Freshness tracker · GBUnited Kingdom

International students can no longer bring dependants (except PhD)

In force Visa & immigration

From 1 January 2024, most international students on the Student visa route can no longer bring partner or child dependants to the UK. PhD students and government-sponsored students retain the right to bring dependants. Designed to reduce net migration in the student-visa category.

Who it affects

International students starting courses from January 2024 onwards.

Sources

Primary: GOV.UK — Home Office ↗

Corroborating: House of Commons Library — Research Briefings ↗

Verified 2026-04-19 · methodology · report a correction