- A dependent visa allows family members of a UK visa holder to join them in the UK. Dependents include spouses/partners and children under 18 years old. The main changes announced by the UK Parliament that dependents and sponsors need to know about are:
- Age limit changes – the maximum age for dependent children is being raised in stages:From age 18 to age 21 from 1 January 2024
- From age 21 to age 23 from 6 April 2024
- From age 23 to age 25 from 6 April 2025
- Accommodation requirements – sponsors must show they can accommodate dependents in the UK
- Minimum income thresholds remain unchanged
These changes aim to reduce family migration to the UK over time. Sponsors and dependents need to carefully review the new eligibility criteria when applying.
Age Limit Changes
One of the biggest changes announced is that the maximum age for dependent children allowed on a UK visa is being raised in stages:
- From age 18 to age 21 – This change took effect on 1 January 2024. It means adult dependents aged 18-20 are still allowed.
- From age 21 to age 23 – This change takes effect on 6 April 2024. So adult dependents aged 21-22 will also be allowed.
- From age 23 to age 25 – This final age extension takes effect on 6 April 2025. It will allow dependents up to age 25.
Previously, adult dependents had to be under age 18. This change gives extra time for dependents who turn 18 to remain on a parent’s visa. However, they still need to meet other eligibility criteria.
New Accommodation Requirements
Another key change is that sponsors must now show they can accommodate their dependents in the UK. This applies to visa extensions and settlement applications from 1 January 2024. Sponsors need to provide property inspection reports and documents on accommodation they own or rent. There must be enough rooms for the additional dependents based on UK housing occupancy requirements.This change aims to prevent visa holders bringing more dependents than they have space for. Accommodation demands will make family migration more difficult. 
Income Thresholds Unchanged
While accommodation rules have changed, the minimum income thresholds for sponsors remain unchanged. Sponsors still need to meet strict financial requirements to bring dependents to the UK. For example, for a spouse/partner, they must earn at least £18,600 per year. There were expectations that the income thresholds might be increased to further limit applications. However, the Home Office has focused only on accommodation and age limit changes for now.
Other Immigration Category Changes
In addition to the dependent visa changes, the UK Parliament has announced changes to other immigration categories in 2024:
Student Visas
Changes to student visas that came into effect in January 2024 include :
- Restrictions on work entitlements – students are limited to 20 hours per week during term time
- Limitations on bringing dependents – dependents must return home after 3 years
- Stronger English language requirements – applies to students from majority English speaking countries
These changes aim to reduce the number of international students staying long-term after their studies.
Skilled and Temporary Work Visas
Upcoming changes announced for skilled, temporary and seasonal worker visas in 2024 include:
- Salary thresholds for skilled workers are being lowered from £25,600 to £23,000
- Low skilled and temporary workers will be limited to 12 months maximum stays
- Additional visa fees and NHS immigration health surcharges
While reducing barriers in some areas, increased costs and limited stays make temporary routes less feasible long-term options.
Refugees and Asylum Seekers
Major changes announced in 2024 include:
- Stricter penalties for illegal entry and stiffer jail sentences
- Restrictions on rights to work and access to benefits
- Offshore processing of asylum claims
These deterrent measures intend to discourage illegal refugee channels and reduce claims.
Impact of Changes on Sponsors and Dependents
The changes to dependent visas, along with restrictions across other immigration categories, will make getting UK visas more difficult in 2024 and beyond.In particular, the age limit changes for dependents require sponsors and families to plan further ahead. Dependents approaching age milestones need to act fast to submit applications before they become ineligible.
The accommodation requirements also add an extra burden of proof for sponsors to provide. They will need to plan their living arrangements carefully when sponsoring dependents.While income thresholds remain steady, increased costs through other fees and healthcare charges reduce affordability.Overall, these immigration changes continue to build barriers limiting legal migration channels to the UK over the long term.
Sponsors and dependents considering applications need expert guidance to prepare the strongest cases possible before new rules take effect.
Checking Case-Specific Immigration Updates
With frequent changes across different UK visa categories, sponsors and applicants need to check official government sources for case-specific updates.
Useful resources include:
- UK Government Visas and Immigration Guidance – search for your visa category
- UK Parliament Research Briefings – independent analysis of new laws
- UK Council for International Student Affairs – updates for student visas
Professional immigration lawyers can also advise on how new immigration rules apply to your situation. Staying up to date on the latest changes is key for visa applicants to prepare applications accurately within tight deadlines.
Long Term UK Immigration Trends
While this article has focused on changes announced for 2024, it is useful to view these in the wider context of longer-term UK immigration policy shifts. Since 2010, there has been a sustained drive to reduce non-EU immigration to the UK. This accelerated after Brexit in 2020, with emphasis on a new “points-based system” favoring high-skilled applicants.Key trends evident across successive policy changes include :
- Tougher eligibility rules across all visa categories
- Increased costs through healthcare surcharges, visa fees and language tests
- Push towards temporary work rights rather than permanent settlement
- Deterring illegal entry through stricter penalties
These changes have aimed to cut net migration numbers. However, critical labor shortages across important sectors like healthcare and agriculture have challenged this drive towards greater restrictions.
Ongoing debates continue around balancing economic demands, public sentiments, and humanitarian responsibilities within the UK’s complex immigration system.While changes often focus on statistics more than the human realities, behind each number is an individual and family impacted. Sponsors and dependents planning a future in the UK face a harder road ahead.
Yet despite the barriers, many still believe the UK remains a land of opportunity worth taking a chance on. One that comes with rewards that outweigh the sacrifices for those willing to persist.
Related Articles
- Good News for Health and Care Worker Visa Holders: Care Workers Can Bring Dependents to the UK in 2024: This article explains the updated guidance from the UK Home Office regarding the rule change for care worker dependents. It also provides information on how to apply for the Health and Care Worker visa and the outlook for health and care jobs in 2024.
- Good News for Health and Social Care Workers: New Visa Route Allows Dependents in 2024: This article announces a new Health and Care Visa for healthcare professionals that will enable dependents to come to the UK from early 2024 onwards. It also outlines the benefits of the visa, the challenge of staff shortages, and the settlement opportunities.
- UK Release Tougher Rules and Deadline For Dependent Visas: This article reports on the major changes to dependent visa rules, including tougher eligibility criteria, higher fees, and an end date for certain categories. It also advises applicants to act quickly before the deadline of April 30, 2024.
