UK PBS Dependant Visa Guidance
The UK Dependant Visa is for the family members of people who have, or are applying for, visas in various work categories, including the Worker routes (formerly Tier 2), Temporary Worker routes (formerly Tier 5), as well as Representatives of overseas business, Innovators, Global Talent migrants and those with visas granted based on UK ancestry. At A Y & J Solicitors, we can enhance the chance that your dependent family members can accompany you to the UK – so that you can embark on your new adventure free from stress and worry.
As a focused immigration firm, we provide friendly, responsive, accurate legal advice and information you can rely on. By instructing us to manage your entire family’s application for leave to enter the UK, you can be confident you receive correct legal advice and strong legal representation.
Who Can Apply for a UK Dependant Visa?
To qualify for a Dependant Visa, you must be a dependant family member of a qualifying migrant. The Immigration Rules define a ‘dependant’ as being a:
- Husband, wife or civil partner;
- Unmarried or same-sex partner;
- Child aged under 18 years at the time of application.
It is doubtful that any other family members would successfully claim dependant status for a Dependant Visa.
To obtain a Dependant Visa as a spouse or partner, you must be the spouse or partner of someone who is either:
- In the UK on a relevant visa, or
- Applying for a visa at the same time as you are making your application for a Dependant Visa
Same-sex or unmarried partners must also be able to show they have been in a subsisting genuine relationship akin to marriage for the past two years.
Children may apply for a Dependant Visa if:
- Both parents are applying for entry-clearance at the same time, or
- Both parents are already in the UK, and the child is applying to join them or
- One parent is already in the UK, and the other is applying for entry clearance to join them with the child.
Children can only apply for a Dependant visa of a sole parent if:-
- The parent is the only surviving parent; or
- The parent has sole responsibility for the child’s upbringing or
- There are serious or compelling reasons why the child can exceptionally apply as the dependant of only one of his/her parents.
An essential requirement of the Dependant Visa is that the family have enough money to support themselves without relying on public funds. For example, if the main applicant is applying for a Skilled Worker Visa, they must show that they have £285 in savings for the dependent partner plus an extra £315 in savings for the first dependent child and £200 for each additional dependent child. However, suppose a Skilled Worker Sponsor Licence holder with an A-rating can certify that these funds will be available. In that case, the applicant may not have to provide proof of funds availability.
How Do I Apply for a Dependant Visa?
Applications for a Dependant Visa can be made inside or outside the UK, and online (unless the applicant is from North Korea). Our expert lawyers will assist you and make the process seamless.
What Documents Do I Need to Provide to Apply for a UK PBS Dependant Visa?
You will need to include the following documents in your application (Note: This is not an exhaustive list):
- A passport or other valid travel document
- Marriage Certificate for Spouse or Birth Certificate for Child
- Bank statements
- Evidence of the relationship between the dependant and main applicant
- The results of your tuberculosis test (if applicable)
- The result of a criminal record check (if applicable)
We will assist you with collating the required documents for your entire family.
UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) are typically rigid in requiring that all documentation be accurate and meet the stated specifications. Failure to comply means your application risks refusal or rejection. Any documents not written in the official languages of the UK (English or Welsh) must be translated by a certified professional translator.
In addition, the UKVI can enact checks to verify documentation for validity and accuracy. Any anomalies may lead to suspicion of deception, which may not only lead to application refusal but also incur a 10-year ban on being granted entry clearance to the UK in the future.
What is the processing time for the Dependant visa?
From outside the UK, a Dependant visa could take 3 weeks to process your application from the date of biometric appointment.
For an additional fee, the application can be submitted using the priority service, typically expediting the decision within 5 working days.
From inside the UK, the current service standard is 8 weeks from the appointment date.
Priority and super-priority services are available for an additional cost. The priority service expedites the decision to 5 working days, and the super-priority expedites the decision to 24 hours. It is important to to note that the priority services are subject to availability at the time of application submission.
What are the fees for a Dependant visa in the UK?
The dependent visa fee is charged in line with the main applicant.
Each dependent is also subject to the Immigration Health surcharge, which is currently £1035 per year for adults and £776 per year for child applicants.
Fees for Skilled Worker dependents are as follows:
Skilled Worker dependent – 3 year visa – entry clearance – £713
Skilled Worker (Immigration Salary List) – 3 year visa – entry clearance £551
Skilled Worker dependant – 5 year visa – – entry clearance £1,420
Skilled Worker (Immigration Salary List) – 5 year visa – entry clearance £1,084
Skilled Worker dependant – 3 year visa – leave to remain – £827
Skilled Worker (Immigration Salary List) – 3 year visa– leave to remain £551
Skilled Worker dependant – 5 year visa– leave to remain £1,636
Skilled Worker (Immigration Salary List) – 5 year visa– leave to remain £1,084
Entry Clearance and Leave to Remain Fees for dependents of other visa categories can also be found on the Home Office’s current fee list, including:
What Are the Advantages of a PBS Dependant Visa?
