EDITOR`S NOTE: This article is a partner content contribution to Clariform by Swift Solicitors Chambers. Partner contents a sponsored and Clariform neither takes responsibility for their accuracy nor ownership of the copyright. It is published for information purpose only.
The UK Student visa policy may change soon. Many families have relocated to the UK through the student visa route, but this is about to change if the recent signals from the UK Home Office is anything to go by. The current policy allows students to bring their family members, including all their children without limit.
However, the new UK government under Prime Minister Liz Truss is now closely threatening this opportunity, which many families have taking advantage already, with many other still making plans to also relocate through this visa route. The fight to change the status quo is already awash on the British media space. The new UK Home Secretary Suella Braverman who is heading the UK Home Office is in the lead in the fight to restrict students from bringing families to the UK.
Braverman told the Sun Newspaper that, “We’ve got a very high number of students coming into this country and we’ve got a really high number of dependents. Students are coming on their student visa, but they’re bringing in family members who can piggyback onto their student visa”. She therefore, promised this will be reduced in “tens of thousands”.
Throwing more light to the impending changes, Alp Mehmet, chairman of Migration Watch UK, have said, “It has been clear for years that a significant number of those coming to study and their dependents use it as a route into work and settlement.
“It is yet another mode of uncontrolled and uncapped migration, often, feeding the demand for low-skilled and low-paid workers. The number of student dependents has spiraled to over 80,000 in one year. It is an area in desperate need of tightening.”
There is therefore, no doubt that things are certainly about to change in this very popular student visa route through which many families have relocated to the United Kingdom. However, notwithstanding any possible changes, you can still take advantage of the current policy framework if you take the following three steps as soon as possible:
TAKE ACTION NOW
United Kingdom is first world country and is known for taking only measured decisions that are mostly implemented with timelines. There is always a transitional period leading to the implementation of new policies in the immigration sector. For instance, the current student visa policy and the reintroduction of two year work visa by former Prime Minister Boris Johnson did not commence immediately. It commenced a year after it was introduced.
So, how does this affect the current situation? Let me explain. If the current policy will be changed, it will first undergo some review, which will take some months. Even after the review is concluded, the new policy with any changes it will introduce will not commence immediately. We cannot say with certainty when the commencement time will be exactly.
However, if past experiences are anything to go by, those who are coming to the UK with the student visa in 2023 admission season are not likely to be affected. That is why you should act now. Yes, now, before it is too late.
FIND A SCHOOL & SECURE ADMISSION
Finding a school and secure admission can be completed online easily. Most UK schools allowed direct application for all their courses. You do not need anyone to do this, but it is okay to seek help if you cannot. Follow up and secure your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) as soon as possible.
The CAS letter will contain certain information including details of the course to be studied, the cost of accommodation if you are staying in school accommodation, the tuition fees and any payment already made.
APPLY WITHIN 6 MONTHS
In addition to concluding your school admission process sooner than letter, after receiving your Confirmation of Acceptance of Studies (CAS) letter, you must apply for your Student Visa within 6 months of receiving it.
IN CONCLUSION
Note that everything that is contained in this article does not constitute a legal or professional immigration advice. To be sure of what you really need for your Student Visa application, you may need to seek professional advice from a lawyer or an immigration expert.
In other to reduce the chances of failure and brighten your chances of success at first attempt, it is advisable you speak with an immigration lawyer in every situation.
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