If you are an international student in the UK on a Student Visa (previously known as the Tier 4 Visa), you may be eligible to bring your spouse (or partner) to the UK as a dependent. Here are the detailed requirements and conditions for doing so:
- Eligibility to Bring a Spouse
- Level of Study: You must be studying at the postgraduate level (RQF level 7 or above) or be a government-sponsored student at any level. Your course must be at least 9 months long.
- Sponsorship: Your spouse is considered a “dependent” and can apply for a visa to join you based on your Student Visa.
- Relationship Proof: You must prove that you are legally married or in a civil partnership that is recognized in the UK, or demonstrate that you have been living together in a relationship akin to marriage for at least two years.
- Financial Requirements
- Proof of Funds: You must demonstrate that you have sufficient funds to support both yourself and your spouse without relying on public funds. The financial requirement includes:
- For the student: £1,334 per month if studying in London or £1,023 per month if studying outside London, for the duration of the course (up to a maximum of 9 months).
- For the spouse: £845 per month if the main applicant is studying in London or £680 per month if outside London, for the duration of the course (up to a maximum of 9 months).
- Example Calculation:
- If your course is 9 months long and you are studying in London, you need to show:
- £12,006 for yourself (£1,334 x 9 months).
- £7,605 for your spouse (£845 x 9 months).
- Total: £19,611 in available funds.
- If your course is 9 months long and you are studying in London, you need to show:
- Financial Evidence: Acceptable financial evidence includes:
- Bank statements showing the required funds have been held for at least 28 consecutive days before the application date.
- Official financial sponsorship letters if sponsored by a government or an international organization.
- Visa Application Process for the Spouse
- Online Application: Your spouse must complete an online visa application through the GOV.UK website.
- Biometric Information: Your spouse will need to attend a visa application centre to provide biometric information (fingerprints and a digital photograph).
- Visa Fee Payment: The visa application fee must be paid online as part of the application process.
- Documents Required for the Spouse’s Visa Application
- Valid Passport: A valid passport or travel document with at least one blank page for the visa vignette.
- Proof of Relationship: Marriage or civil partnership certificate, or evidence of living together if unmarried.
- Proof of Funds: Bank statements or official financial sponsorship letters.
- Tuberculosis Test Certificate: If applicable, a TB test certificate from an approved clinic is required if your spouse is applying from a country where this is mandatory.
- Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)
- Health Surcharge: The Immigration Health Surcharge must be paid by your spouse to access the UK’s National Health Service (NHS).
- Current Rate: The IHS is currently £624 per year, payable upfront for the duration of the visa.
- Visa Duration and Conditions
- Visa Duration: The dependent visa will typically be granted for the same duration as your Student Visa.
- Work Rights: Your spouse is generally allowed to work in the UK, except as a professional sportsperson or coach.
- Study Rights: Your spouse can also study in the UK.
Reliable Sources
- GOV.UK: The official UK government website provides detailed information on bringing dependents to the UK on a Student Visa, including financial requirements and application procedures.
- UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI): Offers comprehensive guidance on visa categories and dependent visas on its official GOV.UK page.
- Visa Application Centres: Organizations like VFS Global and TLScontact facilitate the visa application process and provide additional support services.
For the most up-to-date and accurate information, always refer to the official UK government resources or consult with a qualified immigration advisor.