The UK government has announced a number of changes to the student visa route, which will come into effect on 17 July 2023. These changes are significant and will majorly impact international students planning to study abroad in the UK.

One of the most significant changes is that dependant family members will no longer be able to join their student family member in the UK unless the student visa holder is studying for Ph.D, Doctorate or a Post-Graduate research programme. This means that spouses, partners, and children of students on undergraduate courses and other post-graduate or higher degree programmes can no longer come to the UK on a dependent visa unless they are government-sponsored.

Another key change is that restrictions are being introduced on switching from student visas to skilled workers and other work visas before the completion of the studies. This means that students will no longer be able to use their student visa as a stepping stone to a work visa in the UK. They will need to complete their studies and have a job offer in order to switch to a work visa.

The changes in relation to dependants will only apply to those students starting courses from 1 January 2024, so there will be no effect on those students making applications for courses starting in autumn 2023. However, the restrictions on switching from a student visa to a work visa will apply to all students, regardless of when they start their studies.

These changes are likely to significantly impact the number of international students who choose to study in the UK. The ability to bring dependent family members is an important factor for many students, and the restrictions on switching to work visas will make it more difficult for students to stay in the UK after graduation.

It is important to note that these are just the latest in a series of changes to the UK student visa route. The government has been gradually tightening the rules in recent years, and there will likely be further changes in the future.

If you are an international student planning to study in the UK, you must be aware of these changes. You should also check the latest information on the UK government website to make sure that you meet the requirements for a student visa.

You can also visit Mentor Universe – UK student visa consultant to learn more about the UK student visa process and successfully enrol in your desired program to study abroad in the UK.