Latest Study Visa News & Updates for Pakistani Students
UK, USA, Canada, Australia and Germany student visa changes, new fees and English test rules — explained in plain words, with exactly what each change means for your application.
Student visa rules for the UK, USA, Canada and Australia have changed a lot recently — higher visa fees, higher proof-of-funds amounts, a shorter UK Graduate Route and new English test rules. This page collects the study visa updates that matter to Pakistani students and explains, in plain words, what each one means for your application.
Relying on an old fee, funds amount or document list is one of the most common reasons applications are delayed or refused. Our counselors in Multan track these changes from official government announcements and review this page regularly — and if you’re not sure whether a change affects you, one WhatsApp message gets you an answer.
Latest Student Visa Updates for Pakistani Students
Filter by destination. Each update shows the date, what changed and what it means for you.
USAUS court pauses the F-1 “duration of status” rule
The Department of Homeland Security published a final rule on 17 July 2026 to replace “duration of status” with a fixed admission period of up to four years for F-1 students, due to start on 15 September 2026. On 14 September 2026 a federal court issued a nationwide preliminary injunction, so the rule has not taken effect.
Source: U.S. Department of Homeland Security final rule; U.S. District Court, Massachusetts
Does this affect me? Ask on WhatsApp
AustraliaAustralian student visa fee rises to AUD 2,500
The Subclass 500 visa application charge increased from AUD 2,000 to AUD 2,500 for most applicants from 1 July 2026. The charge is paid when you lodge and is generally not refunded if the visa is refused.
Source: Australian Department of Home Affairs fee schedule
Does this affect me? Ask on WhatsApp
UKUK Student visa fee rises to £558
From 8 April 2026 the UK Student visa fee from outside the UK is £558, and the Graduate visa fee is £937. The Immigration Health Surcharge is paid separately for each year of your visa.
Source: UK Home Office fee schedule
Does this affect me? Ask on WhatsApp
English TestsIELTS in Pakistan is now delivered on computer
British Council Pakistan now offers IELTS on computer, including in Multan, with results typically in 1–5 days. Paper-based IELTS is available only to candidates approved for special arrangements on medical grounds. IELTS for UKVI is also on computer in Multan.
Source: British Council Pakistan
Does this affect me? Ask on WhatsApp
USAUS pauses immigrant visas for Pakistan — student visas continue
From 21 January 2026 the US State Department paused immigrant visa issuance (green-card routes) for nationals of 75 countries, including Pakistan. Nonimmigrant visas — including F-1 student visas — are not part of the pause.
Source: U.S. Department of State; U.S. Embassy Islamabad
Does this affect me? Ask on WhatsApp
English TestsTOEFL iBT moves to a 1–6 score scale
ETS changed the TOEFL iBT to a shorter, partly adaptive test scored from 1 to 6 in half bands. Until January 2028, score reports also show a comparable 0–120 score, because many universities still list old-scale requirements.
Source: ETS
Does this affect me? Ask on WhatsApp
CanadaCanada: master’s and PhD students no longer need a PAL
From 1 January 2026, master’s and doctoral students at public designated learning institutions do not need a provincial or territorial attestation letter (PAL/TAL). Most bachelor’s, diploma and college applicants still need one, and the national cap continues in 2026.
Source: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)
Does this affect me? Ask on WhatsApp
AustraliaAustralia sets 295,000 international student places for 2026
Australia’s National Planning Level for 2026 is 295,000 new international student places, up from 270,000 in 2025, shared out between universities and colleges. Applicants must show AUD 29,710 a year for living costs.
Source: Australian Department of Education; Department of Home Affairs
Does this affect me? Ask on WhatsApp
GermanyGermany blocked account stays at €11,904 for 2026
German student visa applicants must show €11,904 for a year of study, usually in a blocked account (Sperrkonto) that releases €992 a month after arrival. Language-course applicants need a higher monthly amount.
Source: German Federal Foreign Office
Does this affect me? Ask on WhatsApp
UKEngland confirms a £925 international student levy from 2028
From 1 August 2028, universities in England will pay a flat £925 a year for each international student, after the first 220 students at each provider. The levy is charged to universities, not to students, and does not apply in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland.
Source: UK Department for Education; HM Treasury Budget 2025
Does this affect me? Ask on WhatsApp
UKUK increases the money you must show for a Student visa
For Student visa applications made on or after 11 November 2025, the monthly maintenance (living-cost) amounts increased, both for London and for the rest of the UK.
Source: UK Home Office Immigration Rules
Does this affect me? Ask on WhatsApp
UKUK Graduate Route cut to 18 months from January 2027
Bachelor’s and master’s graduates who apply for the Graduate visa on or after 1 January 2027 will receive 18 months instead of two years. PhD graduates keep three years. The date you apply is what counts.
