Lori Meadows
International students in the UK have previously been allowed to bring their spouses and children on a dependent visa. However, new policies have been introduced, and from 1 January 2024, international students can only bring their spouses and children on a dependent visa if they are enrolled in specific postgraduate courses categorized as research programs. This restriction applies to all international students, regardless of nationality. The eligible programs include PhDs, other doctoral qualifications, and master's programs with a research component. Students must provide proof of their relationship and meet financial requirements, demonstrating sufficient funds to cover living costs in the UK. Spouses on a dependent visa are permitted to work in the UK and can apply for indefinite leave to remain after residing for five years.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Can international students bring their spouse to the UK? | Yes, but only if they are enrolled in a research-oriented postgraduate program. |
| What are the eligible programs? | PhDs, other doctoral qualifications, and master's programs with a research component. |
| What documents are required for the spouse's application? | Tuberculosis (TB) Certificate, Letter from Host’s UK University Enrollment, Police Registration Certificate (PRC), Valid Passport, Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) Card, etc. |
| Can the spouse work on a dependent visa? | Yes, full-time or part-time in most roles, but with some restrictions. |
| Can the spouse apply for indefinite leave to stay in the UK? | Yes, after residing for 5 years. |
| Can children be brought to the UK on a dependent visa? | Yes, if both parents are in the UK or are coming to the UK, with some exceptions. |
| What are the costs involved in the dependent visa application? | Application cost: £363 from outside the UK, £490 from inside the UK; Immigration Health Surcharge: £470 per year of the visa; Biometrics cost: £19.20. |
| What is the process for applying for a dependent visa? | Applications can be made online, and an in-person appointment is required for biometrics enrollment. |
| What are the financial requirements for the dependent visa? | Sufficient funds to cover living costs in the UK: £680 for each month the visa is valid, up to a maximum of 9 months. |
| When was the change in policy announced? | December 2023. |
| When did the new policy come into effect? | January 1, 2024. |
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What You'll Learn
- Dependants can apply for a visa extension if the student visa remains valid
- Dependants can work and study in the UK
- Dependants must apply online and may need to enrol biometrics
- Students must prove they can support their dependants financially
- Dependants may need a tuberculosis (TB) test and certificate
Dependants can apply for a visa extension if the student visa remains valid
As of January 1, 2024, international students pursuing courses in the UK are no longer permitted to bring their spouses or dependants with them on a Student Visa. However, there are two exceptions to this rule:
- If you are enrolled in a full-time postgraduate course (RQF Level 7 or above) lasting at least nine months, and the course is classified as a research-based higher degree, such as a PhD or other doctoral qualification. Master's programs are also included but must have a research component.
- If you are funded by a national government scholarship that covers both tuition and living costs for a course lasting more than six months. The scholarship must be provided by a central government department or agency.
If you meet either of these criteria, your spouse or dependants can apply for a dependent visa. This can be done concurrently with your own Student Visa application or after you have obtained it. Dependants can also apply for visa extensions, provided the student's visa remains valid.
To apply for a dependent visa, your spouse or dependants will need to submit certain documents, including:
- A tuberculosis (TB) certificate if applying from specific countries listed on the UK government website and planning to stay for more than six months.
- A letter from the host's UK university enrolment if applying separately from the main applicant.
- A police registration certificate (PRC) if applying from within the UK.
- A valid passport to prove travel history, nationality, and identity.
- A biometric residence permit (BRP) card if applicable.
Additionally, if applying as a dependent spouse, they must demonstrate a genuine and subsisting relationship. Dependants may also need to meet financial requirements, such as showing access to £6,120 (£680 per month for nine months) for maintenance. These funds must be held for a consecutive 28-day period, ending within 31 days of the date of application. However, if the dependant and student are considered 'low-risk' applicants with the same nationality, applying simultaneously, and the student's loan or sponsorship covers the dependant, then financial documentation may not be necessary.
It is important to note that dependants should begin the visa extension application process at least two months before their current visa expires. They can apply up to three months before the expiry date, and their application must be submitted before the current visa expires to avoid overstaying in the UK, which can have serious consequences. Dependants can apply to extend their leave to remain in the UK at the same time as the student, allowing all passports and documents to be submitted together.
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Dependants can work and study in the UK
International students can bring their spouse to the UK, but only if they are studying a research-oriented postgraduate programme. This includes PhDs, other doctoral qualifications, and Master's programmes with a research component. In this case, the spouse can apply for a dependent visa, also known as a Student Dependent Visa. This can be applied for either at the same time as the student visa application or after the student visa has been obtained.
Work and Study Opportunities for Dependants
Dependants are allowed to work in the UK. If they are 16 or older, they can take on full-time work, with no restrictions on the type of work they can do, except for roles that require training, such as doctors or dentists, and professional sports. They can also be self-employed or do volunteer work. Their right to work should be confirmed in their visa decision letter and on their digital eVisa.
