Latest UK Student Visas Rules in 2023/2024
The UK government is introducing new restrictions to student visa routes to cut net migration substantially. The new limits will ban people from using a student visa as a backdoor route to work in the UK and restrict the ability of international students to bring family members on all but post-graduate research routes.
The government has also reaffirmed its commitment to the International Education Strategy, which is important in supporting the economy through the economic contribution students can bring to the UK. The new reforms will come into effect for students starting in January 2024.
The government will also review the funds students must have to demonstrate they can look after themselves and their dependents in the UK and clamp down on unscrupulous international student agents who may be supporting inappropriate applications.
The government believes that the changes to student visas strike the right balance in supporting the UK economy, including world-leading education institutions, and upholding the government’s commitment to reducing overall net migration.
What has changed in international student visa rules?
Here are some of the changes that have been made to the UK student visa:
- Family members: International students, except for post-graduate research students, can no longer bring family members to the UK on a student visa.
- Work: Students will no longer be able to switch from a student visa to a work visa after completing their studies.
- Funds: Students must show that they have more money to be eligible for a student visa.
- Agents: The government will clamp down on unscrupulous international student agents who may be supporting inappropriate applications.
The changes to the student visa have been met with mixed reactions. Some believe they are necessary to reduce net migration and protect the UK’s public services. Others think that they will make it more difficult for international students to study in the UK and damage the UK’s reputation as a world-leading education destination.
Only time will tell what the impact of the changes to the student visa will be. However, the government is committed to reducing net migration and is willing to take steps to achieve this goal.