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Time of India
7 hours ago
- Business
- Time of India
UK family visa rules spark outcry as families face forced separation
British citizens are calling on the government to change family visa rules that risk separating them from their partners and children. The demand for reform follows new findings from charities Reunite Families UK and Coram, which show that current visa income requirements are forcing some British families to live apart, as per a report by The Independent. The UK's Minimum Income Requirement (MIR) was raised from £18,600 to £29,000 in 2024 and remains one of the highest among developed countries, according to the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC). The committee has advised against raising the threshold further to £38,700, the level currently required for skilled workers, warning that it would have a serious impact on family reunification. David Todd, a 33-year-old British citizen living in Germany, shared how visa restrictions could force him to return to the UK without his American wife, Claire, and their soon-to-be-born child. The couple cannot meet the financial threshold required under current family visa rules, which expect the British partner to earn at least £29,000 per year or show savings above £88,500. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Secure Your Child's Future with Strong English Fluency Planet Spark Learn More Undo Todd said to PA News agency, 'It's like we're second-class citizens because we married someone who fell in love with someone who wasn't British.' He urged the government to either scrap or reduce the Minimum Income Requirement (MIR), which is now under review. Todd and his wife, both classical musicians, had hoped to return to the UK to raise their child near family. However, because his wife's income, though sufficient and earned remotely, does not count toward the visa requirement, they remain stuck. (Join our ETNRI WhatsApp channel for all the latest updates) The report by Reunite Families UK and Coram concluded that the current rules are financially and emotionally damaging. Families often face long-term separation, and children may suffer psychological harm. The report also noted that the MIR disproportionately affects British women, working-class individuals, and ethnic minorities who are more likely to earn below the threshold. Live Events MORE STORIES FOR YOU ✕ UK may ease family visa income rule after 'Tax on Love' criticism Lowering UK family visa income bar may raise net migration; says advisory panel « Back to recommendation stories I don't want to see these stories because They are not relevant to me They disrupt the reading flow Others SUBMIT According to the Independent news report, Caroline Coombs, Executive Director of Reunite Families UK, said: 'Simple and practical changes from the Home Office could make significant differences to families, starting with scrapping the MIR and simplifying the rules and application process.' She added, 'These rules have become the tax on love. People are suffering and want to be heard.' The Home Office has not yet responded to the findings or public calls for reform.
Economic Times
13-06-2025
- Business
- Economic Times
UK study visa applications witnesses a sharp rise despite graduate route cuts
Synopsis Despite reduced post-study work benefits, UK study visa applications surged by 29% in the first five months of 2025, indicating continued appeal. While dependent visa restrictions impacted overall numbers, a perceived stability compared to other destinations like the US and Australia may contribute to the UK's attractiveness for international students. However, financial pressures on universities remain a concern. Demand for UK study visas has increased significantly this year, according to new data from the Home Office, even as the government rolls back post-study work benefits. In the first five months of 2025, 76,400 students applied for UK study visas, marking a 29% rise compared to the same period in 2024. ADVERTISEMENT As per a report by Times Higher Education, in May alone, 18,500 study visa applications were submitted—19% higher than in May last year. This is the first set of figures released since the UK government announced a cut to the Graduate Route, reducing the post-study work period from two years to 18 months. The data suggests that, so far, the change has not discouraged prospective international students. Ruth Arnold, director of external affairs at Study Group, told THE, 'The surge in applications suggests that fears of the impact of the immigration White Paper may have been avoided, mainly thanks to the preserved post-study work offer.' She also pointed to stricter visa rules in Australia, Canada, and the United States, saying, 'More students are turning to the UK as a safer, more stable option.' UK may ease family visa income rule after 'Tax on Love' criticism However, she noted that many students are applying to multiple destinations. 