 have risen by some 30% to hit a total of 316,735 compared with the same quarter in 2021. Additionally, the ONS has estimated the UK's highest-ever figure for net migration.
Visa processing times globally are continuing to impact the recovery of the international education sector, with Canada at the most disadvantage, stakeholders suggest.
International students at Canadian universities can continue to study remotely without jeopardising their chances of working in Canada after they graduate, the government announced in August.
The prime minister of New Zealand, Jacinda Ardern, has welcomed international students back to classes at an event at the country's largest university.
Some summer schools based in the UK have reported that some countries’ visitor visas have been delayed so much that students have not been able to attend, according to stakeholders.
Visa processing data from Enroly indicates that the current rate of visas issued is not keeping pace with recent increases in CAS issuance, during the peak period for applications.
Global visa processing bottlenecks have led to the UK benefitting from positive perception among education agents, Navitas research conducted in May has indicated.