UK Student Visa
From 1 January 2024, the UK government will introduce restrictions on visas for dependent family members of students, except those studying at the postgraduate level if they have a student visa or are applying to a UK university. Obtaining visas for your family members before 1 January 2024 is important. Find out more about the important changes to the UK student visa procedure United
Changes to UK immigration law that come into force in February 2024 will affect international students. From now on, students on student visas can bring dependents only if they have chosen a post-secondary research program. Also, as of July 17 this year, foreign students are prohibited from converting to work permits before graduation. These changes introduce restrictions designed to more closely align students with their educational objectives before entering the national career phase.
New changes to the UK student visa system
The UK government will restrict visa rights to dependent family members of students enrolled in the country, including graduate students and those enrolled in research programs such as PhD and DENGs take it. This initiative seeks to streamline the visa application process and manage the length of stay for students’ families.
Students who have chosen a postgraduate research program may bring their family members. To qualify, the course must last more than 9 months and the student must have a federal scholarship.
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Those already in the UK with their family on a course that started before 1 January 2024 can continue living together until their visa expires. However, for those whose courses started in January 2024 or later and who want to bring their family, new restrictions must be considered.
After completing the course, students can request the right to work in the United Kingdom and their family can stay with them, applying for a visa as dependents. If a work visa is not obtained, the family will have to return to their country of origin. If the course started in September 2023, family members have until January 1, 2024, to apply. It is important to take these restrictions into account and respect the deadlines to preserve the possibility of staying with your family during this study period.
When do the new rules for UK student visas come into force?
The new rules regarding student dependents will apply to international students who begin their studies in January 2024. Changes to the visa change rule came into effect at 3 pm (UK time) on 17 July 2023.
Can family members visit an international student in the UK?
Students who are thinking about coming with their families may need to make some changes to their plans in light of the UK’s new immigration laws. Family members can stay in the UK for up to six months at a time with the Standard Visitor Visa. Which may prove to be a helpful substitute for individuals searching for other possibilities.
The standard visitor visa becomes an ideal solution for family members looking to support their loved ones while studying abroad. It can be beneficial to spend time together because the regulations enable you to remain in the nation for six months. It is crucial to adhere to the set requirements, which include demonstrating cohabitation and sound financial standing.
Students who choose a research program may also bring family members, but there are restrictions. Only a spouse or civil partner, a long-term married spouse, or a child under the age of 18 who is not living together may be added to this category A child who is married or separate and working for another cannot and a parent under this rule.
Evidence of relationships and coexistence is necessary for family members of a student to obtain a visa. Collective financial obligations and government bonds, such as bank notes or utility bills, play an important role in determining stability.
It’s important to keep in mind that new immigration laws can change circumstances. So it’s best to check current requirements first and compare them to your plans. Planning to study with family in the UK requires attention to detail and a willingness to adapt to new rules and circumstances.
Convert student visas to family visas for international students in the UK
One way to ensure that student visa holders and their families can continue to live in the UK after graduation is to switch to a family visa. However, this strategy includes requirements that may be difficult to meet. To qualify for a family visa, your spouse or child under 18 must have Irish or British citizenship, protected status, or permanent residence.
If you are a student in the UK, you are not allowed to sponsor your visa. It is also important to remember that, even after five years of residence, a student visa does not entitle you to permanent residency. Before you can sponsor your spouse or child’s residence visa through a family visa. They must first have a graduation visa or work permit and have lived in the UK for five years