Starting in January 2024, a significant policy change in the United Kingdom will affect foreign postgraduate students enrolled in non-research courses, as they will no longer be permitted to bring their family members with them to the UK. This decision is particularly impactful for prospective students from India, as the inability to bring dependents may deter them from choosing the UK as their study destination.
Previously, international students were allowed to bring their family members, including spouses and children, to the UK under the dependant visa category. The new restrictions, however, are limited to international postgraduate students, while undergraduate students were already restricted from bringing dependents.
This policy shift is expected to influence the decision-making of Indian students planning to study abroad. While postgraduate programs in the UK typically last only a year, shorter than in other countries, the importance of family presence varies among individuals.
The definition of a ‘dependant’ varies by country and is typically outlined by immigration and visa regulations. In the UK, dependents generally include spouses, partners, and children under 18. In contrast, in countries like Canada, Australia, and the USA, the definition and rights of dependents can differ, often including a wider range of family members and offering various rights and benefits such as work permission, access to healthcare, and education.
The amended UK rule will offer different rights and benefits to dependents, usually including legal residence, work rights for adults, healthcare access, and education for children. The duration of the dependent’s visa usually aligns with that of the primary visa holder.
With these changes, there’s a noticeable shift in the preferences of Indian students for international study destinations. The UK continues to attract Indian students, but there is a softening in demand as we approach 2024. In contrast, countries like Australia and Canada, known for more dependant-friendly rules, are seeing increased interest from Indian students, especially considering their more inclusive policies for dependents, including work and study rights, which are crucial factors in the decision-making process for studying abroad.