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Vishang Shah
If you are planning to move to the UK for work or study, bringing your family with you is often one of your biggest concerns.
You want to know who can join you, how the process works, and what rights your dependants will have once they arrive.
This is where the PBS Dependant Visa becomes important.
The UK operates a Points-Based System, often called PBS, for most work and study routes. Under this system, certain visa holders are allowed to bring their close family members to the UK as dependants. These family members apply under the PBS Dependant Visa route.
For many families, the rules can feel confusing.
You may be unsure whether your spouse can work, whether your children can attend school, or how much money you need to show.
You may also be worried about recent changes and what to expect in 2026.
In this article, you will learn who qualifies as a dependant, which visa routes allow dependants, how the application process works, and what rights and restrictions apply once your family is in the UK.
What Is a PBS Dependant Visa?
PBS stands for Points-Based System. It is the framework the UK uses to manage most work and study visas.
A PBS Dependant Visa allows your close family members to live with you in the UK while you are on a qualifying work or study visa. It is part of the UK’s Points-Based System and is designed to keep families together when someone moves to the UK for work or education.
If you are the main visa holder, your dependants do not need to meet the same points requirements as you. Instead, their application is linked directly to your visa.
A PBS Dependant Visa is not a standalone visa. It depends on your status as the main applicant. Your family members apply because of your visa, not independently of it.
Once granted, the dependant visa usually lasts for the same length of time as your visa. If your visa ends, your dependants’ visas normally end as well.
Who Is Considered a Dependant
The UK has strict rules about who qualifies as a dependant. Only close family members are allowed.
You can usually bring:
- Your husband, wife, or civil partner
- Your unmarried partner, if you can show you have lived together in a genuine relationship
- Your children under the age of 18
In some limited situations, children over 18 may qualify if they are already in the UK as your dependant and remain financially dependent on you.
Parents, siblings, and extended family members are not eligible under the PBS dependant route.
Difference Between Main Applicant and Dependant
As the main applicant, you are the person who holds the Skilled Worker, Student, or other qualifying PBS visa.
Your visa sets the conditions for your stay in the UK.
Your dependants’ visas are linked to yours. This means:
- Their visa length usually matches yours
- Their right to stay depends on your visa status
- Any changes to your visa can affect them
Dependants often have different rights from the main applicant.
For example, a dependant partner may be allowed to work without sponsorship, while a Student visa holder may have work restrictions.
Understanding this link is important. When you plan your visa, you should always consider how decisions about your own visa will affect your family.
Visa Categories That Allow Dependants
Not all UK visas allow you to bring your family with you.
Under the Points-Based System, only certain work and study routes permit dependant applications.
Before you plan for your family, it is important to check whether your visa category allows dependants.
Below is a clear breakdown of the main PBS routes that support dependant visas.
Skilled Worker Visa Dependants
The Skilled Worker visa is one of the most common routes that allows dependants.
If you hold a Skilled Worker visa, you can usually bring:
- Your spouse or partner
- Your children under 18
Your dependants can apply at the same time as you or after you have received your visa. Once in the UK, dependant partners are normally allowed to work without needing sponsorship, with limited role restrictions.
This route is widely used by professionals in healthcare, IT, engineering, education, and other skilled roles.
Student Visa Dependants
Student visa rules for dependants are more restrictive.
You can usually bring dependants only if you are:
- Studying a postgraduate course at RQF level 7 or above
- On a course that lasts at least 9 months
- Sponsored by the government for a course lasting more than 6 months
Undergraduate students and those on short courses are generally not allowed to bring dependants.
These rules are applied strictly, so you should confirm your course eligibility before making any family plans.
Other PBS Work Visa Routes
Several other work visa categories under the PBS allow dependants, including:
- Global Talent visa
- Health and Care Worker visa
- Innovator Founder visa
- Scale up visa
Each route has its own requirements, but the dependant rules are broadly similar. Your partner and children can usually apply as dependants if you meet the main visa criteria.
The Health and Care Worker visa is particularly popular for families, as it allows dependants and offers exemptions on certain healthcare costs.
Visas That Do Not Allow Dependants
Some visas do not allow dependant applications at all.
These include:
- Visitor visas
- Short-term Student visas
- Certain Temporary Worker routes
If you hold one of these visas, your family members must apply separately under their own visa routes, such as visitor visas. They cannot stay long term as dependants under PBS rules.
Understanding which visas allow dependants helps you plan realistically. Applying under the wrong route is one of the most common causes of delay and refusal.
PBS Dependant Visa Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for a PBS Dependant Visa, your family members must meet specific eligibility rules.
These rules focus on your relationship, finances, accommodation, and immigration history. If any one of these areas is weak or unclear, the application can be delayed or refused.
Relationship Requirements
Your relationship with your dependant must be genuine and recognised under UK immigration rules.
