UPDATE: UK Student Dependent Visa New Rules 2024
The government is imposing new restrictions on student visas, which will drastically cut the number of students travelling to the United Kingdom. These limits include limiting overseas students’ ability to bring their families, with the exception of those conducting post-graduate research, and prohibiting persons from utilising a student visa to work in the UK.
According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), net migration increased by more than 500,000 between June 2021 and June 2022. While some of this increase can be attributed to temporary reasons such as the Ukraine and Hong Kong schemes, about 500,000 student visas were awarded last year, and the number of dependants of international students has increased by 750% since 2019, reaching 136,000 persons.
Government Restrictions on Student Visas: Impact on Net Migration
The government recognises the economic relevance of overseas students and remains dedicated to the overseas Education Strategy. They feel that it is equally necessary to reduce total migration and ensure that migration to the UK comprises of highly trained persons who bring the most benefit.
The proposed adjustments to the student visa route are intended to meet the International Education Strategy while also making a demonstrable contribution to reducing net migration to sustainable levels. The government has stated that the graduate route will remain intact.
These revisions will be introduced for students beginning their studies in January of the following year. The government will work with the higher education industry to investigate alternate methods for allowing the finest and brightest students to bring their dependents to UK universities.
To prevent visa system abuse, international students will not be permitted to convert from the student visa path to the work visa route until they have completed their studies. In addition, the government will assess the financial requirements for students and their dependents in the UK, as well as take action against dishonest foreign student agents who may facilitate incorrect applications.
These changes, when combined with the elimination of transitory variables, are projected to significantly reduce net migration in the medium run. Student visa reform strikes a balance between helping the UK economy, particularly its world-class educational institutions, and reaching the government’s goal of reducing total net migration.
Limiting Family Entry and Preventing Visa Misuse for Work:
Key Changes in Student Visa Rules
The United Kingdom, according to Home Secretary Suella Braverman, is a top destination for outstanding individuals seeking higher education at prominent colleges. However, the number of student dependents entering the country on visas has increased dramatically. This pathway must be tightened in order to reduce migration numbers and satisfy the government’s goal of reducing net migration while protecting public services and allowing the most contributing students to remain in the UK.
The presented ideas do not jeopardise the government’s International Education Strategy, which seeks to welcome 600,000 international higher education students annually by 2030 for two years in a row.
Gillian Keegan, Education Secretary, emphasised that getting excellent students from around the world is critical not only for universities but also for the economy and for building important worldwide links. However, the number of family members accompanying students to the UK has increased dramatically. Taking steps to minimise this figure while maintaining committed to the International Education Strategy will help to improve the UK’s education industry and contribute significantly to the broader economy.
Preventing Visa Misuse: Ban on Student Dependants Visa UK
Since the UK’s departure from the EU, the government has implemented a points-based immigration system, providing full control over the country’s borders. This system can adapt to the needs of the economy and labor market, ensuring that the necessary skills and talent are available to UK businesses and the National Health Service (NHS).
The government regularly reviews its immigration policies to ensure they align with their commitments to the public regarding net migration.
UK Student Dependant visa new rules
Since the UK’s departure from the EU, the government has implemented a points-based immigration system, providing full control over the country’s borders. This system can adapt to the needs of the economy and labor market, ensuring that the necessary skills and talent are available to UK businesses and the National Health Service (NHS).
The government regularly reviews its immigration policies to ensure they align with their commitments to the public regarding net migration.
In conclusion, the new government restrictions on student visas aim to strike a balance between supporting the International Education Strategy and reducing net migration. By limiting family entry and preventing visa misuse for work purposes, the government aims to ensure that migration to the UK is highly skilled and provides the greatest benefit to the country. These measures, along with collaboration with universities to explore alternative options for students to bring dependents, are expected to significantly reduce net migration over the medium term. The government remains committed to reviewing and adapting immigration policies to meet the needs of the public and the economy while upholding its objectives.