Source: UK Statement of Changes to the Immigration Rules (HC 1333)
Does this affect me? Ask on WhatsApp
USAUS: apply for your F-1 visa in your country of nationality or residence
From 6 September 2025, nonimmigrant visa applicants — including F-1 students — should book their interview in their country of nationality or legal residence, rather than in a third country.
Source: U.S. Department of State
Does this affect me? Ask on WhatsApp
USAUS ends interview waivers — F-1 applicants must interview in person
From 2 September 2025 the US State Department ended most visa interview waivers, including for F-1 student visas and renewals. Almost every applicant now attends an in-person interview.
Source: U.S. Department of State
Does this affect me? Ask on WhatsApp
CanadaCanada raises proof of funds to CAD 22,895
For study permit applications from 1 September 2025, a single applicant studying outside Quebec must show CAD 22,895 for living expenses, plus first-year tuition and travel costs. Quebec sets its own amounts.
Source: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)
Does this affect me? Ask on WhatsApp
AustraliaAustralia accepts only in-centre English tests for student visas
For tests taken from 7 August 2025, Home Affairs accepts nine English tests — including IELTS, PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT, LanguageCert Academic and OET — taken in person at a test centre. At-home versions and the Duolingo English Test are not accepted for the visa.
Source: Australian Department of Home Affairs
Does this affect me? Ask on WhatsApp
English TestsLanguageCert Academic SELT replaces the old ESOL SELT for UK visas
For UK visa purposes, the LanguageCert ESOL SELT 4-skills test was replaced by LanguageCert Academic SELT (for study) and LanguageCert General SELT (for work). Existing ESOL SELT results stay valid for two years from award.
Source: UK Home Office approved SELT list; LanguageCert
Does this affect me? Ask on WhatsApp
English TestsPearson updates its PTE–IELTS score comparison
Pearson published a new concordance for the current PTE Academic format. It lines up IELTS 6.5 with PTE 55–62 and IELTS 7.0 with PTE 63–70.
Source: Pearson PTE
Does this affect me? Ask on WhatsApp
USAUS asks F-1 applicants to set social media to public
The US State Department asks F, M and J student visa applicants to set their social media profiles to public so officers can carry out an online presence review.
Source: U.S. Department of State
Does this affect me? Ask on WhatsApp
CanadaCanada limits off-campus work to 24 hours a week
Eligible international students can work off campus up to 24 hours a week during academic sessions, and full time during scheduled breaks. The Student Direct Stream closed on the same date, so all applicants now use the regular process.
Source: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)
Does this affect me? Ask on WhatsApp
CanadaCanada PGWP now needs an English test result
Post-Graduation Work Permit applicants who applied from 1 November 2024 must show language test results: CLB 7 for university degree graduates and CLB 5 for college graduates. Most college programs must also be in an eligible field of study.
Source: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)
Does this affect me? Ask on WhatsApp
AustraliaAustralia’s post-study work visa now has an age limit of 35
Since 1 July 2024, most applicants for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) must be 35 or younger. Master’s by research and PhD graduates can apply up to age 50.
Source: Australian Department of Home Affairs
Does this affect me? Ask on WhatsAppNot sure if a change affects your file?
Send us your destination, course and intake. A counselor will tell you what has changed for you — free.
Student Visa Fees, Funds & Post-Study Work — UK vs USA vs Canada vs Australia vs Germany
The current headline numbers Pakistani students ask about most.
Swipe the table sideways
| Destination | Student visa fee | Living funds to show | Post-study work | Biggest recent change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom | £558 (from 8 Apr 2026) | Monthly amount, increased 11 Nov 2025 | 2 years; 18 months if you apply from 1 Jan 2027 | Shorter Graduate Route |
| United States | US$185 | As shown on your Form I-20 | OPT (12 months; up to 36 for STEM) | Online presence review for F-1 applicants |
| Canada | CAD 150 | CAD 22,895 + first-year tuition | Post-Graduation Work Permit | PAL exemption for master’s & PhD |
| Australia | AUD 2,500 (from 1 Jul 2026) | AUD 29,710 a year | Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) | 295,000-place planning level |
| Germany | €75 national visa | €11,904 a year (blocked account) | 18-month job-seeker residence permit | Blocked account amount unchanged for 2026 |
Fees and amounts change often. Always check the current figure before you pay — or ask us on WhatsApp. Plan your full budget with our study abroad cost calculator.
Need Help With Your Study Visa After These Changes?
Rules change — your plan should too. Here’s how we help students in Multan and across Pakistan apply under the current rules.
Study Visa Consultancy
University choice, applications and document checks for 11+ destinations.
Study visa servicesVisa Interview Preparation
F-1, UK credibility and Genuine Student practice with written feedback.
Prepare my interviewEnglish Test Guide
IELTS, PTE, TOEFL, Duolingo, LanguageCert, Oxford ELLT and OET compared.