For married couples and civil partners, you need to provide an official marriage or civil partnership certificate. If the document is not in English, a certified translation is required.
For unmarried partners, the rules are stricter. You must usually show that you have lived together in a relationship similar to marriage for at least two years.
Evidence often includes:
- Joint tenancy agreements or mortgage statements
- Utility bills or council tax letters in both names
- Bank statements showing the same address
- Official correspondence sent to both partners
The Home Office looks closely at this evidence to confirm the relationship is genuine and ongoing. Gaps or inconsistencies can raise concerns.
Financial Requirements
You must show that you can financially support your dependants while they are in the UK.
The required maintenance funds depend on:
- The number of dependants
- Whether you are applying from inside or outside the UK
- Whether your employer or sponsor confirms they will cover costs
In many cases, funds must be held in your bank account for a continuous 28-day period before the application. The balance must not fall below the required amount during that time.
Some Skilled Worker sponsors can certify maintenance on your Certificate of Sponsorship.
If this applies, your dependants may be exempt from showing personal savings.
Accommodation Requirements
You must show that there is suitable accommodation for your family in the UK.
This means housing that:
- Is not overcrowded
- Meets basic living standards
- Can legally accommodate your family
Evidence may include a tenancy agreement, letter from a landlord, or confirmation from a property owner. The Home Office wants reassurance that your dependants will have a safe place to live.
Immigration History and Compliance
Your immigration history and that of your dependants is also considered.
Previous visa refusals, overstays, or breaches of UK immigration rules can affect the outcome. This does not always mean refusal, but it often leads to closer scrutiny.
It is important to declare all previous immigration issues honestly. Providing clear explanations and correct documentation helps avoid accusations of deception.
Meeting these eligibility requirements is the foundation of a successful PBS dependant application. Once these are in place, you can focus on the specific rules for partners and children.
PBS Dependant Visa for Spouse or Partner
If you are applying for a PBS Dependant Visa for your spouse or partner, the Home Office will focus heavily on your relationship evidence.
The aim is to confirm that your relationship is genuine, ongoing, and meets the legal definition under UK immigration rules.
The requirements vary slightly depending on whether you are married, in a civil partnership, or applying as unmarried partners.
Married or Civil Partners
If you are legally married or in a civil partnership, the process is usually more straightforward.
You will need to provide:
- A valid marriage or civil partnership certificate
- Certified English translations if the document is not in English
- Evidence that your relationship is genuine and ongoing
While a marriage certificate is essential, it is often not enough on its own. The Home Office may still expect to see supporting evidence such as:
- Joint bank statements
- Shared address documents
- Photos or communication history in some cases
This helps show that the relationship is real and not entered into only for immigration purposes.
Unmarried Partners
Unmarried partner applications are more complex and require careful preparation.
To qualify, you must usually show that:
- You have been in a genuine relationship similar to marriage
- You have lived together for at least two years
The Home Office expects strong documentary evidence covering the full two-year period. This often includes:
- Joint tenancy agreements or mortgage statements
- Utility bills or official letters sent to the same address
- Bank statements showing shared living arrangements
Gaps in evidence can cause problems. If you have lived apart for work or study, you should provide a clear explanation and supporting documents.
Unmarried partner applications are commonly refused due to weak or inconsistent evidence, so preparation is critical.
Switching to a Dependant Visa Inside the UK
In some cases, your partner may already be in the UK on another visa.
Switching to a PBS Dependant Visa inside the UK is usually allowed if:
- Your partner is not on a visitor visa
- They meet all relationship and financial requirements
If your partner is in the UK as a visitor, they must normally leave the UK and apply from outside.
Timing matters. You should check eligibility carefully before submitting a switch application to avoid unnecessary refusals or overstays.
Applying as a spouse or partner requires careful attention to detail.
Strong evidence and clear explanations make a significant difference to the outcome.
PBS Dependant Visa for Children
If you plan to bring your children to the UK as dependants, there are specific rules you must meet. The Home Office looks closely at a child’s age, dependency, and living arrangements to make sure the application fits the PBS dependant requirements.
Preparing the right documents and understanding these rules early can help you avoid delays.
Eligibility for Children Under 18
Children under the age of 18 can usually apply as dependants if at least one parent is in the UK or applying at the same time under a qualifying PBS visa.
To qualify, your child must:
- Be under 18 at the date of application
- Be financially dependent on you
- Not be married or living an independent life
You will need to provide evidence of the parent child relationship. This is usually a full birth certificate or adoption certificate. If the document is not in English, a certified translation is required.
If only one parent is coming to the UK, the Home Office will normally ask for evidence that the other parent consents to the child living in the UK.
This may be a written consent letter or legal documents showing sole responsibility.
Children Over 18
Children over the age of 18 can apply as dependants only in limited situations.
