Changes Announced to Student Visas
On 23 May 2023 the UK Government announced that there will be change affecting international students studying in the UK. The proposed changes include stopping postgraduate taught students from bringing dependents, preventing those on a student visa to transfer to a different visa, and reviewing the maintenance requirements for students and dependents. They have now provided further guidance relating to the changes and we have gathered some Frequently Asked Questions below.
Dependants
When do the new rules come into effect?
The new rules came into effect on the 17 July 2023 (when the statement of changes was announced).
I’ve applied for the January 2024 intake can I still bring my dependants?
Students will no longer be able to bring dependants to the UK except for those who are studying a course which the provider has confirmed is a PhD, other doctoral qualifications or a research based higher degree or they are financially sponsored by the UK or an overseas Government.
Can I still bring my dependants for the September intake?
Yes, the new rules only effect students joining the January 2024 intake onwards.
If I get my visa for September and arrive in the UK first can my family still join me or apply for the visa at a later date?
Yes, your family are still able to join you after January 2024 (where the other requirements of the rules are met).
I’m planning on studying a Master by Research, can I still bring my family members?
The Master by Research will need to ensure that the research element of the course is larger than any accompanying taught component when measured by student effort to be eligible to bring dependants. You will need to look at the course specification carefully as not all MRes courses meet this requirement.
I opted to defer my offer to January/September 2024, can I move back to the September 2023 intake?
Please seek advice from our Admissions Team who will look at this on a case-by-case basis. Please note that all decisions will be subject to programme capacity.
Can I bring my dependants once I complete my course and apply for the Graduate Route visa?
There are currently no changes to the Graduate Route requirements, which means that if you do not have dependants in the UK during the period of your studies, they will not be eligible to apply for the Graduate route visa.
I won’t be able to study if I cannot bring my family, what are my options?
You will need to consider your personal circumstances carefully as the rules won’t permit you to bring your family members for any courses after 1 January 2024 unless you are on an exempt course. There may be options for distance learning courses where you study online from your country.
I am expecting a baby and will be pregnant when I arrive in the UK, how will this affect me?
In line with the current rules, students are able to regularise the status of their child as their dependant where the child is born in the UK during the last/current grant of permission, and this has not changed.
Will I be able to extend my dependants visa if I need more time to complete my course?
If you have a valid student route visa and your dependants are in the UK, you and your dependants will be permitted to extend their visa.
I am in the UK already on a dependant visa, will this change affect me?
No, if you have valid leave, you will not be affected by this change at this current time.
I am in the UK already on a dependant visa and will be moving to the student route, will my spouse be able to apply for a dependant visa from student route?
Your dependant will need to have valid leave in the UK and not be applying to join you for a course which starts later than the 1 January 2024.
I have sole responsibility for my children, will I still be able to study in the UK?
You are still permitted to study in the UK, however if your course starts after the 1 January 2024, then you will not be permitted to bring dependants unless you are undertaking a a PhD, other doctoral qualifications or a research based higher degree or you are financially sponsored by the UK or an overseas Government.
Is the Graduate Route impacted by these changes?
There is no change to the Graduate Route. Dependants already in the UK as a student dependant may apply as a dependant of a graduate at the same time as the applicant.
Maintenance
Have the maintenance costs changed?
There are currently no changes to the maintenance requirements.
Working in the UK
I’ve been offered a job which allows me to move into a work route, can I take this job offer and move to part-time studies?
You will no longer be permitted to switch out of the Student Route until you have completed your course. The only exception is for PhD students who will be permitted to switch after they have completed at least 24 months towards their PhD.
I’ve completed my course; can I move into the skilled worker route?
Yes, you will be able to switch into the Skilled Worker Route as long as you have completed your course. PhD students will be permitted to switch after they have completed the 24 months towards their PhD.
What do you mean by course completion?
The UKVI will check the course completion date entered on the CAS if you apply to move into the skilled worker route. Students do not need to have received their final award as long they have not had their sponsorship withdrawn prior to the course end date on the CAS.
Am I still able to work in the UK?
Yes, you would still be eligible to work in line with your Student Route Visa conditions.
Will I still be eligible for the Graduate Route?
To be eligible for the Graduate route, you will need to meet the requirements from the UKVI guidance, which includes being awarded for the course for which your CAS was issued and be able to apply prior to your visa expiry.