Compare English testsCost Calculator
Estimate tuition, living costs and visa fees before you commit.
Calculate my costsVisa News for Students in Multan, Punjab, Pakistan & the Gulf
Why these changes matter, and how students across Pakistan and the Gulf keep up with them.
What are the biggest UK student visa changes for Pakistani students?
Three changes matter most: the Graduate Route falls to 18 months for applications from 1 January 2027, the Student visa fee rose to £558 in April 2026, and the living-cost amounts increased in November 2025. Degree-level English still needs CEFR B2. Read our UK study visa guide for the full process.
Is the US student visa still open for Pakistani students?
Yes. The January 2026 pause covers immigrant visas only; F-1 student visas are processed normally at the U.S. Embassy Islamabad and Consulate General Karachi. The planned change to F-1 “duration of status” is on hold after a September 2026 court order. Prepare early with our F-1 visa interview preparation.
What changed for Canada and Australia study visas?
Canada now asks for CAD 22,895 in living funds and has removed the PAL requirement for master’s and PhD students at public institutions. Australia has a 295,000-place planning level, requires AUD 29,710 a year in living funds and accepts only in-centre English tests. See our Canada and Australia study guides. For Europe, Germany still asks for €11,904 in a blocked account for 2026 — see our study in Germany guide.
Study visa consultants in Multan who track every change
As study visa consultants in Multan, we check every application against the rules in force on the day you apply. Students join us from Multan, Bahawalpur, Dera Ghazi Khan, Sahiwal, Khanewal, Vehari, Lahore, Faisalabad, Karachi and Islamabad, and overseas Pakistanis from the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Kuwait and Bahrain get the same guidance online. Also see our scholarship finder and top-ranked universities.
Reviewed by LingoLab’s certified counselling team — British Council, IDP, Pearson and LanguageCert certified. Last reviewed . Rules can change at short notice, so confirm your own case with a counselor before you pay any fee.
Study Visa Updates — Questions Pakistani Students Ask
What are the latest UK student visa changes for Pakistani students?
The Student visa fee is £558 from 8 April 2026, living-cost amounts rose on 11 November 2025, and the Graduate Route drops to 18 months for applications made from 1 January 2027. PhD graduates keep three years. See our UK study visa guide or ask us to check your plan.
Does the US immigrant visa pause affect Pakistani students?
No. The pause that started on 21 January 2026 covers immigrant visas only. F-1 student visas are nonimmigrant visas and continue to be processed at the U.S. Embassy Islamabad and Consulate General Karachi. Prepare with our visa interview preparation.
Has the F-1 “duration of status” rule started?
No. The rule was due to start on 15 September 2026, but a federal court blocked it nationwide on 14 September 2026. F-1 students are still admitted for duration of status while the case continues. We will update this page if that changes — message us with questions.
Do I need a PAL for a master’s in Canada?
Not if you are studying a master’s or PhD at a public designated learning institution — that exemption started on 1 January 2026. Most bachelor’s, diploma and college applicants still need a PAL. Read our Canada study guide.
How much money do I need for an Australian student visa?
You must show AUD 29,710 a year for living costs, plus tuition and travel, and pay the visa application charge — AUD 2,500 for most applicants from 1 July 2026. Estimate your full budget with our study abroad cost calculator.
Which English tests are accepted for an Australian student visa?
For tests taken from 7 August 2025, Home Affairs accepts nine tests including IELTS, PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT, LanguageCert Academic and OET — taken in person at a test centre. Duolingo and at-home tests are not accepted. Compare them in our English test guide.
Can Pakistanis living in the UAE or Saudi Arabia apply for a US student visa there?
Yes, if you legally reside there. Since 6 September 2025, F-1 applicants should interview in their country of nationality or residence, so overseas Pakistanis in the Gulf can apply where they live, while students in Pakistan apply in Pakistan. Prepare with our F-1 visa interview preparation.
How much money do I need in a German blocked account?
For a German student visa, you need €11,904 for a year of study — €992 a month — usually held in a blocked account (Sperrkonto). Language-course applicants need a higher monthly amount. See our study in Germany guide and plan with the cost calculator.
Where does LingoLab get these updates from?
From official announcements by the UK Home Office, US State Department and Department of Homeland Security, IRCC, Australian Home Affairs and the English test owners. Our team summarises each one in plain words and explains what it means for Pakistani applicants. Contact us for your own case.
Does a visa rule change affect my application?
It depends on your destination, course level, intake and where you are in the process. Send us those details on WhatsApp and a counselor will explain what has changed for you, free of charge.
Continue Your Study Abroad Journey
Apply Under Today’s Rules — Not Last Year’s
Book a free assessment and a counselor will check your study plan, budget and documents against the current rules for your destination.
WhatsApp Us Now Book Free Assessment