Visas and immigration news: March 2025 

Electronic Travel Authorisation 

The third phase of the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) roll-out was completed on 5 March.

European nationals wishing to travel to the UK for up to six months from 2 April need to show they have an ETA before they can check in.

Schoolchildren in France travelling as an organised school group do not need an ETA.

> Read more about applying for an ETA

> Read more about visiting the UK as part of a French school trip

New immigration rules published on 12 March 2025

The government is introducing a series of changes to the immigration rules. This is in response to concerns around students' genuine intention to study and leave the UK and to improve safeguarding of under 18s.

Short-term study visa route

What is changing?

A 'genuine short-term student rule' has been added. This allows caseworkers to refuse visas where they suspect an applicant has no genuine intention to study or to leave the UK at the end of the course.

The wording states that caseworkers can 'refuse applications where they are not satisfied the applicant has a genuine intention to study the course listed on their application and/or to leave the UK at the end of their course.'

How does this affect a visa application?

This rule means that caseworkers are able to refuse an application if they have doubts about an applicant even if there is sufficient evidence for other requirements (for example, suitable course length, sufficient funds, parental consent, etc.).

What should students do?

There is no need to prepare and submit specific additional documents.

Students will have to consider what evidence to use in support of their personal circumstances and demonstrate their intention to study and leave the UK at the end of the course.

When does the change happen?

The new rules apply to applications submitted on or after 9 April 2025. Applications submitted up to 8 April will not be assessed using the new rules.

Child student visa route

What is changing?

A number of changes will be made to improve safeguarding on this route:

• Carers of international students for periods lasting less than 28 days will have to meet the same requirements as those for close relatives and private foster carers. This includes a requirement to provide a letter of undertaking.
• A new list of permitted living arrangement categories has been created. Applicants must specify which arrangement they will be entering into. The financial requirements section has also been updated in line with this new list.
• Caseworkers will also be given broader powers to refuse Child Student applications where the Child Student's carer in the UK has committed a relevant criminal offence, or they pose a safeguarding risk to the applicant once they are in the UK.

When does the change come into effect?

The changes will apply to applications submitted on or after 29 May 2025.

> Read the Home Office 2025 Spring Rules: Student Policy Changes document