UK Student Dependent Visa New Rules 2024: Changes Explained

As international students studying in the UK, you may wish to bring your dependents along. Unfortunately, this privilege will no longer be available. In this article, we will delve into the crucial changes to the UK student dependent visa new rules 2024, as understanding them is crucial for planning your journey ahead. 

Understanding the UK Student Dependent Visa New Rules 2024

Commencing Monday, 1st January, 2024, international students enrolled in UK institutions will no longer be able to bring their dependents on their student visas. This means if your courses start on or after this date, we regret to inform you that this rule may affect you. 

However, there are exceptions to the UK student dependent visa new rules 2024.

The restriction does not apply to students who are one of the following:

• Undertaking a PhD or other doctoral qualification, or a research-based higher degree (e.g. a master’s by research)
• Receiving a full government scholarship that covers your course fee and living costs, and studying a course of more than 6 months

Additionally, you can continue to bring dependents if your courses commence before 1 January 2024. Your dependents are also eligible for visa extensions provided your student visa remains valid.

The UK student dependent visa new rules 2024 were announced by the government last May, alongside a range of changes that the government has made to reduce migration to the UK while maintaining its appeal to international students. 

Who Counts as Dependents?

For those who fit the strict criteria for bringing their dependents outlined in the UK student dependent visa new rules 2024, you may wonder who qualifies as your dependents. Your dependents fall into the following categories:

• Your partner: Your husband, wife or civil partner
• Unmarried partner, with whom you have been living together in a relationship similar to marriage or civil partnership for at least two years
• Your child: must be under 18 when applying

If you wish to bring your children, both parents need to be coming along; hence, your partner needs to join on the dependent visa unless you are the only guardian confirmed by the Court. 

Other family members, including parents, do not count as dependents.

During the application process, you will need to provide evidence of your relationship with your dependents. This typically includes a marriage or civil partnership certificate for your partner or a birth certificate for your child. They will also have to meet financial requirements to support themselves in the UK. Please go check the official information provided by the UK government for your partner and child before you start your application. 

How can My Family Come to the UK Then?

Although the UK student dependent visa new rules 2024 has removed the rights of most international students to bring their dependents, the good news is there are still ways for your family to visit you in the UK. They need to apply for a Standard Visitor visa online, which will allow them to travel to the UK for up to 6 months per visit. 

With the implementation of the UK student dependent visa new rules 2024, many international students are facing challenges in bringing their families to the UK. Nonetheless, by staying on top of policy changes, you will be able to make early preparations for you and your families without fretting. UAPP will regularly post policy updates, so make sure to follow us and stay informed.