Changes Announced to Student Visas

The new rules came into effect on the 17 July 2023 (when the statement of changes was announced). 

Students will no longer be able to bring dependants to the UK except for those who are studying a course which the provider has confirmed is a PhD, other doctoral qualifications or a research based higher degree or they are financially sponsored by the UK or an overseas Government. 

Yes, the new rules only affect students whose course will start on or after January 2024 intake onwards.  

Yes, your family are still able to join you after January 2024 (where the other requirements of the rules are met). 

Yes, your family are still able to join you after January 2024 (where the other requirements of the rules are met). 

The Master by Research will need to ensure that the research element of the course is larger than any accompanying taught component when measured by student effort to be eligible to bring dependants. You will need to look at the course specification carefully as not all MRes courses meet this requirement. 

There are currently no changes to the Graduate Visa requirements, which means that if you do not have dependants in the UK during the period of your studies, they will not be eligible to apply as your dependants under the Graduate Visa. 

In line with the current rules, students can regularise the status of their child as their dependant where the child is born in the UK during the last/current grant of permission, and this has not changed. 

If you have a valid student route visa and your dependants are in the UK, you and your dependants will be permitted to extend their visa. 

No, if you have valid leave, you will not be affected by this change at this current time. 

No, not if your course starts after 1 January 2024.

You are still permitted to study in the UK, however if your course starts after the 1 January 2024, then you will not be permitted to bring dependants unless you are undertaking a a PhD, other doctoral qualifications or a research based higher degree or you are financially sponsored by the UK or an overseas Government. You will also need to meet the requirements for sole responsibility. 

There is no change to the Graduate Visa. Dependants already in the UK as a student dependant may apply as a dependant of a graduate at the same time as the applicant. 

There are currently no changes to the maintenance requirements. 

You will no longer be permitted to switch out of the Student Route until you have completed your course. The only exception is for PhD students who will be permitted to switch after they have completed at least 24 months towards their PhD. 

Yes, you will be able to switch into the Skilled Worker Route if have completed your course. PhD students will be permitted to switch after they have completed the 24 months towards their PhD. 

UKVI will check the course end date entered on the CAS if you apply to move into the skilled worker route, you can apply after the end date on your CAS. Students do not need to have received their final award as long they have not had their sponsorship withdrawn prior to the course end date on the CAS.

Yes, you would still be eligible to work in line with your Student Route Visa conditions. 

Please refer to UKVI latest guidance at the time you apply for the Graduate Visa. To be eligible for the Graduate Visa you will need to meet the requirements from UKVI guidance, which includes being awarded for the course for which your CAS was issued and be able to apply prior to your visa expiry.