Visa and study-abroad policies change regularly, and advice that was accurate a year or two ago can easily be outdated. Rather than any single article - including this one - being your only source, here's how to build a reliable habit of staying current.
Start with official sources
The embassy, consulate, or government immigration website for your destination country is the authoritative source for current requirements. When in doubt, that's the source that overrides everything else.
Check your destination university's international office
Universities generally track policy changes that affect their own international students closely and communicate updates directly - make sure you're subscribed to whatever channel they use.
Ask your counselor before making a decision based on news you've read
News coverage of immigration policy is often broader or more general than what actually applies to your specific visa category, country, or situation. If a headline affects a decision you're about to make, confirm the details before acting on it.
Re-verify anything time-sensitive close to your deadline
Requirements can change between when you start researching and when you actually apply. It's worth a final check of official sources close to your submission date, especially for anything with strict processing-time requirements.