Dependant Visa for International Students Banned by the UK Government
Dependant visa for International Students has been banned by the UK Government for students going to study a taught Master’s program. This action aims to reduce net migration.
On the 23rd of May 2023, Suella Braverman, representing the UK government, revealed significant strategies aimed at restricting international students’ ability to bring dependants along as they travel for their studies, except for those pursuing research-oriented postgraduate programs. These measures have been devised to effectively decrease the influx of net migration.
The Office for National Statistics (ONS), in November 2022, released data indicating an estimated net migration of 504,000 from June 2021 to June 2022, a substantial surge compared to previous years. Furthermore, the UK’s immigration statistics revealed a marked surge in dependants accompanying international students, evidenced by a record 136,000 dependant visas issued to families of international students in December 2022.
In this post, we will discuss the measures announced by the UK government and what they mean for you.
EFFECTIVE STRATEGIES TO MITIGATE NET MIGRATION
Effective from January 2024, the UK government will implement the following strategies to effectively curb the influx of net migration:
- Enforcing a restriction on international students bringing dependants under their UK student visas, except for those engaged in explicitly designated research-focused postgraduate programs.
- Eliminating the option for international students to transition from student visas to work visas before completing their studies.
- Thoroughly reviewing the financial requirements for students and their dependants to ensure sufficient funds are available.
WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR PROSPECTIVE INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS?
The measures set forth by the UK government to curb the net migration will take effect from January 2024 onwards. Here is what it means for you as a Prospective UK Student.
- The September 2023 intake is the final opportunity for you, looking to pursue taught master’s degrees to travel with your dependants.
- Furthermore, as an international student, you will no longer be able to switch from student visas to work visas before successfully completing your educational program. This revision aims to ensure that individuals travelling into the UK through the study route genuinely intend to advance their education.
- The financial requirements & Cost of living needed for your student visa application may also undergo some adjustments, as you may be required to provide more than a 28 days bank statement. However, the UK government’s final decision regarding this matter is still pending.
If travelling with your family for your studies is a priority for you and you cannot meet up with this September 2023 intake in the UK, then you can consider other countries like Canada, Australia, and also the USA.
If you require assistance in processing admission and visa applications for any of these countries, please do not hesitate to contact us.
