The UK government has launched a campaign warning international students not to overstay their visas, with Home Secretary Yvette Cooper saying those who remain without legal status will face removal.
According to a BBC News report, the Home Office has directly contacted international students by text and email for the first time. Around 10,000 students whose visas are due to expire have already been warned that they could be deported if they stay beyond their permitted period. In the coming months, tens of thousands more will receive similar messages, coinciding with the autumn intake of student visa holders.
“If you have no legal right to remain in the UK, you must leave. If you don’t, we will remove you.” It also warns that asylum claims “lacking merit” will be “swiftly and robustly refused,”the message to students stated.
Cooper told the BBC that some students are entering the asylum system even when conditions in their home countries have not changed. “We obviously will do our bit to support genuine refugees,” she said. “But if nothing has changed in their country, people should not be claiming asylum at the end of a student course.”
According to Home Office figures, asylum claims made by people who first entered the UK on student visas reached 16,000 last year, almost six times higher than in 2020. Students are now the largest group among visa holders applying for asylum once their leave to remain ends.
In total, 41,100 asylum applications in the year to June 2025 came from people who had entered legally with visas. By comparison, 43,600 people sought asylum after crossing the Channel on small boats, representing 39% of claims.
The Home Office has noted that while the number of asylum claims from students fell by 10% this year, ministers remain concerned about the pressures these claims place on asylum housing, including the use of hotels.
The government has also tightened post-study visa rules. Earlier this year, the maximum period graduates can stay in the UK after completing their courses was reduced from two years to 18 months.
According to a BBC News report, the Home Office has directly contacted international students by text and email for the first time. Around 10,000 students whose visas are due to expire have already been warned that they could be deported if they stay beyond their permitted period. In the coming months, tens of thousands more will receive similar messages, coinciding with the autumn intake of student visa holders.
“If you have no legal right to remain in the UK, you must leave. If you don’t, we will remove you.” It also warns that asylum claims “lacking merit” will be “swiftly and robustly refused,”the message to students stated.
Cooper told the BBC that some students are entering the asylum system even when conditions in their home countries have not changed. “We obviously will do our bit to support genuine refugees,” she said. “But if nothing has changed in their country, people should not be claiming asylum at the end of a student course.”
According to Home Office figures, asylum claims made by people who first entered the UK on student visas reached 16,000 last year, almost six times higher than in 2020. Students are now the largest group among visa holders applying for asylum once their leave to remain ends.
In total, 41,100 asylum applications in the year to June 2025 came from people who had entered legally with visas. By comparison, 43,600 people sought asylum after crossing the Channel on small boats, representing 39% of claims.
The Home Office has noted that while the number of asylum claims from students fell by 10% this year, ministers remain concerned about the pressures these claims place on asylum housing, including the use of hotels.
The government has also tightened post-study visa rules. Earlier this year, the maximum period graduates can stay in the UK after completing their courses was reduced from two years to 18 months.
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