This usually applies when:
- The child was last granted permission as your dependant
- They continue to live with you
- They remain financially dependent on you
New applications for children over 18 from outside the UK are rarely accepted. The Home Office applies these rules strictly, so you should seek advice if your child is close to turning 18.
Schooling and Education Rights
Children on a PBS Dependant Visa are allowed to study in the UK.
They can usually:
- Attend state funded schools
- Access education in line with their age
There is no restriction on primary or secondary education for dependant children.
However, you should be aware that some schools may ask for proof of address or visa status during the admission process.
If your child later chooses to attend a private school or apply for a student visa in their own right, separate rules and fees may apply.
Bringing children to the UK under the PBS dependant route is common, but it requires careful planning.
Making sure all parental and dependency evidence is clear will help your application run smoothly.
Application Process for PBS Dependant Visa
Once you understand who qualifies as a dependant, the next step is knowing how to apply.
The application process for a PBS Dependant Visa follows a clear structure, but small mistakes can cause delays. Knowing what to expect at each stage helps you prepare properly.
When to Apply
You can apply for a PBS Dependant Visa in two main ways.
You can submit your dependant applications at the same time as your own main visa application. This is often the simplest option because all applications are assessed together.
You can also apply after you have already received your visa.
This is common when family members plan to join you later. In this case, your dependants’ applications will still be linked to your existing visa.
In both situations, your visa must still be valid when your dependants apply.
Step-by-Step Application Process
The PBS dependant application is completed online through the UK visa system.
- Step 1: Online application form
Each dependant must complete a separate online application form. You will need to select the correct dependant category and enter details that match the main applicant’s visa.
- Step 2: Document upload
You will upload supporting documents online. This usually includes passports, relationship evidence, financial documents, and accommodation proof. All documents must be clear and legible.
- Step 3: Biometric appointment
Your dependants will attend a biometric appointment to provide fingerprints and a photograph. This takes place at a visa application centre outside the UK or at a UKVCAS centre inside the UK.
- Step 4: Visa decision
After biometrics, the Home Office will assess the application. If approved, your dependant will receive a visa decision and, if applying from outside the UK, a vignette to enter the UK.
Documents Checklist for PBS Dependant Visa
Preparing the right documents is one of the most important parts of a PBS Dependant Visa application.
Missing or unclear documents are a common cause of delays.
Using a clear checklist helps you stay organised and confident before submitting.
Each dependant must provide their own documents, even if you are applying as a family.
Mandatory Documents
These documents are required in almost every PBS dependant application.
Valid passport
Each dependant must have a valid passport with at least one blank page. The passport should cover the full intended stay in the UK, where possible.
Relationship evidence
You must prove the relationship between the main applicant and the dependant.
- Marriage or civil partnership certificate for spouses
- Evidence of cohabitation for unmarried partners
- Full birth certificate or adoption certificate for children
If documents are not in English, certified translations must be provided.
Financial evidence
If maintenance funds are required, you will need bank statements showing the required balance held for at least 28 consecutive days. Statements must meet Home Office format rules.
If your sponsor certifies maintenance, you must include the Certificate of Sponsorship reference showing this confirmation.
Additional Supporting Documents
Depending on your situation, the Home Office may also expect supporting documents.
Accommodation evidence
This may include a tenancy agreement, a mortgage statement, or a letter from a landlord confirming there is adequate space for your family.
Main applicant visa evidence
You may need to provide a copy of the main applicant’s visa, Biometric Residence Permit, or decision letter. This confirms the link between the applications.
Parental consent documents
For children applying with only one parent, written consent from the other parent or legal documents showing sole responsibility may be required.
Document Translation and Formatting Rules
All documents must be clear, complete, and readable.
Certified translations must include:
- Confirmation that the translation is accurate
- The translator’s name and contact details
- The date of translation
Avoid uploading blurry scans or cropped pages. Each document should show full details, including names, dates, and official stamps.
Organising your documents carefully before you apply reduces the risk of requests for more information and helps your application move forward smoothly.
PBS Dependant Visa Fees and Costs
Before applying for a PBS Dependant Visa, it is important to understand the full cost involved.
Visa fees can add up quickly when you are applying for multiple family members, so planning your budget early helps avoid surprises.
The total cost usually includes the visa application fee, the Immigration Health Surcharge, and any additional services you choose.
Visa Application Fees
The visa application fee depends on where your dependant applies from and the length of stay.
If your dependant applies from outside the UK, the fee is generally lower than for applications made inside the UK. Applications made within the UK, such as switching from another eligible visa, usually cost more.
Each dependant must pay a separate application fee. This applies to partners and each child included in the application.
Visa fees are subject to change, so you should always check the most up-to-date figures on the official government website before submitting your application.
Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)
Most PBS dependants must pay the Immigration Health Surcharge.
The IHS gives access to the UK’s National Health Service during the visa period. The amount is charged per year of the visa and must be paid upfront as part of the application.
For example, if a dependant is applying for a three-year visa, the IHS will usually be charged for the full three-year period.
Some applicants may be exempt, such as dependants of Health and Care Worker visa holders.
If you believe an exemption applies, you should check carefully before paying.
Other Costs to Consider
In addition to the main fees, there may be other costs involved.
These can include:
- Priority or super priority processing fees
- Certified document translations
- Courier services for passport return
- Biometric appointment fees in some location
These costs are optional but can be helpful if you need a faster decision or have documents in a foreign language.
Processing Time and Visa Decision
After you submit your PBS Dependant Visa application and complete the biometric appointment, the next step is waiting for a decision.
Understanding typical processing times and what happens during this stage can help reduce anxiety and set realistic expectations.
Standard Processing Times
Processing times depend on where the application is made.
If your dependant applies from outside the UK, decisions are usually made within a few weeks. The exact timeframe can vary by country and visa application centre.
If the application is made inside the UK, such as switching from another eligible visa, processing may take longer. Applications submitted within the UK often take several weeks to be decided.
These timeframes are estimates, not guarantees. During busy periods or when additional checks are needed, decisions may take longer.
Priority and Super Priority Services
In some locations, you may be able to use priority or super priority services for an additional fee.
Priority services aim to provide a faster decision, often within a few working days. Super priority services may offer a decision by the next working day in eligible cases.
Availability depends on:
- The country where you apply
- The type of visa
- Appointment availability
Using these services does not increase your chances of approval. It only affects how quickly a decision is made.
What to Do if a Visa Is Delayed
If your application takes longer than expected, the first step is to check your online application account for updates.
If no updates are shown and the application is outside standard processing times, you may be able to submit a paid enquiry to request a status update.
Delays can happen for many reasons, including background checks or verification of documents. Staying organised and responding promptly to any requests helps keep the process moving.
Once a decision is made, your dependant will receive a notification.
If applying from outside the UK, they will receive a visa vignette to enter the UK, followed by a Biometric Residence Permit after arrival.
Rights and Restrictions of PBS Dependants
Once your PBS Dependant Visa is granted, your family members will have certain rights in the UK, along with a few important restrictions.
Knowing these in advance helps you plan work, study, and daily life with confidence.
Work Rights
Most PBS dependant partners are allowed to work in the UK.
This usually includes:
- Full-time or part-time employment
- Self-employment and freelance work
- Working for any employer without sponsorship
There are some restrictions. Dependants are not allowed to work as professional sportspersons or sports coaches.
Other than this, there are very few limits, which makes the dependant route flexible for partners who want to build a career in the UK.
Dependant children are not allowed to work full-time.
Older children may be allowed limited work in line with UK child employment laws, but this is not common.
Study Rights
PBS dependants are allowed to study in the UK.
Partners can enrol in courses without needing a separate Student visa. This includes short courses, professional qualifications, and even full-time study in some cases.
Children can attend school in the UK. Most dependant children are eligible to attend state-funded primary and secondary schools. Schools may ask for proof of address and visa status during the admissions process.
If a dependant later decides to apply for a Student visa in their own right, they must meet the separate requirements for that route.
Access to NHS and Public Services
If the Immigration Health Surcharge has been paid, PBS dependants can access the UK’s National Health Service.
This covers:
- GP appointments
- Hospital treatment
- Emergency care
PBS dependants are generally not allowed to access public funds. This means they cannot claim most benefits or housing support.
This condition is clearly stated on the visa and should be respected to avoid future immigration issues.
Conclusion
Applying for a PBS Dependant Visa is an important step for families planning to live together in the UK.
While the rules may seem complex at first, most applications are successful when the requirements are understood and the documents are prepared carefully.
The key to a smooth application is planning ahead. You need to confirm that your visa category allows dependants, gather strong relationship and financial evidence, and apply at the right time. Small mistakes or missing documents can lead to delays, so attention to detail matters.
Because UK immigration rules can change and individual circumstances vary, many families choose to seek professional guidance to avoid unnecessary stress.
Westend Consultants specialises in UK immigration and PBS dependant visa applications. Our experienced team supports Skilled Worker, Student, and work visa holders with clear advice, careful document checks, and end-to-end application support for families.
If you are planning to bring your family to the UK or need help with a PBS Dependant Visa application for 2026, Contact Westend Consultants for a professional consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Vishang Shah
Co-Founder of Westend Consultants
Vishang is Co-Founder of Westend Consultants and has been helping clients with UK immigration matters since the firm was established in 2008. With nearly 18 years of experience, he has built his practice around giving clear, honest and practical advice to both businesses and private clients.