1 Jan 2026
Canada PAL exemptions apply
15 Sep 2026
US F-1 fixed admission period
30 Nov 2026
UK visa funds rise
1 Jan 2027
UK Graduate visa 18 months
1 Aug 2028
UK student levy begins
Quick Answer
Five rule changes set the timeline for Nepali students: Canada's 2026 study permit cap and PAL exemptions (from 1 January 2026), the US fixed period of admission for F-1 students (from 15 September 2026), higher UK student visa funds (for applications from 30 November 2026), the UK Graduate visa reduced to 18 months (for applications from 1 January 2027), and the UK international student levy (from 1 August 2028). Plan your intake and country choice around these dates.
The timeline at a glance
- 1 January 2026, Canada: master's and doctoral students at public institutions, school students and some other groups no longer need a provincial attestation letter. The 2026 cap is 309,670 applications.
- 15 September 2026, USA: F-1, J-1 and I visa holders move from "duration of status" to a fixed period of admission, capped at four years for F-1 students.
- 30 November 2026, UK: the living-cost funds for a Student visa rise to £1,203 a month outside London and £1,570 in London for applications from this date.
- 1 January 2027, UK: the Graduate visa for bachelor's and master's graduates becomes 18 months for applications submitted on or after this date. PhD graduates keep three years.
- 1 August 2028, UK: the international student levy of £925 per student per year starts for English higher education providers.
Canada: fewer new permits in 2026
Canada expects to issue up to 408,000 study permits in 2026, with 155,000 for new students. Most new bachelor's and college applicants need a PAL, while postgraduate students at public institutions are exempt. Read the full breakdown in our Canada study permit cap guide.
USA: a fixed end date on your stay
Under the Department of Homeland Security's final rule, effective 15 September 2026, F-1 students are admitted for the length of their programme, up to a maximum of four years. The grace period after the programme ends is reduced from 60 days to 30 days. A student who needs more time must file an extension with USCIS.
We explain the practical effect in our guides on when F-1 duration of status ended and the 15 September deadline.
UK: shorter Graduate visa and a new levy
Applications for the Graduate visa submitted before 1 January 2027 can still receive two years. From that date, bachelor's and master's graduates receive 18 months. See the UK Graduate Route guide.
From 1 August 2028, English providers pay £925 per international student per year, with an allowance of 220 students. Read the details in our UK levy guide.
How to use this calendar
- Aiming for the UK? If you will apply for the Graduate visa on or after 1 January 2027, plan for 18 months of post-study work rights, not two years.
- Aiming for Canada? Check whether your programme needs a PAL before you pick a university.
- Aiming for the USA? Make sure your I-20 end date is realistic, and talk to your international office before travelling after 15 September 2026.
- Not sure? Compare countries on cost, post-study work and risk, then book a call with an adviser.
Rules change, so confirm every date on the official government site before you apply.
Sources
- IRCC: 2026 allocations under the international student cap
- Mintz: DHS final rule creating a fixed period of admission
- UKCISA: the levy on international student fees in England
Dates checked in October 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
When do UK student visa funds rise?
For Student visa applications made on or after 30 November 2026, the funds rise to £1,203 a month outside London and £1,570 a month in London, for up to 9 months.
When does the UK Graduate visa become 18 months?
For applications submitted on or after 1 January 2027, the Graduate visa for bachelor's and master's graduates is 18 months. PhD graduates still receive three years.
When does the US fixed period of admission start?
The DHS final rule takes effect on 15 September 2026. F-1 students are admitted for the length of their programme, up to four years, with a 30-day grace period afterwards.
When does the UK international student levy start?
The levy starts on 1 August 2028 at £925 per international student per year, charged to English higher education providers.
Which countries have changed their rules for 2026?
Canada has a 2026 study permit cap of 309,670 applications, and the USA is replacing duration of status with a fixed admission period from 15 September 2026.
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