In a major shift in immigration policy, starting from January 2024, the United Kingdom has decided to discontinue allowing foreign postgraduates, enrolled in non-research courses, to bring their family members to the UK. This follows a prior prohibition on undergraduate students bringing dependants with them.

The term ‘dependant’, who is a family member dependent on the primary visa holder for their financial support and is authorised to join them, varies in definition from country to country. In the UK, the amended rules significantly vary the rights and benefits for dependants based on the specific visa category.

Irrespective of this policy, the UK continues to hold its appeal as a desirable destination for Indian students, despite a softening demand going into 2024. Meanwhile, the United States, which issued the most dependant visas to Indian students, is seeing less incentivisation for international students to bring their families, owing to the restriction on dependants’ work rights.

However, Australia and Canada are embracing a more open approach. Australia has experienced an impressive 136% YoY increase in the number of new dependants. Canada offers dependants of international students various options, from study permits to visitor visas. Further, the country’s Post-Graduation Work Permit Program (PGWPP) provides a well-defined pathway for international students and their immediate family to gain critical post-graduation work experience, paving the way for permanent residency applications.

Understanding the Rights and Benefits of International Student Dependents: A Comparative Analysis

UK’s Amended Rules:
Under the amended UK rules, dependants of international students enjoy various rights and benefits. These include legal residence, work rights for adult dependants, access to healthcare through the National Health Service (NHS), educational access for dependant children, and the ability to travel in and out of the UK during the primary visa holder’s validity period. The duration of the dependant’s visa typically aligns with the primary visa holder’s, and it’s crucial to refer to the UK Home Office or specific visa program guidelines for the latest information.

Comparison Across Countries:
Rights and benefits for international student dependants differ across countries:

• United States: Legal residence and work rights are provided, with varying access to healthcare and education based on the visa category.
• Australia: Dependents can typically work and access the education system, with healthcare access varying.
• Canada: Dependents can reside, work, access healthcare, and education.
• European Union: Rights vary among member countries, encompassing legal residence, education access, healthcare access, and work rights, subject to host country regulations.

Shift in University Preferences for Indian Students:
While the UK remains a popular choice for Indian students, there’s a noted softening in demand for Spring 2024. However, the speed and volume of offers to Indian students by UK universities through the ApplyBoard Platform are increasing, indicating positive trends. The quick and easy visa process allows students to be accepted until the end of the year in many cases.

US vs. Australia vs. Canada for Indian Students with Dependents:

• United States: Although issuing the most dependant visas, the inability for dependants to work may deter students from bringing their families or encourage them to explore other options.
• Australia: Experiencing a 136% year-over-year increase in new dependants, Australia is becoming more attractive. In the fiscal year July 2022 to June 2023, 7,114 dependant visas were granted to Indians on study visas, making India the top contributor.
• Canada: Offers the option for dependants to apply for a study permit, work permit, or visitor visa. The Post-Graduation Work Permit Program (PGWPP) provides a clear pathway for international students and their immediate family members to stay in Canada and gain post-graduation work experience for permanent residency applications.

In light of these recent changes and varying approaches towards dependant visas, it is important for international students to carefully consider their options before choosing a study destination.

Source: What the change in UK’s international students’ dependent policy means for Indians