- The UK government has launched a sweeping campaign targeting international students who overstay their visas.
- In response to a sharp rise in asylum claims from student visa holders, the Home Office is directly contacting up to 130,000 students and their families via text and email, warning them to leave or face removal.
- Officials say 16,000 asylum claims last year came from students — nearly six times the number in 2020.
- While some claims are legitimate, ministers argue the system is being exploited. The crackdown includes reducing the post-study stay period from two years to 18 months.
The UK government has begun directly contacting tens of thousands of international students, warning them to leave the country once their visas expire — or face deportation.
The move is part of a new Home Office campaign aimed at curbing what officials describe as an “alarming” rise in asylum claims from student visa holders. According to government data, 16,000 asylum applications were submitted by students in 2024 — nearly six times the number recorded in 2020. While some claims are deemed legitimate, ministers say many are being used as a last-minute attempt to remain in the country after legal stay expires.
In a first-of-its-kind approach, the Home Office is sending direct messages via text and email to students nearing visa expiry. The message warns that meritless asylum claims will be “swiftly and robustly refused” and that those without legal grounds to remain will be removed. So far, 10,000 students have received the warning, with another 130,000 expected to be contacted in the coming months — timed to coincide with the autumn academic intake.
The campaign comes amid broader immigration reforms under the Labour government. Earlier this year, the Home Office reduced the post-study stay period for overseas graduates from two years to 18 months. Universities now face stricter thresholds on visa refusal rates and course completion metrics to retain their license to sponsor international students.
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper has defended the crackdown, stating that the asylum system must not be used to bypass immigration rules. She emphasized that while genuine refugees will be supported, students whose home countries remain unchanged should not be seeking asylum after graduation.
The government’s messaging campaign is part of a wider effort to reduce pressure on the UK’s asylum accommodation network, which includes hotel facilities already stretched by small boat arrivals. In the year to June 2025, 41,100 asylum claims came from people who entered legally — with student visa holders making up the largest group.
As the UK tightens its immigration controls, international students are being told in no uncertain terms: once your visa expires, your time is up.
