PBS Dependant Visa UK
Join Your Family Member Under the UK’s Points-Based Immigration System
PBS Dependant Visa UK
The PBS dependant visa, also known as the Family Member of a PBS Migrant visa, provides permission for eligible family members to enter and remain in the UK alongside individuals who hold or are applying for visas under the UK's points-based system (PBS) for immigration.
This essential immigration route ensures families can stay together while the main applicant works, studies, or conducts business in the United Kingdom. The PBS dependant visa system allows spouses, civil partners, unmarried partners, and dependent children under 18 to accompany or join their family member who holds qualifying Points-Based System visas.
We simplify the PBS Dependant Visa process.
What is the PBS Dependant Visa?
The PBS dependant visa is a UK immigration visa that permits eligible family members to accompany or join someone who holds a valid Points-Based System visa. This visa category recognises the importance of family unity and provides a clear pathway for qualified dependants to live, work, and study in the United Kingdom alongside their sponsoring family member.
Key Features of PBS Dependant Visas:
- Permission to live in the UK for the same duration as the main visa holder
- Authorisation to work full-time or part-time in most sectors
- Right to study without restrictions (subject to certain conditions)
- Access to NHS healthcare services
- Ability to travel in and out of the UK while the visa remains valid
- Pathway to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain after meeting residence requirements
The visa ensures that qualified family members receive the same fundamental rights as the main applicant, allowing them to build lives and careers in the UK while maintaining family unity. Dependant visa holders are granted leave in accordance with the primary applicant's visa expiration date, ensuring coordinated immigration status for the entire family unit.
Who Can Apply for a UK Spouse Visa?
PBS dependant visa eligibility is restricted to specific family relationships with the main visa holder, with clear requirements that must be met for successful applications.
Partners:
- Spouse in a legally recognised marriage (both applicants must be 18 or older)
- Civil partner in a legally recognised civil partnership
- Unmarried partner who has been cohabiting continuously for at least 2 years
- Same-sex partner in a genuine and continuing relationship
Children:
- Unmarried children under 18 years of age at the time of application
- Children over 18 who were previously granted dependant status and are continuing education
- Adopted children and stepchildren (specific evidence requirements apply)
Which Visas Can Be Accompanied by Dependants?
The PBS dependant visa system applies to family members of individuals holding specific UK visa categories under the Points-Based System and related immigration routes.
Tier 1 Visa Categories:
- Global Talent Visa (previously Tier 1 Exceptional Talent)
- Innovator Founder Visa
- High Potential Individual Visa
- Start-up Visa (closed to new applicants, existing holders eligible)
- Tier 1 Entrepreneur Visa (closed to new applicants, existing holders eligible)
- Tier 1 Investor Visa (closed to new applicants, existing holders eligible)
Tier 2 and Work Visa Categories:
- Skilled Worker Visa (with restrictions for care workers employed after March 11, 2024)
- Health and Care Worker Visa (with restrictions for care workers employed after March 11, 2024)
- Scale-up Worker Visa
- Global Business Mobility visas (all subcategories)
- International Sportsperson Visa
- Minister of Religion Visa
Temporary Work Categories:
- Temporary Work – Creative Worker
- Temporary Work – Religious Worker
- Temporary Work – Charity Worker
- Temporary Work – Government Authorised Exchange
- Temporary Work – International Agreement
Student and Graduate Categories:
- Student Visa (limited to postgraduate research programmes for courses starting after January 1, 2024)
- Graduate Visa (only if dependants were previously dependants during the Student visa period)
Other Qualifying Categories:
- UK Ancestry Visa
- Representative of Overseas Business Visa
- British National (Overseas) Visa
Apply now and bring your family together in the UK.
How to Apply for a PBS Dependant Visa UK?
The PBS dependant visa application process requires careful preparation and submission of comprehensive documentation to ensure successful outcomes.
Online Application Submission
Each dependant must submit a separate online application through the UK government's official visa application system. Applications can be made simultaneously with the main applicant or independently if the main visa holder already has valid UK immigration status.
