Study in UK With Spouse and kids

Student Visa | Partner and Children Updates

Immigration policies are continuously evolving in the United Kingdom. These changes also apply to student-dependent visa applications. We aim to provide an overview of recent changes to student-dependent visas in the UK in this blog.

The experience of studying abroad can be both exciting and enlightening. For those coming to the UK on a student visa, provisions are made for bringing along their spouses and children as dependents. This blog aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the key information and requirements for partners and children joining international students in the UK.

Eligibility Criteria:

To be eligible for bringing dependants to the UK, the student must fall under one of the following categories:

• Government-Sponsored Student: Enrolled in a course lasting longer than 6 months.
• Full-Time Postgraduate Student: Enrolled in a postgraduate level course (RQF level 7 or above) lasting 9 months or longer.

Postgraduate Level Courses:

• If the postgraduate level course begins on or after 1st January 2024, it should be either a PhD or other doctorate (RQF level 8) or a research-based higher degree.

Definition of Dependants:

Dependants are individuals closely related to the student and may include:

• Spouse or Civil Partner
• Unmarried Partner
• Child under 18 years old, even if born in the UK during the student's stay.

Evidence of Relationship:

When applying for dependant visas, sufficient evidence of the relationship with the student must be provided. Examples of such evidence include marriage or civil partnership certificates for partners and birth certificates for children.

Dependants Aged 16 or 17:

In the case of dependant children aged 16 or 17, the application should demonstrate that they are not living an independent life, e.g., not married or in a civil partnership. Supporting documents confirming their address and financial dependency may be required.

Financial Requirements:

Each dependant must demonstrate a specific amount of money available to support themselves, in addition to the funds required for the student. The amount depends on the location of the student's course, with higher rates for courses in London. The money must be held for at least 28 consecutive days, and the end date of this period should be within 31 days of visa application.

Exemptions from Proving Financial Support:

Dependants who have been in the UK with a valid visa for at least 12 months are not required to prove financial support. Additionally, certain countries listed under the 'differential evidence requirement' may be exempt from providing financial proof, although they might still be asked to do so during the application process.

Conclusion:

Bringing partners and children to the UK while pursuing higher education on a student visa can create unforgettable memories and foster family bonds. Understanding the eligibility criteria, required documents, and financial requirements you can get help from SuccessVisa Consultants, who always give the right advice for a smooth visa application process. By following the guidelines outlined in this blog, students and their families can embark on their academic journey in the UK with confidence and enthusiasm in a professional manner.