Dependant children can study in the UK, either in state or private schools. If they are under 18, they may be eligible for a Child Student Visa. They must apply for a dependant visa before they turn 18 if they want to stay in the UK.
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Dependants must apply online and may need to enrol biometrics
International students in the UK can bring their spouse or partner with them, but only if they are studying a research postgraduate programme. Dependants of international students in the UK, including spouses, must apply for a dependant visa. This can be done concurrently with the international student's visa application or after they have obtained their visa.
Dependant visa applications must be made online. Dependants must submit several documents to support their application, including a valid passport, a tuberculosis (TB) certificate, and a biometric residence permit (BRP) card. As part of the application, they will be required to enrol their biometric information, including fingerprints and facial images. However, there are some exceptions to this rule. For instance, children under the age of five are exempt from providing fingerprint biometrics but must provide a digitised image of their face. If a person is physically unable to provide a live facial image, an independently certified facial photograph that meets passport standards may be authorised.
To enrol their biometric information, dependants must book an appointment at a biometric enrolment centre. If they are applying from within the UK, they will usually be required to attend either a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) service point or a Service and Support Centre (SSC). If they are applying from outside the UK, they will be asked to go to a visa application centre.
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Students must prove they can support their dependants financially
International students in the UK can bring their spouse or partner with them if they are studying a research-oriented postgraduate program, such as a PhD or a Master's program with a research component. In this case, their spouse or partner can apply for a dependent visa. This can be done concurrently with the student's visa application or after they have obtained their visa.
To apply for a dependent visa, the spouse or partner must demonstrate a genuine relationship with the student and submit several documents, including a tuberculosis (TB) certificate, a letter from the student's university, a police registration certificate (PRC), a valid passport, and a biometric residence permit (BRP) card. They must also have their fingerprints and photo taken at a visa application center.
Additionally, international students must prove that they can financially support their spouse or partner. This can be done by providing evidence of a student loan or financial sponsorship that covers their dependant's expenses. If the student's loan does not cover their spouse or partner, they must demonstrate that they have sufficient funds to support them. The UK government requires that the applicant have this money for at least 28 consecutive days, with the end date of this period falling within 31 days of the date of the dependent's visa application.
It is important to note that the ability to bring dependants to the UK on a student visa is a recent development, with a policy change taking effect on January 1, 2024, that removed this option for most international students. This change was made by the UK government to reduce migration to the country and address the cost of living and accommodation pressures on international students.
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Dependants may need a tuberculosis (TB) test and certificate
International students in the UK can bring their spouse on a dependent visa. This can be applied for either concurrently with the student visa application or after the student visa has been obtained. From 1 January 2024, international students can only bring their spouse on a dependent visa if they are enrolled in a research-oriented postgraduate program. Eligible programs include PhDs, other doctoral qualifications, and Master's programs with a research component.
Dependants applying for a UK visa may need to submit a tuberculosis (TB) test certificate. This requirement applies to applicants from specific countries listed on the UK government website who plan to stay for more than six months. The TB test involves a chest X-ray, and if the result is unclear, a sputum sample may be requested. If the test shows that the applicant does not have TB, they will be given a certificate that is valid for six months from the date of the X-ray. This certificate must be included with the UK visa application.
The TB test is used to screen for active pulmonary tuberculosis and confirm that the applicant does not have the disease. It is important to note that the timing of the clinic appointment should be considered, as arranging and travelling to an approved clinic may take some time. The TB test certificate is a crucial component of the visa application process and can lead to a refusal if not provided.
The UK government recognizes the challenges faced by international students who leave their families behind, and the dependent visa option allows spouses to accompany their student partners to the UK. This not only provides emotional support and companionship but also offers the opportunity for the spouse to work and contribute financially.
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Frequently asked questions
Starting January 1, 2024, international students can only bring their spouse to the UK if they are enrolled in a research-oriented postgraduate program. Eligible programs include PhDs, other doctoral qualifications, and Master's programs that involve research and the creation of original work.
The spouse must apply for a dependent visa. The student must be enrolled in a full-time postgraduate course (RQF Level 7 or above) lasting at least 9 months, and the course must be classified as a research-based higher degree.
The cost to apply for a dependent visa is £363 for applications from outside the UK and £490 for applications from inside the UK. There is also an immigration health surcharge of £470 per year of the visa. The cost of biometrics is £19.20.
Yes, spouses are allowed to work on a dependent visa in the UK. Dependents aged 16 or over can usually work full-time or part-time in most roles. However, certain occupations are restricted, including doctors or dentists in training and professional sportspersons.
The documents required include a tuberculosis (TB) certificate, a letter from the host's UK university, a police registration certificate (PRC), a valid passport, and a biometric residence permit (BRP) card.
