The UK Home Office announced restrictions for international students to bring family members on all but post-graduate research routes. The overview said it was “banning people from using a student visa as a backdoor route to work in the UK.”
- The terms of the graduate route remain unchanged.
- The new reforms will come into effect for students starting in January 2024.
- However, The government will work with the higher education sector to explore alternative options to ensure the best students can continue to bring dependents when they study at the UK’s top universities.
- To prevent misuse of the visa system, overseas students will be stopped from switching from the student visa route into work routes until their studies have been completed.
- The government will also review the financial ability of students to support themselves and any dependents in the UK.
Erickson Insights
The Sunak administration has committed to lowering migration to the UK, and according to statements, this policy will achieve that goal while still supporting the economy through the economic contribution students can bring to the UK.
Erickson Immigration Group will continue to share updates as more news is available. If you have questions about anything we’re reporting or case-specific questions, please contact your employer or EIG attorney.