Study in UK: Dependent Visa Rights Reserved in UK After Release of New Guidelines

The Government of UK announced on 17th July 2023 that it will debar dependents to accompany students from abroad. This change will be in effect from the January intake of 2024. Also, the applications submitted after the date of release of the official announcement are relevant for the change. 

However, some postgraduate courses are granted an exception from the rule and the rights of dependents are reserved according to new rules. Read further for detailed information on who can bring dependents and their subsequent rights in the UK.

The research courses include PhD, doctoral qualification, or research-based higher degrees designated as ‘Research Courses’ by the CAS Sponsors (Universities and Institutions). 

Another exception is for those who have a Government sponsored visa and stay. Both the government of the UK and overseas governments can provide this sponsorship. As for the undergraduates, the restriction on bringing any dependent stands. 

Who Can Bring Dependents?

The guidelines clearly state that students who have applied before the 17th of July 2023 can bring their dependents as per the previous rules. The new guidelines apply to those applying after the announcement of this restriction. Moreover, the cutback will apply to students enrolled in ‘taught courses’ joining from the 01st of January 2024. 

Moreover, the dependent visa is renewable for those who already have dependents in the UK or have applied before 17th July 2023. Such dependents can also stay in the following semesters as the main applicant. Also, the same applies to students who started their course in the Autumn intake. It is valid if they have applied for a dependent visa beforehand. Their dependents can join them even after the 01st of January 2024. 

The UKVI has segregated courses offered by the various universities into ‘Research courses’ and ‘Taught courses’. This segregation is based on courses listed under each category as identified by the universities and other higher education institutions. Hence, CAS application forms will also reflect these selections. 

Student Dependents in the UK

As mentioned above, dependents who get permission to accompany the students will get permission to extend their period of stay. This is only possible if the main applicant (student) has permission to stay for that period. Dependents who are already permitted, already in the UK or exempted from the restrictions according to the new rule can avail of an extension. 

Furthermore, all the rules around the dependent’s rights and privileges will remain intact. They can work in the UK throughout their stay according to UK employment law. Additionally, students whose children are born in the UK during their studies will have the privilege as earlier. They can renounce the status of their child as a dependent during the period of their stay. 

New Guidelines for Research Levels that Qualify for Dependant Visa

Complete Outline of Reforms and Changes in the New UK Visa Scheme 2023

These changes are brought about by the government of the UK to keep a check on their immigration numbers and streamline the economy and housing issues that have arisen in recent years. 

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