The UK PBS Dependent Visa allows family members of individuals who are in the UK under a Points-Based System (PBS) visa to join or stay with them in the country. This visa category applies to dependents of visa holders such as skilled workers, Tier 1, Tier 2, Tier 4 (students), and other relevant PBS visa categories.
This article will cover everything you need to know about the PBS Dependent Visa, including who qualifies, the requirements, the application process, and how it can lead to settlement in the UK.
What is the PBS Dependent Visa?
The PBS Dependent Visa is designed for family members of individuals who hold a valid Points-Based System visa, such as a Skilled Worker, Student, or other Tier visa. This visa allows dependents to live, study, and work in the UK, offering a route to remain with their family members who are contributing to the UK's economy or studying in the country.
Who Qualifies as a Dependent?
A PBS Dependent includes:
Spouses or civil partners of the PBS visa holder.
Unmarried partners (must demonstrate that the relationship is genuine and subsisting, with evidence of cohabitation for at least two years).
Children under 18 years old at the time of application, including biological, adopted, or stepchildren.
Key Requirements for the PBS Dependent Visa
To qualify for the PBS Dependent Visa, you must meet several criteria, which may vary depending on the primary visa holder's circumstances. Below are the core requirements:
1. Relationship Proof
You need to prove your relationship with the PBS visa holder. This could be through:
Marriage or civil partnership certificates for spouses or civil partners.
Evidence of cohabitation for at least two years for unmarried partners.
Birth or adoption certificates for dependent children.
2. Financial Requirement
The primary visa holder (the sponsor) must be able to financially support their dependents without requiring public funds. The specific financial requirement depends on the number of dependents and the main visa category.
For example:
For a Skilled Worker visa holder, the minimum amount of savings required is £285 for the partner, £315 for the first child, and £200 for each additional child.
For Tier 4 (Student) visa holders, the financial requirement is higher to cover accommodation and living costs.
3. Accommodation
You must demonstrate that you have adequate accommodation in the UK for the dependent family members.
4. Maintenance Funds
The PBS visa holder needs to show that they have sufficient funds to maintain their dependents. These funds must be held in a UK bank account or a bank account in their home country and must be maintained for at least 28 consecutive days prior to the application.
5. English Language Requirement
PBS dependents are not required to meet the English language requirement, unlike the primary visa applicant.
Rights of PBS Dependents
Once granted the PBS Dependent Visa, dependents enjoy several benefits, including:
Work and Study: PBS dependents are allowed to work in most professions and study in the UK. This provides opportunities for spouses or partners to contribute to the family’s income or pursue educational goals while living in the UK.
Healthcare Access: PBS dependents are eligible for free healthcare through the National Health Service (NHS) after paying the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) during the visa application.
Travel: PBS dependents can travel in and out of the UK as long as their visa is valid.
Settlement: After spending a certain amount of time in the UK on a PBS Dependent Visa, dependents can apply for indefinite leave to remain (ILR), leading to settlement.
How to Apply for the PBS Dependent Visa
The application process for the pbs uk visa involves several steps. Here is a brief outline of the process:
Step 1: Prepare Your Documents
Collect all necessary documents to prove your eligibility, including:
Valid passport.
Marriage or civil partnership certificate for spouses.
Proof of cohabitation for unmarried partners.
Birth certificates or adoption papers for children.
Financial documents showing sufficient maintenance funds.
Proof of adequate accommodation.
Step 2: Apply Online
You will need to complete the visa application form online, choosing the appropriate visa category for the dependent. The application form must be submitted on the UK government's official website.
Step 3: Pay the Visa Fees
PBS Dependent Visa applicants must pay the visa application fee, which varies depending on the main visa holder's category. Additionally, dependents will need to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) to access the NHS.
Step 4: Biometrics Appointment
After submitting the application, you will need to attend a biometric appointment at a visa application center. Your fingerprints, photo, and signature will be taken.
Step 5: Wait for a Decision
The processing time for the PBS Dependent Visa is usually between 8 to 12 weeks, although you can choose to pay for a faster service if available.
PBS Dependent Visa and Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)
PBS dependents can apply for indefinite leave to remain (ILR) after completing a qualifying period of residency in the UK. Typically, this period is five years, in line with the main visa holder’s path to settlement.
Eligibility for ILR as a PBS Dependent:
You must have lived in the UK continuously for five years as a PBS dependent.
Your relationship with the main visa holder must remain genuine and subsisting throughout the five years.
You must meet the financial and accommodation requirements.
You will need to pass the Life in the UK Test and meet the English language requirements.
Once granted ILR, PBS dependents can live in the UK without any immigration restrictions and eventually apply for British citizenship.
Conclusion
The PBS Dependent Visa UK provides a vital route for family members of PBS visa holders to live, work, and study in the UK. By understanding the eligibility criteria, financial requirements, and application process, you can ensure a smooth visa application and begin building your life together in the UK.
If you’re planning to apply for the PBS Dependent Visa, be sure to gather all required documents and meet the necessary financial and accommodation criteria to increase your chances of a successful application. This visa not only allows families to reunite but also offers dependents the opportunity to work, study, and eventually settle in the UK.