- Update on UK Student Visa Policy: Changes Affecting Postgraduate Research Students
As of January 2024, a significant amendment has been made to the UK student visa policy. International students enrolled in postgraduate research programs will no longer be permitted to bring their dependents and family members to the country. However, it’s crucial to emphasize that this rule excludes Master of Research (MRes) and Doctorate program students.
- Important Update: Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) Increase
Effective February 6, 2024, there will be an increase in the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) for Student route and Graduate route applications.
For Student route applications and Student route dependent applications submitted on or after February 6, 2024, the IHS fee will be £776 per applicant, per year of permission applied for. This is an increase from the current fee of £470 for Student route applicants.
Similarly, for Graduate route applications and Graduate route dependent applications made on or after February 6, 2024, the IHS fee will be £1035 per applicant, per year of permission applied for. This represents an increase from the current fee of £624 for Graduate route applicants.
- Independent Review Recommends Retaining UK Graduate Visa
- An independent review suggests the UK should maintain its two-year graduate visa, countering claims of it being a migrant back door.
- The Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) found no widespread misuse by international students, supporting the visa’s continuation post higher education.
- Critically, MAC noted governmental data gaps on the UK graduate route’s effectiveness and dismissed negative employment outcome claims.
- The report cautions against further UK graduate visa restrictions, warning of potential setbacks in attracting 600,000 international students amid global competition.
- Business schools, concerned about declining international enrollments, may welcome the review’s findings.
- Update on Spouse/Partner Visa Minimum Income Requirements
As of April 11, 2024, the minimum income for spouse/partner visas has risen to £29,000. Plans are in place to further increase this threshold to approximately £34,500 later in 2024, followed by another raise to around £38,700 by early 2025.