Thousands Of British Students In Limbo Over Post-Brexit Visas Delay

Thousands of British students have been hit by post-Brexit visa hurdles, leaving many struggling to complete their language courses or take up internships in the European Union.

Hundreds of undergraduates taking modern foreign language courses may miss out on a vital part of their degree.

The UK government has asked Spain to set up a fast-track visa process for British students wanting to study and work there after the Spanish embassy in London was overwhelmed by applications.

This month the UK Foreign Office contacted its Spanish counterpart on behalf of UK universities, over the difficulties British students faced to get visas – the first time they have been required since Brexit ended freedom of movement for UK citizens last year.

But Spanish officials have so far rebuffed the request for a fast-track process, saying students should check that they have the right documents to avoid hold-ups while suggesting universities could centralise visa applications and submit them en masse.

While students have reported bureaucratic obstacles in applying for visas to Germany, Belgium, Netherlands and France, most of the complaints involve Spain.