New Working Visa Rules For International Students In The UK 2024
The UK government has announced new visa rules for students in the UK. This rule states that starting from the 1st of January 2024, international students will no longer have the option to bring their dependent partner.
This follows the alteration that was made on the 17th of July 2023, which prevents students from switching their visa to a work route visa until they have completed their course of study and have an employment start date.
Why the new visa rules for students in the UK was implemented
The UK has always been a good place of choice for many international students. They offer one of the best education systems in the world with good universities and colleges.
They have a multicultural environment, which allows students from different parts of the world to come and practice English as well as their culture.
But, it would seem that lots of international students are taking advantage of this. In 2023 alone more than 679,970 international students moved to the UK. This number doesn’t include dependents.
Overview of the new visa rules for students in the UK
| Visa rule changes | Impact on International Students in the UK |
| Dependent Eligibility | You can bring dependents only if you are a PhD or A postgraduate research student. |
| Course Completion Requirement | You must first complete your course and get a post-course job start date before you can switch to a UK work visa. |
| PhD Study Duration Requirement (for Work Visa) | Before switching to a work visa as a PhD student you need to have studied for a minimum of 24 months. |
In case you’re wondering what, a dependent is, a dependent is your partner (married or unmarried) or your child who is below the age of 18. From the first of January 2024, you can no longer bring them to the UK under your student visa as stated by the new visa rules for students in the UK.
The only exception to this new rule is students who will be studying with a post-graduate programme visa which allows you to bring your dependent to the UK.
Also, it was stated that from the 17th of July, students will no longer be able to switch to a graduate visa without the completion of the original course of study. The government has already announced a review of the graduate visa to be done by the migration advisory committee, which suggests that in the coming months, there will be some changes made to that visa too.
What does this mean for those currently on a student-dependent visa?
If you already have a student visa and have started your studies before the 1st of January 2024, then you can able to extend your dependent visa for as long as your visa remains valid. These new visa rules for students in the UK impact courses that commence after the 1st of January.
How do I combat these new visa rules for students in the UK?
There are two ways you can get your dependent to move with you to the UK under the new visa rules for students in the UK;
Switching to a post-study work visa (PSW)
switching to a post-study work visa (PSW) is one way to ensure your dependent remains in the UK with you. Your partner or child can apply for a dependent visa that way they can remain with you after your studies in the UK while you work. Keep in mind that this is only possible if your dependent was with you while you were studying.
Switching from a dependent visa to a work visa
If you have a student-dependent visa, you can switch to a work visa. This grants you permission to remain in the UK in your rights and not based on the immigration status of your partner or parents. In other to successfully switch to a work visa, you must meet the criteria for the work visa you are applying for.
Switching to a skilled worker visa
With an eligible job offer that meets the minimum salary requirement of £26,200 per year or £10.75 per hour, you can easily switch to a skilled worker visa.
The new rules for working while studying in the UK
The UK student visa regulations allow international students to do part-time jobs during the course of their studies. These are some of the rules you need to know;
- As an international student, you as expected to work for up to 20 hours per week while you are studying and are allowed to work full-time while you are on vacation.
- Your visa allows you to only apply for certain types of jobs. As an international student, you are not allowed to start a business or engage in professional sports.
- If you are a postgraduate student, then some flexibility comes with the program
- It’s important to note that while the income from your part-time jobs can help with your living expenses, it should not in any way replace or be used as your sole means to meet the finances of your study visa.
What happens to my visa after I graduate?
With the new visa rules for students in the UK, you can apply for a graduate visa and stay for at least 2 more years in the UK after you have completed your studies. It’s important to note that you must apply for a graduate visa before your student visa expires. You can have an extended period of three years on your graduate visa if you have a PhD or other doctoral qualification.
Conclusion
The new visa rules for students in the UK put a new pedestal on the visa application process. Mostly for dependents. You must stay up to date with information and prepare yourself to ensure a smooth academic and post-academic experience in the UK.
Despite the new visa rules, the UK will always be a great place to study, live, and explore. Ensure that you are always up to date on information with regard to your student visa.
