UK Sees Significant Decrease in Number of Student Visa Applications Due to Policy Changes
09 May
The UK witnessed a notable drop in student visa applications and student-dependent applications in the initial quarter of 2024 due to policy adjustments.
This decline, amounting to a 79.5 percent decrease in student visa applications from January to March, is linked to new regulations enacted at the start of the year.
These changes include restricting most international students from bringing family members unless they are enrolled in research programs.
According to data from the UK’s Home Office, only 6,700 student visa applications were recorded in the first quarter of 2024, contrasting sharply with the 32,000 applications received during the same period in 2023. The aim of these policy changes is to limit migration to the UK, although they have impacted the number of visas granted to the dependents of foreign students.
In response to these developments, Home Secretary James Cleverly emphasized the UK's commitment to attracting top-tier talent while acknowledging the need for a balanced approach. Plans are underway to collaborate with universities in designing an alternative system that accommodates exceptional students bringing dependents while maintaining a downward trend in migration numbers.
This new approach will be implemented following thorough consultations with relevant stakeholders and the education sector.
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