UK to Restrict Students Dependents’ Visas

The UK will stop issuing visas to many international students’ dependents.

These updates, effective from January 1, 2024, aim to ensure that students arrive in the UK with a genuine educational purpose rather than for migration reasons. Let’s explore the key modifications and their potential impact on students and their families.

Restrictions on Family Accompaniment:

Under the new regulations, effective from Jan 1, 2024, only international students enrolling in postgraduate research programs designated as research-based Masters or PhDs will be permitted to bring their families.

Higher Burden of Proof:

International students allowed to bring their family members will now face a higher burden of proof. They will be required to demonstrate their capability to “look after themselves and their dependents.”

Limitations on Route Switching:

Another significant amendment is the restriction on switching from the Graduate Student Route to the Skilled Worker Route before completing one’s studies. International students will need to complete their studies and fulfill the requirements of their program before considering a transition to the Skilled Worker Route.

Review and Enforcement:

The UK government has emphasized that there will be a review and enforcement mechanism in place to ensure compliance with these new rules. The stated objective is to safeguard the purpose of education and discourage migration-oriented intentions among international students.

Post-Graduation Stay:

However, students who successfully complete their graduate studies can continue to stay in the UK for a duration of up to two years (through the Graduate Route) or three years (for doctoral students). This provision allows students to explore career opportunities and gain valuable experience after completing their studies.

Crackdown on Unscrupulous Student Agents:

To protect the integrity of the international education system, the government plans to crack down on “unscrupulous international student agents.” Though the specific measures for defining agency ethics and rules are yet to be explained, reports suggest that agents may be required to obtain professional certifications and demonstrate their success in student recruitment.

Impact on One-Year Master’s Programs:

These changes will particularly affect students pursuing one-year master’s programs, which are popular among many, notably Indian and Nigerian students and their families.