Fee Payment and Health Surcharge
Pay the required visa application fees and Immigration Health Surcharge for each dependant. Fees vary depending on whether applying from inside or outside the UK and the specific visa category.
Biometric Information Collection
All applicants aged 5 and over must provide biometric information (fingerprints and photographs) at a designated visa application centre or UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) center.
Document Submission
Submit comprehensive supporting documentation evidencing relationship eligibility, financial requirements, and identity verification. Documents must be properly translated and certified where required.
Application Review and Decision
UK immigration authorities review the application and may request additional information or documentation. Processing times vary by location and service level selected.
Apply for a PBS Dependant Visa Today
UK PBS Dependant Visa Processing Time
Applications from Outside the UK
- Standard service: 3-12 weeks (varies by country and visa application centre)
- Priority service: 1-2 weeks (additional fee applies)
- Super priority service: 1-2 working days (limited availability, additional fee applies)
Applications from Within the UK:
- Standard service: 8-12 weeks for most applications
- Priority service: Up to 10 working days (additional fee applies)
- Super priority service: Same working day (additional fee applies, limited availability)
PBS Dependant Visa Requirements and Documents
Essential Documentation Requirements:
Relationship Evidence
- Marriage certificate or civil partnership certificate (certified copies)
- Birth certificates for all dependent children
- Evidence of cohabitation for unmarried partners (minimum 2 years)
- Divorce certificates or death certificates if applicable
- Adoption papers for adopted children
Financial Documentation
- Bank statements covering the 28-day period immediately before application
- Employment contracts and payslips for the main applicant
- Tax returns and Self-Assessment documents
- Evidence of accommodation arrangements in the UK
- Sponsor's maintenance certification (if applicable)
Identity and Immigration Documents
- Valid passports for all applicants (minimum 6 months validity)
- Main applicant's current UK visa and immigration history
- Previous UK immigration documents if applicable
- Passport-style photographs meeting UK specification requirements
Additional Requirements
- English language qualifications for certain adult dependants
- Medical certificates if applying from specific countries
- Police clearance certificates (required for certain visa categories and countries)
- Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificates for certain study courses
Need an Advice on PBS Dependant Visa?
Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) for PBS Dependants Visa UK
PBS dependant visa holders can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (settlement) after meeting specific residence and relationship requirements, providing a pathway to permanent residence in the UK.
ILR Eligibility Requirements
Residence Requirements
- Continuous residence in the UK for the qualifying period (typically 5 years, 3 years for certain categories)
- Limited absences from the UK (generally no more than 180 days in any 12-month period)
- Maintained lawful immigration status throughout the residence period
Relationship Requirements
- Continued genuine and subsisting relationship with the main visa holder
- Main visa holder must have or be applying for ILR or British citizenship
- Joint residence and evidence of continuing family life in the UK
Knowledge and Language Requirements
- Passed the Life in the UK test
- English language proficiency at B1 level or above
- Exemptions may apply for applicants over 65 or with certain medical conditions
Financial Requirements
- Continued compliance with financial maintenance requirements
- No recourse to public funds during the qualifying period
- Evidence of stable accommodation and income
ILR Applications are submitted using Form SET(O) with comprehensive supporting documentation. The process typically takes 6 months for standard applications, with premium services available for faster processing.
How West End Consultants Can Help?
West End Consultants is a UK-based OISC-regulated immigration consultancy firm with over 15 years of experience in supporting businesses and individuals through visa processes. We specialise in UK expansion worker visas, offering comprehensive assistance to ensure you meet all the requirements.
Our professional team assists businesses in navigating the complexities of obtaining and maintaining sponsor licences, ensuring that you comply with all regulatory standards. We handle all aspects of the application process, from gathering and verifying documentation to managing communications with immigration authorities.
For individual applicants, we provide you with support throughout the visa application process. This includes help with preparing necessary documents, proving English language proficiency, and securing valid job offers.
How We Work?
STEP 1
Contact us to schedule a consultation with one of our lawyers by phone,
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STEP 2
Confidentially discuss your
legal problem with our lawyers and learn about the approach they will take to your case.
STEP 3
We get to work and
we will keep you updated on every stage.
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