Bringing a dependent under tier 4

Hello,

I am a self funded tier 4 student who is studying a PhD. I wan to learn about the new rules of bringing a dependent to the UK.

It is written that only "new" students can bring a dependent with them (on the page 52 of the tier 4 guidance 06-04-2014); however, in the website (https://www.gov.uk/tier-4-general-visa/family-members) they didn't write "new", instead of that they say that your partner can join or remain with you. I was wondering whether it is only possible to bring them if they apply to the visa with you from the beginning , or this rule is applied for the students applying from now on? I'm planning to bring my dependent with me after the first year of my PhD. would that be possible ?

Thanking you in advance.

If you are studying your PHD at a HEI then yes you can bring your dependent even after your first year if you meet all other requirements

oh thank you, I thought these new rules ruined all my life. They add the word "new" which is very confusing.

thanks again.