In a significant shift in immigration policy, the UK government has announced that international sponsored students will no longer be allowed to bring dependents with them to the UK. This change, part of an overhaul of immigration rules for those studying in Britain, is set to impact a large number of international students planning to study in the UK.
A Shift in Immigration Rules
The new rules aim to reduce the number of dependents – children and spouses of students – arriving in the UK. The number of dependents has seen a significant increase, from 16,000 in 2019 to 136,000 in 2022. These changes will be implemented for students starting their courses in January 2024.
Exceptions and Restrictions
PhD students will be exempt from these changes, which primarily target dependents of those studying for master’s degrees. Furthermore, international master’s students will no longer be allowed to switch from student to work visas before their studies conclude. However, they will still be allowed to remain in the UK for two years after their studies.
Simplifications and Clarity
The government has also announced several steps to clamp down on unscrupulous education agents who may be supporting inappropriate applications to sell immigration rather than education. The aim is to better communicate immigration rules to the higher education sector and to international students, and to improve and more targeted enforcement activity.
The new rules regarding overseas students and their dependents represent a significant change in the UK’s immigration policy. As an Immigration company that assists with immigration to the UK, we at PPV Immigration are here to help you understand these changes and navigate the complexities of the immigration process.
If you’re an international student planning to study in the UK and are concerned about these changes, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. PPV Immigration can provide you with the guidance and support you need to make informed decisions about your immigration process.