Student Visa Holders: Changes to the dependent rules
Before 2024, anyone coming to the UK to study and in possession of a Student Visa was allowed to bring their dependents with them. Since the start of 2024, this general right has been withdrawn, and only Student Visa holders who are enrolled on a qualifying postgraduate course will be allowed to bring their dependents with them.
Who can apply for a dependents visa?
If your course is a full-time postgraduate level research degree of at least 9 months in length, then your partner and children will be able to apply for a dependent visa.
This means that dependents of people coming to the UK to study for an undergraduate degree, professional qualification or taught postgraduate course will no longer be able to apply for a Student Dependent Visa.
Alternatively, if you are a government-sponsored student on a full-time course of at least 6 months in duration, then your dependents will be able to apply for a visa. To be a government-sponsored student means to receive a funding award for your studies from the UK or overseas government.
There is no requirement for dependents to be in receipt of a government funding award, but they will need to meet the financial requirements for a Student Dependent Visa. Currently, this is set at £845 a month for up to 9 months for London-based courses, and £680 a month for up to 9 months for courses based outside London.
Switching to a Work Visa
International students in the UK with a Student Visa are no longer able to switch to a Work Visa during their studies. This means that individuals can only apply for a Work Visa after they have completed their studies. Their application will be subject to the same requirements and conditions as other applicants.
Why are the changes taking place?
The changes to dependent rules for Student Visa holders are part of a general overhaul of UK immigration laws. The UK government has expressed concern about the number of students bringing dependents with them. According to statistics from the Home Office, around 136,000 visas were granted to dependents of sponsored students in the year ending December 2022. This represents a more than eightfold increase from 16,000 in 2019.
These figures reflect the changed immigration rules for European Union students entering the UK, who before Brexit would not have appeared in the immigration numbers.
Comprehensive information about the new Student Visa regime can be found on the government website.
Immigration advice & support from BS Consulting
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Contact us today to find out more about our services and how we can help.