In an effort to restrict migration, the UK Home Office has stated that it will no longer permit the majority of overseas students to bring family members to the UK.
Currently, if you are a full-time student enrolled in a postgraduate level degree that lasts nine months or more, the UK Student Visa allows you to bring your partner and kids with you to the UK.
Only students enrolled in particular research programmes will be permitted to bring their families to the UK beginning in January 2024. The government will also reassess the maintenance obligations for dependents and students.
This is a component of the UK government’s larger effort to lower net migration. Around 136,000 visas were issued to dependent students in 2018; this is an eightfold increase from 2019.
Bringing your family to the UK: How to Do It
The government is nevertheless dedicated to “protecting the economic benefits that students can bring to the UK” even though these changes mean you won’t be able to initially bring your family with you when you begin your studies in the UK.
The Graduate Visa, which was established in 2021, permits students to stay in the UK for up to three years after they have finished their education in order to look for employment. Even if you only complete a one-year postgraduate degree in the UK, you can apply for this visa.
Once you’ve secured employment through an authorised sponsor, you can move to a skilled worker visa, which enables you to bring dependents with you.
Depending on the length of your course and how quickly you can find employment after finishing your education, this method might allow your family to join you in the UK in as little as two years.
Some students are even able to transition from a student visa to a skilled worker visa right away after graduating from college.
Countries where students can still bring their families with them
- Australia
- Canada
- France
- Germany
- The Netherlands
- New Zealand
- Spain
- United States
You can get assistance from our study abroad advisors in picking the ideal nation for you and your family. We can offer a streamlined application procedure since we have direct access to partner universities’ admissions offices. We also make the visa application process simpler and offer support if necessary. Our thorough support makes for a trouble-free experience.
