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    UK Student Dependent Visa New Rules 2024

    14.10.2024

    The recent alterations to the UK Student Dependent visa rules have caused concern among international students and their families. These new regulations, which come into effect from January 2024, form part of the UK government’s ongoing efforts to reform immigration. The changes are designed to control migration numbers while balancing the needs of international students and their dependents. This guide outlines the new rules and their implications.

    Overview of UK Student Dependent Visa News

    Previously, the government did not create many restrictions for holders of Student visas in the UK on the right to bring family members (children, spouses) with them. According to the new rules for international students in the UK, the current procedure complicates the procedure for legalising dependents of students. The changes are part of a broader strategy to manage immigration and reduce the number of people coming to the UK through Dependent visa routes.

    Which Students Can Still Bring Dependents?

    The innovations will not affect foreign citizens (both students and their relatives) if they arrived in the UK before 2024. If a foreigner began studying in 2023 or earlier, he can easily apply for a visa extension for himself and his family members.

    In accordance with the update on dependent visa uk, the following groups of students have the right to bring dependents:

    • Students with a government scholarship. An important condition is that the amount of the scholarship covers the cost of study and living expenses. The length of the educational course for this category of students is more than six months. The scholarship is paid by the central government department.
    • Postgraduate students with research-based degrees. These are full-time postgraduate students (RQF level 7 or above). The duration of the study program is more than 9 months. The rule applies to people with a doctorate (RQF level 8) obtained by research.

    This marks a significant shift from the previous rules, which allowed students enrolled in other types of courses, such as taught Master’s degrees, to bring their dependents.

    Undergraduates are no longer eligible to bring dependents under the new rules. This change reinforces the government’s goal of reducing overall migration and focuses on limiting the number of people entering the country through dependent visa routes. It is essential for students to check whether their course qualifies them to apply for dependent visas before starting the application process.

    Can I Extend My Student Dependent Visa After the Changes?

    With the new rules in place, the process of extending Student Dependent Visas has also been updated. The conditions for extending the visa now depend on when the permission was granted to the dependents. Below is an outline of the extension rules under the new system.

    Dependents Granted Permission Before January 1, 2024

    If dependents of students obtained a permit before January 1, 2024, they can easily extend the document. The rule applies if the student’s studies began before 2024. In this case, family members of students are not checked for compliance with the updated criteria.

    Dependents Granted Permission After January 1, 2024

    If students’ relatives have obtained a permit after the beginning of 2024, they will be checked for compliance with the changes. Visa extensions will be made according to the new rules.

    Extending Stay When Switching to a Graduate Visa

    When switching to a Graduate visa, it is possible to extend the period of residence of a dependent in the UK. In this case, the start date of studies does not play a significant role for government agencies. To extend the permit for a family member, a foreign student must request a graduate permit in advance.

    Can the Student Dependent Visa Be Changed to a Work Visa?

    Holders of a student dependent visa can renew their document and obtain a Skilled Worker visa. This allows spouses of students to live in the UK indefinitely. The length of stay in the country depends on their professional skills and job offers.

    The parent of a Child Student visa is not allowed to change the status of the permit and obtain a skilled worker visa.

    To obtain a worker permit, you will need to:

    • Find a suitable position and receive a job offer. Only companies with a sponsorship licence in the UK can hire a foreigner.
    • Check the job offer against the current criteria. The employee must normally receive a minimum salary of £38,700 per year.
    • Pass an English language test. The minimum threshold for passing the exam is B1 on the CEFR scale.

    Once granted, this visa allows them to stay in the UK and continue working, regardless of the status of the student visa.

    How Can We Help?

    Understanding and navigating the UK Student Dependent visa new rules can be challenging, especially with the recent changes in place. At Sterling Law, we offer comprehensive legal support for international students and their families to ensure that visa applications are processed smoothly and correctly.

    Whether you need help applying for a Student Dependent visa, seeking an extension, or switching to a different visa category, our team of experts is here to provide guidance. We offer tailored advice based on your specific circumstances and work closely with you to ensure that your case is handled efficiently. With our extensive experience in UK immigration law, you can trust Sterling Law to support you every step of the way.

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