What to know about UK’s new strict rules for student and family visas

Starting January 2024, international students enrolling in British universities encounter stricter visa regulations that limit the inclusion of family members. The recent release of data by the Home Office sheds light on the initial repercussions of these policies, signaling a significant shift in the visa application procedure.

A key alteration implemented in January 2024 involves tighter controls on student-dependent visas, leading to an astonishing 80% reduction in applications compared to the same period in 2023. The UK Home Office underscores that these modifications, aimed at curbing the misuse of student visas for employment opportunities, are anticipated to result in approximately 140,000 fewer individuals entering the UK.

As part of a broader strategy to diminish migration, the UK government is rolling out additional measures, including stricter health and care visas, elevated salary thresholds, and initiating a review of the post-study work visa. Indian nationals, comprising 43% of students granted leave to remain, constitute a significant cohort within the student visa category.

Regarding UK visa applicants’ minimum salary requirements, there has been a substantial increase under government initiatives to reduce migration. Most individuals seeking employment in the UK must apply for a visa through the points-based system (PBS). However, starting April 11, 2024, a job offer with a higher salary is required, amounting to at least £38,700, nearly 50% higher than the previous minimum of £26,200. Certain exemptions apply, such as in health and social care roles and for teachers on national pay scales, although overseas care workers are unable to bring family dependents.

For family visas, individuals seeking to reside with a relative in the UK for more than six months must apply for a family visa. Official statistics indicate that 82,395 family-related visas were issued in the year leading to September 2023. Eligible relatives include spouses, partners, children, parents, and those providing long-term care. Applicants must demonstrate proficiency in English and meet the minimum income threshold, which was initially set to rise to £38,700 but was later reduced to £29,000 after concerns were raised about the risk of family separation.

As for student visas, the government issued 486,107 study visas in the 12 months leading up to September 2023, with a significant proportion granted to Indian and Chinese nationals. Postgraduate students could previously apply for visas for qualifying dependents, such as spouses, partners, and children under 18. However, since January 2024, international postgraduate students can only bring dependents if their course is designated as a research program. Graduates are permitted to stay in the UK for two years, or three years for doctoral degree holders, under a graduate visa.