Welcome to this month’s update on IELTS, migration, and education news. September has been a busy period, with major immigration changes shaping job opportunities in the UK and Canada, and fresh reports on shifting student demand across the globe.
Whether you’re preparing for IELTS, exploring overseas work options, or keeping track of international study trends, these stories highlight just how quickly the landscape can change — and why staying informed is essential.
The Latest IELTS News
Special Arrangements That Help You Show Your Best in IELTS
Worried about how IELTS works if you have extra needs? The good news is, there’s plenty of support available.
For example, you can request Braille or large-print papers, use screen readers, or even have a trained scribe or laptop to record your answers.
If you have hearing difficulties, there’s a lip-reading version of the Listening test. Extra time, rest breaks, or a quiet room can also be arranged for medical conditions, anxiety, or processing challenges.
Test takers with dyslexia can use coloured overlays, and reliable Wi-Fi and equipment at test centres mean you don’t need to stress about the tech. In rare cases, exemptions (like from the Speaking test) are possible too.
All of this is designed with one aim in mind: helping you show your true level of English without practical barriers getting in the way.
International Employment Opportunities
UK Immigration and Jobs Update
The UK government made several notable announcements in September that will affect both employers and migrants. On 4 September, a Statement of Changes to the Immigration Rules (HC 1298) was published, setting out revisions to visa eligibility, sponsorship, and compliance. These updates follow on from July’s major Skilled Worker reforms, which raised the salary threshold to £41,700 and tightened the list of eligible roles. Employers who rely on international recruitment will need to review their pipelines carefully to ensure compliance with the new framework.
Later in the month, further details emerged on the government’s proposed “earned settlement” model. This plan would extend the default path to settlement from five years to ten, but allow individuals to shorten the timeline by demonstrating higher earnings, contributions, or successful integration. While the aim is to reward contribution, the change has raised questions about fairness and the long-term attractiveness of the UK as a work destination.
Adding to the mix, ministers confirmed that the UK will introduce compulsory digital ID cards for workers. Framed as a way to streamline checks and reduce illegal employment, the move revives a long-standing debate over privacy and the role of the state in employment verification. Employers will need to prepare for this new system as it comes into effect.
Canada Immigration and Jobs Update
Canada’s immigration pathways remained active in September, though not without challenges. The federal government announced it will issue around 30% fewer Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWPs) this year, reflecting stricter eligibility rules introduced earlier in 2025. This change has raised concerns among international graduates, many of whom rely on PGWPs as their first step toward permanent residency.
At the same time, Canada continues to use targeted immigration draws to meet labour needs. In September alone, 1,250 invitations were issued through Express Entry for trade occupations, highlighting the country’s focus on filling shortages in practical, skills-based sectors. Alberta also conducted three separate draws under its provincial program, inviting more than 1,400 candidates across different streams.
On the policy front, the government unveiled a new package of measures designed to strengthen the workforce. These include reskilling programs and targeted supports for industries disrupted by global trade and technological change. While immigration processing delays and LMIA rule changes continue to frustrate some employers, the overall message is clear: Canada remains committed to linking immigration with labour market needs, even as it adjusts the pathways available to students and workers.
Studying Abroad
The Shifting Landscape of International Student Demand
Recent reports suggest that the UK continues to hold strong appeal for international students, even as other major study destinations face turbulence. According to Keystone Education Group and ApplyBoard, visa issuance for UK study rose sharply in early 2025, with over 48,000 student visas granted in the first quarter alone — a 27% increase compared to the same period in 2024. India remains the UK’s largest source market, while Bangladesh and Nepal showed some of the fastest growth. Despite a small dip in Chinese applicants, demand overall appears resilient, particularly in the face of policy restrictions in the US, Australia, and Canada.
At the same time, new analysis in the US paints a starkly different picture. Forecasts suggest that international student commencements could fall by as much as 30–40% for the September 2025 intake, equivalent to around 150,000 fewer students. That drop would carry an estimated $7 billion economic impact and affect more than 60,000 jobs across the country. Delays in visa processing, the suspension of interviews earlier this year, and new travel restrictions have all contributed to a decline in enrolment. Stakeholders, including NAFSA, are urging the US administration to prioritise student visa processing to avoid long-term damage to America’s competitiveness.
Taken together, these two stories highlight how quickly global student mobility can shift depending on policy and perception. While the UK is currently benefiting from rebounding demand, especially from South Asia, the US is facing one of its most significant enrolment challenges in years. For universities, agents, and students alike, the message is clear: international education remains highly competitive, and policy stability is just as important as academic quality in shaping where students choose to study.
Further Reading
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See you in October!
The post IELTS, Education and Immigration news: September 2025 appeared first on IELTS Online Teacher.
