A PBS dependant visa gives permission to enter and remain in the UK to family members of individuals who have or are applying for a UK visa under the points-based system (PBS).
The ‘main applicant’ or ‘visa holder’ must be a Tier 1, 2 or 5, Skilled Worker or ICT PBS migrant or a Start-Up, Innovator or Global Talent Appendix W Worker. This includes Health and Care Visa applicants.
To apply as a Skilled Worker dependant, ICT dependant or any other kind of PBS visa dependant, you will need to meet certain visa requirements.
The ‘main applicant’ or ‘visa holder’ must be a Tier 1, 2 or 5, Skilled Worker or ICT PBS migrant or a Start-Up, Innovator or Global Talent Appendix W Worker. This includes Health and Care Visa applicants.
To apply as a Skilled Worker dependant, ICT dependant or any other kind of PBS visa dependant, you will need to meet certain visa requirements.
What can PBS dependants do?
With leave to enter or leave to remain in the UK as a PBS dependant, you will be permitted to:
- Work full-time or part-time
- Study full-time or part-time
- Leave and re-enter the UK while your visa is valid
- Apply to extend your visa
- Apply for UK indefinite leave to remain one you have met the residency requirement, with the exception of Tier 4 General Student PBS dependants.
You will not, however, be allowed to claim public benefits, work as a professional sportsperson, doctor or dentist, work as a dependent of a Tier 4 General Student or study without an ATAS if aged 18 or turning 18 within the visa period.
What are the PBS dependant requirements?
Primarily, you need to show you qualify as one of the following relations to a PBS main applicant or visa holder (i.e. your ‘sponsor’):
- Spouse, in a legally recognised marriage and where you are both 18 years of age or over.
- Unmarried partner who has been cohabiting for at least 2 continuous years with the PBS visa holder.
- Child who is unmarried and under the age of 18 when making the initial visa application.
PBS dependant visa documents list
Your visa application will require you to submit supporting documentation. The exact list will depend on your circumstances and the basis of your eligibility, but in general, you should provide:
- Evidence of qualifying relationship with the PBS visa holder, for example, spouses could provide:
- Marriage or civil partnership certificates
- Joint bank statements in both names
- Shared council tax bills in both names
- Shared utility bills in both names
- Personal bank or building society statements covering the 90 day period immediately before the application
- Criminal Record Certificate in certain circumstances, such as if applying for entry clearance as a spouse or partner of a Tier 1 Entrepreneur, Tier 1 Investor, Tier 2 General role in health, education or social care sector
- Proof of sufficient maintenance funds
- The PBS worker’s Certificate of Sponsorship (if applicable)
Need assistance?
J & S Law Firm are experienced UK immigration specialists offering guidance and support to individuals in relation to their UK immigration status and making Home Office applications. We can advise on the eligibility criteria you will need to evidence and the process you will need to follow for your application. With over decades of experience, we always provide rock-solid support to our clients and help them achieve their goal efficiently and smoothly.
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