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The Government of the United Kingdom has introduced new UK visa policies with changes and reforms. The UK has introduced the UK Visitor Visa for several countries and has made some changes in Visas related to international students in the UK.
However, queries regarding the complete implementation of these guidelines still exist, and we will discuss them in detail here. Firstly, there are three major changes concerned with the student visa routes. These are;
- The UK has removed provisions to bring dependents to the country.
- The UK has debarred students from switching student routes to work routes.
- And Increase in the amount of Immigration Health Surcharge
Students Will not be Able to Bring Dependants to the UK
The UK will not allow students applying to study courses starting from the 01st of January 2024 to bring dependents with them. An exception to this provision exists for postgraduate students who are pursuing courses currently listed as research-based by the UKVI.
However, the authorities will evaluate the applications of those who applied before the 17th of July 2023 based on the previous guidelines. The UK authorities have allowed dependants who are living in the country to renew their period of stay. Subsequently, students enrolled in the fall intake can also invite their dependants even after January 2024.
As for undergraduate students, bringing dependants was not allowed and this remains unchanged. On the contrary, visas financially sponsored by the UK or Overseas Government will receive the permit. Additionally, the working guidelines for the dependants allowed in the UK will remain unchanged as well.
Switching Visa Routesnot Allowed for UK International Students
The UK authorities will not allow international students in the UK to switch their visas to work route visas before they complete their education abroad. PhD students have an exception towards this restriction. As per new guidelines, they can switch to a skilled worker visa after the completion of 24 months of their PhD.
The authorities have brought about this change to avoid the misuse of student route visas. Notably, students who apply under these visas are expected to study in the courses they are enrolled in. Changing their visas to work routes is a misuse of the provisions.
This change will also put a stop to unethical educational agents who sell inappropriate applications to students. They tend to pin their work dreams on educational visas and use inappropriate means to get jobs in the UK.
Increase in Immigration Health Surcharge
The government of the UK has increased the fee required for Immigration Health Surcharge. This payment section of the UK Visa is towards the state’s National Health Services. As the public sector wages increased in the UK this year. Therefore, the government revised its IHS visa payment to align with this change.
All students who are applying to study in the UK for a period of 06 months or more are required to the IHS fee. Also, this change is applicable to all visas including student visa applications in the UK. Moreover, payment of IHS is necessary if one is staying in the UK for more than 06 months even if they have private insurance.
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