UK universities are facing disruption as visa delays affect the international January intake. Mandatory checks by UK authorities slowed decisions, leaving many students unable to start courses on time. The Home Office has asked colleges to allow late joining, but some institutions have withdrawn offers to meet strict compliance rules linked to visa refusal rates. Students from South Asia and parts of Africa have been impacted, with many still awaiting decisions weeks after classes began. Indian students, among the largest groups in the UK after China, face uncertainty over travel, housing, and fees. Officials say extra checks aim to prevent misuse of student visas.