New Visa Rules for international Students in 2025

Are you thinking if studying abroad is worth it in 2025? Well, before making any decision, you need to be aware of certain changes that are taking place. The beginning of a new year has brought a lot of new rules for international students in 2025.

With new immigration rules shaping the dynamics of the study abroad landscape, the top student destinations like the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and the European Union have come up with their own rules and regulations for international students. The changes are done to ensure compliance with international immigration policies, enhance the quality of foreign education, and acknowledge the current requirements of the labour market.

This Story also Contains

1. New Rules For International Students In Canada 2025
2. New Rules For International Students In USA 2025
3. New Rules For International Students In 2025 UK
4. New Rules For International Students In Australia 2025
5. New Rules For International Students In Europe 2025
6. Finland New Rules For International Students 2025

In this article, we will explore the latest and most significant IRCC updates for international students in different countries worldwide, offering insights into what can be expected.

New Rules For International Students In Canada 2025

Canada remains one of the top study abroad destinations for students in the new year as well. However, now the focus will be on compliance and integration.

These are the areas where international students will see the changes if they study in Canada.

Increased Off-Campus Work Hours

Previously, international students were allowed to work for 20 hours per week on the international student work permit. Now, students can work for 24 hours per week during academic sessions and full-time during scheduled academic breaks. This new law on international students has aided students to manage their finances and has also enabled the government to address the labor shortage in several sectors of Canada.

Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)

As an international student who wants to go to Canada, you must be aware of the changes in the eligibility criteria for the postgraduate work permit in Canada. With effect from November 2024, significant changes have been made to the work permits of students after studying in Canada.

Here are the PGWP Canada new rules:

• For university graduates: Students who are enrolled in Bachelors, Masters or Doctoral programs need a minimum CLB 7 if they are applying in English or NCLC 7 if they are applying in French.

• For college graduates: Students require minimum CLB 5 if they are applying in English or NCLC 5 if they are applying in French. In addition to this, a program that aligns with the labor shortages in Canada is essential.

• Full-time students at DLI: From 2025 onward, students are required to complete at least 50% of their academic program physically in Canada.

Restriction on Transfers

Previously, students used to flogpole (a process wherein international students used to leave Canada and come back to apply for their PGWP at the border). However, the new rules for international students have streamlined and secured the process, making it online. Also, to prevent the misuse of student visas, certain restrictions have been imposed on the transfer from universities to vocational educational institutions within the first six months of study. With this new law on international students, it has become much easier to curb the loopholes in the system and monitor that students stick to their original plans.

New Rules For International Students In Canada

• There is a discontinuation of student Direct Stream (SDS) visa programme for international students, effective November 8, 2024.

• Now, there is a two-year cap on international student visas.

• The financial requirement for study permit applicants has been increased. Now, international students are required to show CAD 20,635 as Canada GIC amount 2024 to support the cost of living in Canada for one year.

• Canada Immigration to introduce a “Trusted Institutions Framework” by 2024 that divides the existing Designated Learning Institutions in Canada into two tiers. All post-secondary institutions in Canada will be added to the list based on sustainable intake, identification of genuine students, compliance monitoring and reporting, and ensuring a safe and enriching experience for international students. Consequently, Indian students who get admission from “trusted institutions” will get Canada education visas more easily.

New Rules For International Students In USA 2025

What are the new rules for international students in USA? The changes mainly concern those students who wish to do STEM courses in America. The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has drafted the following eligibility criteria for students enrolled in Optional Practical Training (OPT):

• Students who study in US and enroll in STEM courses will get an OPT extension for 3 years, getting more work experience.

• Without breaching the policies of F-1 student visa, international students can count 3 credits each year.

• These new rules for international students also allow them to switch schools and educational levels between student exchange visitor programs (SEVP).

• Now, students will be given a 60-day grace period after they complete their OPT.

• According to the new rule for international students in the United States of America, students are not allowed to spend more than five months outside the country during their academic program.

New Rules For International Students In 2025 UK

Here are the new immigration rules for international students in UK in 2025:

• The graduate route work visa, also known as the Post-Study Work Visa UK remains unchanged. So, international students can stay in the United Kingdom for two years after completing their studies.

• Since 2024, students aren’t allowed to bring dependents to the UK. Only those who are enrolled in research-based Masters programs or those who have been fully funded by the government are allowed to bring dependents with them.

• As per the new rules for international students in UK 2025 latest news, with effect from October 2024, new UK student visa costs have been implemented in the UK. They have increased by GBP 127 for students. It is now for GBP 490 (approximately 50,000 INR).

New Rules For International Students In Australia 2025

Australia has implemented tighter measures to deal with the ongoing fraudulent practices within the educational system and maintain its integrity.

Here are the new rules for international students who want to study in Australia:

• Effective January 1, 2025, international students have to submit a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) letter for all onshore visa applications. confirming their admission to Australian universities. The government has shut all the ‘ghost colleges’ that were operating as visa mills.

• With stricter new law on international students, they now have to show their commitment towards studies. This change ensures that new immigration rules align with Australia's educational standard and labor priorities.

New Rules For International Students In Europe 2025

There are layers of new rules for international students who want to study in Europe. These include:

• With the beginning of the year, it has now become mandatory for non-EU nationals, including the students, to have an European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) visa waiver to get entry into EU countries.

• The government is also making efforts to simplify the PR in Europe process for international students.

Finland New Rules For International Students 2025

Here is a list of the new rules for international students in Finland.

• Previously, students had to apply for study permits every year till the course got completed. Now, students just need to apply once, and it will be valid for the entire course duration.

• The Post Study Work Visa (PSWV) validity has been extended to two years from one year.

• International students are now allowed to work for 30 hours per week and not 25 hours per week.