May 11th, 2024 at 06:44 am

UK Dependent Visa 2024: 80% Drop in UK Student Visa Dependents Due To UK Visa Changes in 2024

Changes to UK visa policy result in an 80% decrease in dependents on student visas. We’ll be examining the effects of UK Visa reforms in this update. An 80% decrease in the number of dependents accompanying students was noted. The UK’s recent revisions to visa policies have had a significant impact on international students, as evidenced by the sharp 80% decline in the number of independents traveling with them.

Compared to the same period in 2023, there were nearly 26,000 fewer applications for student visas between January and March of this year. The new regulations from the UK government are intended to restrict visa eligibility and lower immigration levels.

Stricter Regulations Targeting Dependents and Switching Visas

In January 2024, the government implemented new rules that limit the ability of international students to bring family members to the UK, unless specific requirements are fulfilled. This action goes after organizations that are alleged to have utilized student visas as a backdoor to employment in the UK. Additionally, students can no longer change their Visa category before completing their courses.

What are the key policy highlights?

There is a notable decrease of 80% in the number of dependents submitting applications to corporation students.

Updated Immigration Goals

After net migration hit a record 745,000 in 2022, the government wants to lower it by raising the bar for skilled workers and spouse visa sponsors, as well as imposing additional income restrictions. Stricter rules replace the Shortage Occupation List in the revised Immigration Salary List.

Ongoing Adjustments by the UK Government: Impact on Skilled Workers and Families

Holders of Health and Care Visas are largely untouched by these changes, but dependents of students are affected. But the financial requirements for family visas have increased significantly—from £18,600 to £29,000—and will grow even higher—to £38,700 by 2025.

What’s next?

James Cleverly, the Home Secretary, stressed the need for these actions to rebuild public trust in the immigration system. He confirmed that the modifications are only the start of a wider policy reform intended to reduce unsustainable migration.

New Changes for UK Student Visa Holders Switching to Work Visa Routes

Modifications for holders of UK student visas transferring to work visa pathways. The UK government has recently made substantial reforms that would affect holders of student visas who want to switch to work visas. This blog post explores the details of these modifications and their implications for students who intend to work their way into an extended stay in the UK.

Key Changes for Transitioning to Work Visas

Were you aware of the updated eligibility for the workgroup? Those with student visas who start classes after January 1, 2024, will have to follow a predetermined process to convert to work visas. Among the well-known work visa paths that are accessible are the Innovator Founder, Global Talent, and Skilled Worker visas.

In the past, students who got a job offer may have applied for work visas before finishing their education. They must, however, finish their degree-level coursework before applying for a work visa under the new regulations.

There are additional provisions for PhD students in line with the government’s aim to guarantee that study remains the major motivation for their stay. Recognizing the unique nature and length of PhD programs, an exception is made for PhD students, allowing them to transfer to a supported job route 24 months from the commencement of their course without finishing their studies.

Why the Tightening of Rules?

Concerns about the abuse of the student visa pathway as a backdoor to employment in the UK are the driving force behind these more stringent requirements. From a historical perspective, we can see that similar concerns led to revisions in 2012, to reduce the number of students who were staying in the UK to study while their main goal was finding work.

Impact on Current Students

Although these adjustments might appear onerous, they are a reflection of the government’s continuous attempts to strike a balance between limiting the abuse of the Visa system and drawing in legitimate students to its top-tier universities. These revisions highlight how crucial it is for students who are studying or intend to study in the UK to finish their degree before exploring career prospects.

Update on Working while Studying in the UK

Full-time student visa holders are nevertheless allowed to work up to 20 hours per week during the academic year and full-time during the summer, notwithstanding these limitations. While studying in the UK, this program assists students in maintaining their financial stability and gaining work experience.

Understanding these new visa requirements is essential for overseas students studying in the UK to plan their educational and professional paths. Students can fully utilize their UK education to pursue successful employment possibilities after graduation while still complying with the government’s immigration policy by adhering to these new regulations.