On 17 July 2023, the UK authorities introduced wide-reaching
changes to the Student visa rules.
It is no longer possible for those on student visas to switch to
sponsored work routes in the UK unless they have completed their
course. It is possible to submit applications for students studying
at degree level or above before they complete their course, as long
as their employment start date is not before the date of
completion. Students enrolled in PhD programmes can switch after
they have completed two years of study.
Those making visa applications from 1 January 2024 need to be
aware that they will no longer be able to bring dependants to the
UK unless the course is a PhD, other doctoral qualification, or a
research-based higher degree.
