Study in UK: Change in Visa Dependent Policy Change for International Students

As of January 2024, overseas postgraduate students enrolling in non-research degrees in the UK will no longer be permitted to bring family members into the country. 

On 18th December, 2023, international students were permitted to bring their spouses and kids to the UK under the dependent visa scheme. 

Postgraduate students are the only ones covered by this restriction; undergraduate students were already not allowed to bring dependents.

What Is Stated In The New UK Student Visa Regulations?

As per the recent modifications to UK student visa regulations, international students will only be permitted to enter the country with their dependent partner or children if they are enrolled in a PhD or postgraduate research program as of January 1, 2024.

A “Dependent” Is Who?

Different nations have different definitions of what constitutes a “dependent.” Regulations pertaining to immigration and visas define a dependent. A family member who is permitted to accompany the primary visa holder in the UK and depends on them financially is referred to as a “dependent” in the UK. This can apply to the sponsor’s married partner, single partner, or civil partner. As the sponsor’s dependents, children under the age of 18 may also travel to the UK with the sponsor.

Dependent visas may also be granted to parents, grandparents, and other family members who are above the age of 18, under certain conditions.

These Are The Benefits For Dependents In The United Kingdom

Benefits for dependents in the UK include the right to work for adult dependents, the ability to travel in and out of the country while the primary visa holder’s visa is valid, access to healthcare through the National Health Service (NHS), and access to education for dependent children.

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