UK Student Visa New Rules & Policies 2024

The UK remains one of the leading study destinations of the globe. With their popular programs in business, neuroscience, languages and more, it hosts a cohesive study environment for students. From globally recognised credibility to flexibility within the course, studying in the UK comes with countless benefits. Particularly, the year 2024 is witnessing a lot of changes in the visa process all over the world. From the passport policy in the USA to the revision of the cost of living in Canada. The UK too has implemented some new rules and policies for student-dependent visas.

The new rules declare that international students can no longer allowed to bring their dependents with them during their time in the UK. The rule stands the same for partners or children. However, the rule only stands for students enrolled in undergrad and post-grad courses. In other words, it does not mention students enrolled in Master of Research (MRes) and Doctorate programmes. Notably, the UK visa rule had never favoured dependents with students enrolled in a UG program. Further, PhD students can apply for a Skilled Worker Visa after at least a year of education and stay back after completing their course.

Repel Effects of the New Rule

The country is driven by the quality of education in its top-ranking universities, expert facilities and cutting-edge research facilities. With the rise in international students, the UK aims to control the quality they put forward. The policy adjustment doesn’t affect the education or career prospects of the students. Students who enrol on any British University intake will complete their course with the same support and guidance. Despite the change, post-graduation programmes last around a year in the UK. Additionally, the built-in exemptions for specific student categories have not been altered.

Rittika Chanda Parruck MBE, Director of Education India, British Council, addressed the issue in an interview and claimed that it would have no major impact. The UK will continue to support its graduates with Graduate Route, Worker Visa and so on.

Extending the student-dependent visas

Yes, the policy doesn’t affect the existing dependent visa holders in any way. They can extend their visas as long as the student has begun their course before 1st January 2024. To be clear, the dependent visa is valid as long as the student visa is valid. If the student plans to switch colleges, extend their visa or start a new course, they are subjected to renew their visa. Under those circumstances, the dependent will have to come back to their native country. However, if the student graduates and switches to a UK Graduate Visa, the dependent can remain with them. Notably, the graduate can only have their partner and children living with them.

Switching from a dependant visa to a work visa

Luckily, there is a loophole. If the spouse is already living with the students, they can stay back in the UK. The solution for them is to switch to a Skilled Worker Visa. With this modification, the dependant is no longer based on the immigration status of the student. Of course, there are some criteria to meet to apply for a work visa. To switch to a Skilled Worker Visa, individuals must have an eligible offer letter from a licensed employer in the UK.

Secondly, they need to meet the language proficiency required to hold a worker’s visa in the UK. The ideal bar is Level B1 on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) scale. This is to determine that the applicant can cope with the regular instructions and directions given at work. Lastly, they should be employed at or more than the minimum salary rate of their occupation. This is the work visa alternative to maintenance funds and indicates that the applicant can uphold a decent lifestyle in the UK. Notable, the ongoing rate in the current UK economy is £30,960 for a fresher and £38,700 and more for candidates with experience.

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