Study in UK: Despite The New Dependent Visa Crunch, 56 Percent of the B Schools Will Meet Their Non-EU Recruitment Targets

The United Kingdom offers the best education to international students. In the UK, international students can get admission in various universities and business schools. Few months ago, the UK government announced that from January 2024 no international student can bring their dependents in the country on a study visa.

Now, according to the Chartered Association of Business Schools’ membership survey, this year nearly 44% (half) of UK’s business schools will miss their non-EU recruitment targets.

However, the remaining 56% of these business schools have shown positive results. These 56% of the B schools have shown slight improvement to moderate in the non-EU recruitment targets.

At the postgraduate level, 50% of the B schools have reported that recruitment for the non-EU students is significantly or moderately below.

What is a Dependent Visa in the UK?

In May 2023, the UK government introduced new rules for the UK student-dependent visa, affecting international students. Starting from January 2024, students pursuing a master’s programme in the UK will no longer be able to bring their dependents, unless they are enrolled in postgraduate research courses. The aim of these rules was to reduce net migration and prevent student visas from being misused as a backdoor route to work in the UK. Additionally, students will not be allowed to switch from a student visa to a Skilled Worker visa until they have completed their studies. The government intends to maintain the integrity of the visa system while protecting public services.

Who Can Bring Dependents to the UK?

To be able to bring dependents is a privilege that is limited to certain students. The eligibility criteria for dependents depends upon the course being pursued and the duration of the student’s stay. Students can be accompanied by their dependents if they fulfil the following conditions:

• Enrolled in a course lasting 9 months or longer, university funded/backed or holding an RFQ level 7 postgraduate degree or higher.
• If your course starts after the 01st of January 2024 then you are required to be admitted to an RQF Level 8 course. Only a higher research-level degree will allow you to bring dependents.
• Sponsored by the government and undertaking a course that spans at least six months.
• Applying for the Doctorate Extension Scheme (DES).
• Students who have recently obtained approval as a student or via the student route are also eligible to bring their family members. However, certain requirements must be met, including valid immigration permission, a minimum course duration of six months, and simultaneous submission of dependent visa applications.

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