The United Kingdom has long been a preferred destination for international students seeking top-notch education and diverse cultural experiences. However, the landscape is evolving, and prospective students planning to study in the UK in 2024 must acquaint themselves with significant changes in spousal visa policies.
Recent Policy Changes
- Dependent Eligibility:
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- Allowed for those undertaking a PhD, doctoral qualification, or a research-based higher degree (e.g., master’s by research).
- Students studying a course of more than 6 months with a full government scholarship (fees and living costs) can bring dependants.
- PhD Students:
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- Minimum 24-month study requirement before switching to a work visa.
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- Dependent Visa Extensions:
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- Permissible if the main student visa holder started their course before January 1, 2024.
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- Post-Study Work Visa (PSW) and Dependents:
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- A family can apply for a dependent visa if living together during the study period.
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- Switching from Dependent Visa to Work Visa:
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- Possible, except for parents of student visa holders.
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- Requirements for Switching to Work Visa:
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- Job offer from a UK sponsor-licensed employer.
- Meet minimum salary requirements.
- Fulfill English language requirements (CEFR level B1).
In a recent announcement, the UK Home Secretary, James Cleverly, announced stringent measures to curb what he termed as the “unreasonable practice” of overseas students bringing their families to the UK. These changes, which came into effect in January 2024, involve a comprehensive ban on international students obtaining visas for their dependants, with exceptions for those enrolling in postgraduate research courses or government-sponsored programs.
The changes aim to slash migration and curb abuse of the immigration system, with an estimated 140,000 fewer people expected to come to the UK.This move is part of a broader strategy to reduce overall migration by tens of thousands and prevent the perceived manipulation of the UK immigration system. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak emphasized this point by stating that the majority of foreign university students can no longer bring family members to the UK, aligning with the government’s commitment to cutting migration
Impact on International Students
The impact of these changes is substantial, affecting not only the incoming students but also the universities that heavily rely on fees from international students. According to revised Office for National Statistics (ONS) figures, net migration reached a record figure of 745,000 in the year to December 2022, prompting the government to take swift action.
International students, along with their dependents, contribute significantly to the UK economy. Estimates suggest that international students add £35 billion a year to the UK economy, making their presence vital for various sectors, including education, healthcare, and housing. The new visa policies not only impact students financially, with additional NHS surcharges but also lead to concerns about emotional isolation and its potential impact on mental health.
The measures are anticipated to significantly influence the choices of international students, particularly those from India, which constitutes a substantial portion of the international student community in the UK. Indian students made up one-third of the total sponsored study grants to main applicants, indicating a strong presence in UK universities. However, concerns are rising among Indian students about feeling unwelcome due to the restrictions on bringing family members.
The Way Forward
While the UK government asserts that these measures are part of a “tough but fair” approach to immigration, it is essential to consider the potential repercussions on the country’s reputation as a global education hub. Suggestions have been made to distinguish between abuse of the system and legal uses, echoing the sentiment of maintaining the UK’s openness to international students.
Experts propose that, to address concerns and maintain the UK’s attractiveness to international students, the government should consider removing international students from net migration figures. This would prevent the figures from being perceived as excessively high, contributing to a more welcoming environment for international students.
As international students prepare for their academic journey in the UK in 2024, being well-informed about the spousal visa policies is paramount. The changes, while aimed at addressing immigration concerns, have raised valid apprehensions among students and experts. The delicate balance between controlling migration and preserving the UK’s reputation as a welcoming destination for international students remains a challenge. Navigating these changes wisely and advocating for a balanced approach to immigration policies will be crucial for both students and the institutions they aspire to join.
As per the authorities , Modifications to student visas aim to strike a delicate balance by preserving the allure of the UK’s world-leading higher education sector while curbing institutions from leveraging immigration as a commodity rather than an educational pursuit. The government’s steadfast commitment to the International Education Strategy acknowledges the substantial economic contribution of international students to the UK. This commitment involves aligning migration levels with skillfulness, ensuring that those entering the country are highly skilled and contribute significantly to the economy.
FAQ
Which of my relatives are eligible to accompany me as dependents?
When relocating to the UK, individuals can bring certain family members as dependants. This includes
- Spouses,
- Civil partners,
- Unmarried partners, granted the latter have cohabitated for at least two consecutive years.
- Children can also accompany the primary visa holder, either if they are under 18 years old or already have permission to reside in the UK as dependent children.
It’s important to note that other family members, like parents or siblings, are not eligible to come to the UK as dependants under this immigration policy. The guidelines aim to prioritize nuclear family units and close relationships for immigration purposes.
Can I bring my spouse as an undergraduate student?
If your program commences on or after January 1, 2024, certain individuals are not eligible to bring dependants to the UK. Undergraduate students who are not government-sponsored or enrolled in a program lasting up to 6 months fall into this category and cannot bring dependants.
For programs commencing before January 1, 2024, including cases of returning from an interruption of studies, the following individuals are ineligible to bring dependants: undergraduate students who are not government-sponsored or studying a program of up to 6 months.
Are my dependents allowed to work and pursue education in the UK?
Dependents over the age of 16 are permitted to engage in full-time employment in the UK. They have the flexibility to choose from various job opportunities, with the only exceptions being roles such as a doctor or dentist in training, or as a professional sportsperson or coach. Regarding education, there are no study restrictions for dependents under the Student route. However, it’s essential to be aware that if a dependent plans to study in the UK and their program requires ATAS (Academic Technology Approval Scheme) clearance, they must obtain an ATAS certificate before commencing their studies.