What changed
From 1 January 2024, most international students lost the right to bring family members (partners and children) to the UK on a Student visa. The only exceptions are students on postgraduate research programmes (such as PhDs and research-based master's) and those on government-funded scholarships. The measure was introduced to reduce net migration after dependant numbers rose sharply.
Current status
In August 2024 the UK government confirmed it does not intend to reverse the restriction, so it continues to apply. Dependant visa grants fell dramatically after the rule took effect.
What it means for students
Indian students on taught master's programmes (the most common one-year UK master's) cannot bring a spouse or children on their Student visa. Applicants who need to bring family should consider research-route courses or scholarship programmes that fall within the exceptions, or plan for the family to join later via a different visa route once eligible.