Following the UK Government's news 'Changes to student visa route' published in May 2023, Home Office has updated the Student Visa guide on its website regarding student dependants (partner and children) visa on its website.

International students' dependants may be able to apply to come to the UK or stay longer in the UK if they are –

• a government-sponsored student starting a course that lasts longer than 6 months or
• a full-time student on a postgraduate level course (RQF level 7 or above) that lasts 9 months or longer

The above will come to on effect from 01 January 2024. Currently, students are able to bring or keep their dependants if their course start date is before 01 January 2024 and studying a postgraduate level 7 taught and postgraduate level 7 research course or a postgraduate level 8 PhD or other doctorate course. After 31 December 2023, they will not be able to bring or keep dependants if they study a postgraduate level 7 taught or a lower level course.

Statement of changes to the immigration rules HC 1496 published on 17 July 2023 has mentioned that international students will not be able to switch to Skilled Worker Visa route from 15.00 (UK time), 17 July 2023 if they have not or do not completed their course as mentioned on their CAS.

There is no change of current provisions relation to the Graduate Visa (Post Study Work – PSW Visa).

Source: Statement of changes to the immigration rules