UK Dependant Visa Ban for International Student

Dependant Visa for International Students Banned by the UK Government

The UK dependant visa ban has disrupted the plans of many international students applying for taught Master’s programmes. Under this new rule, most students can no longer bring dependants to the UK. The government introduced the measure to reduce net migration.

On 23 May 2023, Suella Braverman, representing the UK government, announced strategies to limit international students from bringing dependants. The exception applies to students pursuing research-focused postgraduate programs. These measures aim to decrease the influx of net migration effectively.

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) reported in November 2022 that net migration reached an estimated 504,000 from June 2021 to June 2022. This figure is a substantial increase compared to previous years. The UK’s immigration statistics also showed a surge in dependants accompanying international students, with a record 136,000 dependant visas issued 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 dependant visa ban will take effect as part of the UK government’s strategy to reduce net migration:

• The ban prevents most international students from bringing dependants under their UK student visas. Only students in research-focused postgraduate programs are exempt.
• 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 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 last opportunity to travel with dependants for those pursuing taught Master’s degrees.
• Furthermore, as an international student, you will no longer be able to switch from a student visa to a work visa before 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-day 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 the USA.

 If you require assistance in processing admission and visa applications for any of these countries, please do not hesitate to contact us.