'There is no time for complacency,' Arnold added. (Join our ETNRI WhatsApp channel for all the latest updates) The UK government introduced restrictions on dependent visas in January 2024. This appears to have affected application numbers from family members. In May 2025, 1,100 dependents applied for UK visas, compared to 1,400 in May 2024 and 7,800 in May 2023. So far this year, 6,300 dependent applications have been recorded, down from 46,700 during the same period last the 12 months to May 2025, total study visa applications from main applicants fell by 9%. RSM UK attributed this decline to the dependent visa restrictions. Louise Tweedie, partner and higher education specialist at RSM UK, told THE, 'Universities also continue to face financial pressures and structural changes, with several universities announcing cuts to programmes and departments in May, due to budget constraints.' ADVERTISEMENT Rachel Hewitt, chief executive of the MillionPlus group, commented that it's too early to judge the full impact of recent policy changes. However, she said, 'An unsettled picture in the US, coupled with a less combative attitude towards international students in Westminster could well have played a part.' Data from UniQuest, which works with UK universities on international enrolment, shows a 10% year-on-year increase in firm acceptances from international applicants. Still, it is unclear whether this rise is due to declining interest in the US. Jennifer Parsons, chief market and partnerships officer at UniQuest, said, 'Those students who have carefully considered what is best for their future are much more likely to convert than those who have made a rash decision. Institutions are also taking a robust and responsible approach to what's happening in the markets right now.' ADVERTISEMENT (Catch all the Business News, Breaking News, Budget 2024 Events and Latest News Updates on The Economic Times.) Subscribe to The Economic Times Prime and read the ET ePaper online. NEXT STORY
Time of India
13-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
UK study visa applications witness a sharp rise despite graduate route cuts
Live Events You Might Also Like: UK may ease family visa income rule after 'Tax on Love' criticism Demand for UK study visas has increased significantly this year, according to new data from the Home Office, even as the government rolls back post-study work benefits. In the first five months of 2025, 76,400 students applied for UK study visas, marking a 29% rise compared to the same period in per a report by Times Higher Education, in May alone, 18,500 study visa applications were submitted—19% higher than in May last year. This is the first set of figures released since the UK government announced a cut to the Graduate Route, reducing the post-study work period from two years to 18 months. The data suggests that, so far, the change has not discouraged prospective international Arnold, director of external affairs at Study Group, told THE, 'The surge in applications suggests that fears of the impact of the immigration White Paper may have been avoided, mainly thanks to the preserved post-study work offer.' She also pointed to stricter visa rules in Australia, Canada, and the United States, saying, 'More students are turning to the UK as a safer, more stable option.'However, she noted that many students are applying to multiple destinations. 'There is no time for complacency,' Arnold added.(Join our ETNRI WhatsApp channel for all the latest updates)The UK government introduced restrictions on dependent visas in January 2024. This appears to have affected application numbers from family members. In May 2025, 1,100 dependents applied for UK visas, compared to 1,400 in May 2024 and 7,800 in May 2023. So far this year, 6,300 dependent applications have been recorded, down from 46,700 during the same period last the 12 months to May 2025, total study visa applications from main applicants fell by 9%. RSM UK attributed this decline to the dependent visa restrictions. Louise Tweedie, partner and higher education specialist at RSM UK, told THE, 'Universities also continue to face financial pressures and structural changes, with several universities announcing cuts to programmes and departments in May, due to budget constraints.'Rachel Hewitt, chief executive of the MillionPlus group, commented that it's too early to judge the full impact of recent policy changes. However, she said, 'An unsettled picture in the US, coupled with a less combative attitude towards international students in Westminster could well have played a part.'Data from UniQuest, which works with UK universities on international enrolment, shows a 10% year-on-year increase in firm acceptances from international applicants. Still, it is unclear whether this rise is due to declining interest in the US. Jennifer Parsons, chief market and partnerships officer at UniQuest, said, 'Those students who have carefully considered what is best for their future are much more likely to convert than those who have made a rash decision. Institutions are also taking a robust and responsible approach to what's happening in the markets right now.'
