New rules for international students in the UK 2024

Some significant changes to UK student and graduate visas have recently come into effect. These changes were initially announced on the 17th of July, 2023, and came into effect on the 1st of January 2024.  

In this blog, we’ll go over everything you need to know about these changes if you’re an international student currently studying in the UK or thinking about studying in the UK in the future. We’ll include: 

• What these changes are, and what they mean for international students.
• The answers to some frequently asked questions about these changes.

UK immigration news for international students 

There have been changes to the rules around bringing dependents for international students and the rules around transitioning from a student visa to a graduate visa. 

Changes to UK immigration rules for dependents of international students 

Previously, international students could bring family members, such as children and spouses, to the UK while they were studying. For courses starting in or after January 2024, this will be restricted.  

Now, only international students completing postgraduate research programs, PhDs or doctorates can bring dependents. If you’re an international student studying for a Bachelor’s or taught Master’s degree, you won’t be able to bring any dependents with you. 

Changes to UK immigration rules for switching from a student to a work visa 

In the past, international students could transition from a UK student visa to a skilled worker visa while in the UK. From January 2024, international students must finish their course before switching to a work visa. PhD students must study for at least 24 months before switching to a skilled worker visa.  

It will also be harder to make the switch - international students will have a limited window of time to apply for sponsored work routes, and they’ll need to ensure that their job start date aligns with the completion of their course. Importantly, your job start date cannot be earlier than your course completion date.  

Frequently asked questions about the new rules for international students in the UK 2023 

When will these new changes come into effect? 

The new immigration rules on student dependents came into effect on the 1st of January 2024 and apply to all new courses starting on or after this date. The new rules about switching from a student visa to a skilled worker visa came into effect on the 17th of July, 2023.  

Can student dependent visas be extended after January 2024? 

Provided the student visa holder started their course before the 1st of January 2024, dependents can extend their student dependent visas as long as they’re valid. The new changes only apply to courses starting after the 1st of January 2024. 

Can family members apply for a dependent visa after I switch to a Graduate visa?  

Provided your family members were living with you in the UK on a dependent visa during your studies, they can apply for a dependent visa to remain in the UK with you for the duration of your Graduate visa. The rules around the graduate route have stayed the same.  

All-inclusive student properties for international students 

If you’re thinking about studying in the UK in the future, one thing you’re guaranteed to need is accommodation. UniHomes offers hassle-free, all-inclusive student accommodation in student cities across the UK.  

Whether you’re after a cosy studio apartment in the city centre or a large, shared house for the authentic UK student experience, we can help. All the properties on our site include uncapped energy and water and high-speed broadband to make your life as simple as possible. You won’t have to worry about getting to grips with UK utilities or trying to set up direct debits - our team will handle all that on your behalf! 

UniHomes has an extensive landlord and letting agent network with all–inclusive student properties nationwide. Our site makes it simple to filter by location, number of bedrooms and price so you can find the perfect student accommodation for you! 

Contact us today to learn more about how inclusive properties work, or look at the student properties for rent today! 

UniHomes are not immigration experts, and this should not be taken as immigration advice. Please do your own research, consult gov.uk for up-to-date immigration information or speak to an immigration solicitor.