Can I Switch to a Dependant Visa Inside the UK While on a Graduate Route

[aliriaz1129]

My current situation is that my wife has been accepted into a Master’s by Research program, which allows for student dependants. I’m currently on a Graduate Route visa that expires in October 2025. Once she arrives in the UK on her Student visa, can I switch my visa status to a dependant from within the UK, considering she will already be here as the main applicant? Or do I need to return to my home country to apply as her dependant? I believe applying from within the UK might offer a better chance of acceptance, could you please advise?

[sah10406]

can I switch my visa status to a dependant from within the UK, considering she will already be here as the main applicant?

See https://www.gov.uk/student-visa/family-members > Apply inside the UK to extend or switch. It includes a list of who cannot switch, drawn from Appendix Student, paragraph ST 28.4A:

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/immigration ... ix-student

I believe applying from within the UK might offer a better chance of acceptance, could you please advise?

Not sure where you get that idea. Wherever you apply, the requirements are the same.

[aliriaz1129]

@sah10406 So, It means, I can apply inside the UK? Because I have got mixed responses from consultants. Some said you can apply inside the UK others saying you have to go back to your home country to apply even if you're on graduate route already.

[aliriaz1129]

can I switch my visa status to a dependant from within the UK, considering she will already be here as the main applicant?

See https://www.gov.uk/student-visa/family-members > Apply inside the UK to extend or switch. It includes a list of who cannot switch, drawn from Appendix Student, paragraph ST 28.4A:

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/immigration ... ix-student

I believe applying from within the UK might offer a better chance of acceptance, could you please advise?

Not sure where you get that idea. Wherever you apply, the requirements are the same.

So, It means, I can apply inside the UK? Because I have got mixed responses from consultants. Some said you can apply inside the UK others saying you have to go back to your home country to apply even if you're on graduate route already.

[sah10406]

others saying you have to go back to your home country to apply even if you're on graduate route already.

There is that short list of people who cannot apply in the UK. Everyone else can.

Wherever these consultants are getting their information from, it is not the immigration rules or the Graduate visa application portal. I suggest you ignore them or, at most, send them those links!