As a dependant, you will be able to work and study in the UK (with some restrictions), and your children will be able to attend either a state or private school. Of course, your family will remain together, able to enjoy living in a new country.
In addition, after completing a relevant qualifying period, you may be eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain.
What are the requirements for a Dependant Visa in the UK?
The dependant must be able to:-
- Prove their Identity
- Prove their relationship to the main applicant;
- Intend to live with their sponsor in the UK for the duration of their visa;
- Have enough funds to support themselves without public funds (i.e. benefits).
What are the rules for the UK’s Dependant Visa?
The rules for dependent visas vary depending on the dependent route applied for. In all cases, partners must show that they are in a genuine subsisting relationship and intend to live with their partner in the UK. Children must be under 18 unless, having subsequently turned 18, further to an application or original grant of (continuous) leave as a dependant.
In most cases, the applicant must show that they can maintain and accommodate themselves in the UK without recourse to public funds (i.e., state benefits). Skilled Worker dependants may need to show a specified level of funds in their bank account or have a maintenance certification from the Skilled Worker’s sponsoring employer. Other dependants, such as dependants of UK ancestry holders, may be able to show evidence of “adequate” funds without a specific level needing to be met.
What are the eligibility requirements for a Dependant Visa?
Only qualifying family members can apply for a dependent visa. This includes:-
- Spouses
- Civil partners
- Unmarried partners (in a provable durable relationship)
- Children under 18 years old at the date of application (dependent children who are over 18 can apply for extensions under the dependent category, provided they have held continuous leave as dependents since they were under 18)
Partners must prove that they are in a genuine relationship with the Main applicant and intend to live with their partner in the UK.
Children must not be independent (i.e., financially independent).
Who are the main applicants for dependent visa applications?
Leaders, or “Main Applicants”, are the individuals who have qualified for a UK visa – usually, this will be based on work or study in the UK. Main Applicants may be eligible to “sponsor” their dependent family members to apply for a dependent visa. The dependent visa will allow the family member to join the Main Applicant in the UK from overseas, accompany the Main Applicant in moving to the UK, or enable the family member, already resident, to continue living with the Main Applicant in the UK.
What will the duration of stay be under a Dependant’s visa?
A dependant visa would always be granted according to the sponsor. If a child is making an application and their parents have different visa lengths, the child’s visa would be granted according to the parent with a shorter leave period.
If a skilled worker is being or has been granted indefinite leave to remain, their dependent partner can apply for ILR, too, if they qualify. If the dependent partner is not eligible for ILR at the same time as the skilled worker, they can typically extend their visa under the dependent route when it expires; this type of extension would be granted for 3 years automatically.
If the partner is granted ILR on another route (for example, Long Residence), the dependant would need to switch to the spousal partner (Appendix FM) route.
Can Dependant Visa holders work in the UK?
Dependent visa holders are permitted to work in the UK. They can work as self-employed, but there are restrictions on employment as professional sportspersons or Doctors/Dentists in training.
How much money will be required to obtain a Dependant Visa?
Dependants of skilled workers will need to meet the minimum fund requirement. If the Skilled Workers are being sponsored by an A-rated sponsor happy to “certify maintenance” for their employees and dependants, evidence of a bank balance is not required. Similarly, if the dependants are applying for leave to remain and have lived in the UK for at least 12 months at the point of application, evidence of finances is not required.
Other dependants may need to show they have “adequate” funds to support themselves.
How Can A Y & J Solicitor Help with Your UK Dependant Visa Application?
Our qualified lawyers at A Y & J Solicitors have extensive experience processing successful UK Dependent Visa applications. We understand how complex these applications can be for some applicants; however, we will make everything as clear as possible. We provide the right legal advice and representation to improve your chances of getting your Dependent Visa application approved.
A Y & J Solicitors’ first-rate customer service ensures you receive the help and understanding you need through every application stage. From the first meeting until you decide on your visa, we take each step with you, ensuring you are constantly updated on the application’s progress.
What is a Dependent Visa?
It’s a visa that permits a qualifying individual to join or accompany their family member who has been (or is at the same time being) granted a visa to live in the UK.
Do I have to meet the English Language requirement to get a UK Dependant Visa?
To obtain a dependent visa, you do not need to be proficient in English. However, if you wish to apply for settlement, you must meet the English language requirement and pass the Life in the UK test.
