Visa delays disrupting student plans in UK, US

A survey of over 2,000 international students from more than 100 countries has revealed the significant impact of visa processing delays on students’ experiences in the UK and the US, with many reporting disruption to their academic journey.

The survey, conducted by INTO, found that 60% of students faced delays that prevented them from confirming their university place as early as they wished. Among these, 21% identified visa appointment and processing delays as the primary reason for postponing their university confirmation.

The issue was especially prevalent in South Asia, where 28% of students cited visa delays as a major barrier. These delays also affected other aspects of student life, such as orientation. Forty-five percent of students who missed orientation cited delayed visa approvals as the cause.

“These findings serve as a powerful message for governments, educational authorities and universities to work together in addressing visa delays, ensuring students are supported in their aspirations to study abroad,” said John Sykes, CEO of INTO.

The research also highlighted increasing competition among study destinations, with over half of students considering alternative countries before settling on the UK or US.

More than 40% of these students were looking beyond the traditional ‘Big Four’—the UK, US, Canada, and Australia—turning to options like Singapore, Malaysia, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia.

Students from East Asia were the most likely to consider Singapore and Malaysia, while those from the Middle East and North Africa primarily looked to the UAE, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia. Chinese students and those from Hong Kong and Macau showed a preference for Hong Kong.

The survey revealed that securing internships, gaining professional experience, and connecting with employers are top priorities for students heading to the UK and US.

Around 50% of students expressed their intention to participate in work placements during their studies, while one-third planned to pursue post-study work opportunities through programs like the Graduate Route in the UK and OPT in the US. Post-study work visas were particularly popular among students from East Asia and South Asia.

Meanwhile, one-quarter of students said they planned to return home immediately after graduation.

“This data reflects the growing emphasis on preparing students for the workforce in an increasingly competitive global job market and the critical role of employability-focused initiatives in attracting and retaining students,” said an INTO spokesperson.

The survey also revealed a shift in priorities for international students. While university rankings remained important, they were less of a driving factor compared to previous years.

Personal safety and employability have become increasingly significant, particularly in South Asia, where work experience opportunities now rank as the second-highest priority for students.

Factors such as personal safety were also crucial for students from the Middle East, where it was a key consideration when selecting a study destination.

These insights underline the growing focus on employability and work opportunities, with universities and governments encouraged to provide more support throughout students’ academic journeys.