What changed, and what it means

What changed

UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) has updated its guide called 'Register of licensed sponsors: students'. This update is from 24 August 2026. It replaces the last version from 21 August 2026. The guide lists organisations that can sponsor migrant students in the UK. This includes students on a Student visa or a Child Student visa. It shows their sponsorship type and rating. This update is a regular change to a list that is always kept current.

What changed

The Department of State wants to change rules for the Exchange Visitor Program (J visa category). The new rules make clear why an exchange visitor's programme might end. They let the Department end programmes in certain situations. They also change how programmes are extended and how visitors get back to valid programme status. They remove old rules and add new ways to use the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). The rules also add definitions for "Unauthorized Employment" and "Valid Program Status." They remove the separate rule for extending au pair programmes.