1. What is the UK Dependent Spouse Visa?
The Dependent Spouse Visa allows the spouse or partner of a UK visa holder to join them in the UK. This visa category applies to dependents of individuals holding long-term visas, such as the Skilled Worker Visa, Student Visa, or Investor Visa. It provides dependents the right to live, work, and study in the UK.
2. Who Qualifies for the UK Dependent Spouse Visa?
To be eligible for the UK Dependent Spouse Visa, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Relationship Requirement: You must be legally married or in a civil partnership with the primary visa holder, or in a relationship akin to marriage and living together for at least two years.
- Primary Visa Holder: Your spouse must hold a valid visa in a qualifying category, such as a Skilled Worker, Student, or Innovator Visa.
- Intent to Cohabit: You must intend to live together in the UK for the duration of your stay.
- Financial Requirement: You must meet the financial requirements, showing you can support yourself without public funds.
These requirements ensure that only genuine partners of UK visa holders can qualify.
3. Financial Requirement for a UK Dependent Spouse Visa
Applicants must demonstrate sufficient funds to support themselves in the UK. The financial requirement varies based on the primary visa holder’s visa type:
- Skilled Worker Visa: £285 per month for a spouse, with additional funds required if there are children.
- Student Visa: Financial support of £845 per month if living in London, or £680 per month outside London.
- Investor Visa: No minimum financial requirement, as the primary applicant’s funds typically meet eligibility.
Proof of financial stability can include bank statements, salary slips, or a sponsorship letter from the main visa holder’s employer.
4. Required Documents for the Dependent Spouse Visa
Here is a list of common documents needed for a UK Dependent Spouse Visa application:
- Valid Passport: Must be current and valid.
- Marriage or Civil Partnership Certificate: Proof of legal marriage or civil partnership.
- Proof of Cohabitation: Evidence of living together, such as utility bills, joint bank statements, or tenancy agreements (for unmarried partners).
- Proof of Financial Means: Bank statements, pay slips, or a letter from the sponsor confirming financial support.
- Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) (if applicable): Copy of the primary visa holder’s BRP.
- UK Visa Holder’s Passport and Visa: Proof of the primary visa holder’s status in the UK.
All documents must be in English or accompanied by certified translations.
5. Application Process for the UK Dependent Spouse Visa
Here’s a step-by-step guide to applying for the UK Dependent Spouse Visa:
Step 1: Complete the Online Application
Fill out the dependent visa application form on the UK government website, providing accurate information about the applicant and primary visa holder.
Step 2: Pay the Visa Fees and Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)
- Visa Fee: £1,538 for applications made outside the UK or £1,048 if applying from within the UK.
- Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): £624 per year, granting access to the National Health Service (NHS) during the stay.
Step 3: Book a Biometrics Appointment
Schedule a biometrics appointment at a UK visa application center to provide fingerprints, a photograph, and verify documents.
Step 4: Submit Supporting Documents
Upload required documents online or submit them during the biometrics appointment, depending on instructions from the visa application center.
Step 5: Await Processing
Standard processing times vary, with applications from outside the UK generally taking 3 to 12 weeks and from within the UK up to 8 weeks. Priority services may expedite processing.
6. Duration and Extension of the Dependent Spouse Visa
The Dependent Spouse Visa is typically granted for the same duration as the primary visa holder’s permit. For example, if the primary visa holder’s Skilled Worker Visa is valid for 3 years, the dependent visa will also be valid for that period.
Extensions are possible if the primary visa holder extends their visa or switches to a different qualifying visa type. Dependents can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after 5 continuous years in the UK, provided the primary visa holder also qualifies for ILR.
7. Rights and Benefits of the Dependent Spouse Visa
The Dependent Spouse Visa grants holders several rights, including:
- Right to Work: Dependent spouses can work in most jobs and industries without restrictions (except for some roles requiring British citizenship).
- Education Access: Dependent spouses and children can access UK schools and universities.
- Healthcare Access: Through the Immigration Health Surcharge, dependents have full access to NHS services.
These rights provide flexibility for dependent spouses to build careers and support their families in the UK.
8. Pathway to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) for Dependents
After 5 years of continuous residence, dependent spouses can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) if the primary visa holder is eligible. Requirements for ILR include:
- Continuous Residence: No more than 180 days outside the UK in any 12-month period.
- English Language Proficiency: Meeting English language requirements, typically by passing an English test at B1 level or higher.
- Life in the UK Test: Passing the test covering British culture, history, and values.
ILR is a step toward British citizenship, allowing dependent spouses to remain in the UK permanently.
9. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Can I work in the UK on a Dependent Spouse Visa?
A: Yes, dependent spouses are allowed to work in the UK without restrictions on most types of employment.
Q2: How long does it take to process a UK Dependent Spouse Visa?
A: Standard processing times are typically 3 to 12 weeks from outside the UK and up to 8 weeks within the UK.
Q3: Can I switch to a Dependent Spouse Visa from another visa type within the UK?
A: Yes, you can switch to a Dependent Spouse Visa from another visa type if you meet eligibility requirements and apply from within the UK.
Q4: Do dependent spouses need to meet an English language requirement?
A: No, dependent spouses do not need to meet an English language requirement for the Dependent Spouse Visa. However, they may need it later for ILR or citizenship applications.
Q5: Can I apply for ILR as a dependent if the primary visa holder is not eligible?
A: No, you can only apply for ILR as a dependent spouse if the primary visa holder also qualifies for ILR.
Q6: What happens if my relationship with the primary visa holder ends?
A: If the relationship ends, the Dependent Spouse Visa may no longer be valid, and the dependent spouse may need to apply for another visa or leave the UK.