Rising Number of International Pupils
In the 2024–2025 academic year, more than 10,000 children from over 50 countries came to study in boarding schools across the United Kingdom. This steady influx highlights both the enduring appeal of British education and the need for immigration services to refine their rules and procedures to meet growing demand.
CAS and the Role of Educational Agencies
From this year, the CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) number required for a student visa must also include the name of the educational agency involved. This change reflects the increasing importance of accredited agencies, which guide families through the admissions process, ensuring that applications to British schools and universities are handled with transparency and reliability.
Visa Refusals and Processing Times
There is encouraging news. Visa refusal rates have fallen noticeably this year, with most refusals limited to applicants from higher-risk countries. Processing times have also improved. In most cases, a standard application takes little more than a week, with only occasional requests for additional documents or checks.
