UK Student Visa New Rules
For international students eyeing the UK, 2024 brings a fresh set of updates to be aware of.
Bringing Dependants: In the past, many international students could bring family members with them. Starting January 2024, this will be limited. Only those doing postgraduate courses in research programs can bring their dependants. This means if you’re coming for a regular course or a Bachelors or Masters degree, your family will not be able to join you. This rule will also apply for those moving forward from the student visa on to the graduate (PSW) visa.
Switching to Work Visas: Previously, students could transition from studying to working in the UK. The new rules are tightening this up. Now, you’ll need to finish your course first before thinking of switching to a work visa.
Changes to Immigration Rules for Dependents of International Students
For years, the UK’s immigration policies have been accommodating to international students, allowing them the privilege of bringing along dependants, which include spouses or children. This was particularly advantageous for older students or those undertaking postgraduate studies, as it provided a sense of familial support and unity during their academic journey.
However, the new changes to the immigration rules, set to come into effect on 1 January 2024, will impose strict restrictions on international students to bring dependants. As per the statement of changes released on 17 July 2023, international students will be barred from bringing family members on dependant visas unless they are pursuing a postgraduate research programme or an approved higher education route. This change is a part of the broader effort by the UK government to reduce net migration figures.
The UK’s migration statistics have consistently escalated over the years. In response, the government declares that by refining the criteria surrounding dependant visas, it can foster a more controlled and sustainable migration pattern.
Also, by limiting the number of dependants, the UK aims to streamline the student visa process, ensuring that those who come to the UK are here primarily for academic purposes, thereby aligning with the broader objective of managing migration more effectively.
Restriction on Switching to Work Visas for Student Visa Holders
In the past, the UK’s immigration framework allowed students to transition from student visas to work visas, provided they secured a job offer and fulfilled the prerequisites of the skilled worker visa. This provision was seen as an incentive for talented students to stay in the UK and contribute to its economy after their studies.
However, the changes will limit the ability of international students to change from student visas to work visas until they finish their education. Students enrolled in courses at or above the degree level will have a limited window to apply for sponsored work routes, given that their job start date corresponds with the completion of their course.
One of the primary grounds behind this policy shift is the government’s intent to ensure international students are unwaveringly committed to their academic objectives. By implementing these restrictions, the UK government anticipates that students will channel their energies more towards their studies, thereby advancing the academic standards and output.
The goal here is to strike a balance between giving students the chance to gain work experience in the UK and ensuring that they prioritise their primary objective of being in the country: education. This shift in policy reflects a broader global trend where countries are re-evaluating the balance between work and study for international students..
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VISHAL SHAH
CEO - OM Group of Companies
OM INTERNATIONAL
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