Can a spouse go to the UK on a dependent visa?

Yes, a spouse can go to the UK on a dependent visa to join their partner who is on a qualifying UK visa (like Skilled Worker, Student, Health and Care, HPI, etc.), provided they meet relationship, financial, and English language requirements, applying as either a husband, wife, civil partner, or unmarried partner, generally needing to prove a genuine relationship and sufficient funds to support themselves without public funds.

Can I bring my wife to the UK on a dependent visa?

Your partner and children may also be able to apply to join you or stay in the UK as your 'dependants'. They'll need to complete separate applications. If your partner or child's application is successful, their visa will usually end on the same date as yours.

Can I travel to the UK with my dependent?

You must apply for your child's dependant visa if you want to travel in and out of the UK with them. The form you fill in depends on whether your child is inside or outside the UK. Your child must either: apply online as your child inside the UK.

What are the new rules for dependent visa in the UK?

Skilled Worker Visa Shake-Up: July 2025 Reforms Explained

However, the new rules narrow dependant eligibility, linking it to the skill level of the main applicant's role. Dependants of workers in occupations at RQF Levels 3-5, including roles in the tech sector, such as IT technicians, are no longer eligible.

What is the disadvantage of a UK dependent visa?

One of the main disadvantages of the UK Dependent Visa is that it can be quite restrictive. The eligibility criteria can be very strict, and proving relationships can be complex. Unless a person fits within the Home Office criteria, they will not be able to join you on a Dependent Visa.

UK Spouse Visa Requirements 2025 - Key Points

What is the difference between dependent visa and spouse visa in the UK?

This visa allows dependents to reside in the UK and sometimes work or study there. Another essential distinction is eligibility; a dependent visa in the UK is available for children under 18, while partners, including civil partners and unmarried partners, can apply for a spouse visa.

What are the restrictions on a dependent visa?

F-2 and M-2 dependents are not authorized to work in the United States. F-2 and M-2 nonimmigrants are permitted to attend elementary, middle, and high school on a full-time basis. F-2 and M-2 nonimmigrants are also permitted to engage in study that is avocational or recreational in nature, or less than full-time.

How long can I stay in the UK with a dependant visa?

Dependant visas are typically granted for the same duration as permission given to the main visa holder. For example, if the main visa holder has a 2-year visa, the Dependant visa will also be granted for 2 years.

How much bank balance is required for an UK spouse visa?

The requirements that an applicant must meet in order to obtain a spouse visa are set out in Appendix FM of the Immigration Rules. These rules contain a minimum income requirement of at least £29,000 or a cash savings requirement of at least £88,500 (or a combination of both).

What's the difference between spouse and dependent?

However, a spouse is never considered a dependent—regardless of how much financial support you provide. The IRS has separate rules for spouses because of the special filing statuses available to married couples (such as Married Filing Jointly or Married Filing Separately).

Are there travel restrictions on the UK spouse visa?

Many UK visas require the holder to spend no more than 180 days outside of the UK in any one-year period. However, in the case of a UK spouse visa, no restrictions on leaving the country exist. This means that it is in theory possible to spend more than 180 days outside of the UK.

What are the common spouse visa mistakes?

Every marriage-based case must include a complete, correct Form I-864, Affidavit of Support. Failing to meet income thresholds—or submitting the wrong proof—often causes delays. Common financial mistakes: Income below 125% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines for the correct household size.

Can I bring my spouse to the UK on a care visa?

Your partner and children may be able to apply to join you or stay in the UK as your dependants. One of the following must be true: you have been continually employed in the UK as a care worker or senior care worker and on a Health and Care Worker visa or a Skilled Worker visa since before 11 March 2024.

What is the new rule for UK spouse visa?

New rules for UK Spouse Visa: the minimum salary requirement has increased to £29,000 on 11 April 2024. The UK Spouse Visa UK allows eligible foreign nationals to join and live with their partner in the UK, provided their partner is a British citizen or has settled status.

What are the grounds for spouse visa refusal?

Inaccurate or Incomplete Application: One of the most common reasons spousal visa applications are denied is due to inaccuracies or incompleteness in the application. This can include missing or incorrect information, failure to provide required documents, or failure to sign and date the application.

What are the new rules for dependent visa in UK 2025?

Individuals who are in the UK on any other route, including where that route permits dependants, who switch into a below graduate level role after 22 July 2025, will not be able to stay with (or bring over) dependants. This applies to those switching from a Graduate Visa to a Skilled Worker Visa.

What is the 7 year rule visa in the UK?

Children and young adults

If you were born in the UK and have lived here for 7 continuous years since your birth, you can apply immediately for indefinite leave to remain on the basis of your private life.

Can my wife work in the UK on a dependent visa?

Dependent Visa Conditions

If your application for a Dependent Visa is successful you will be granted leave to enter the UK and freedom to live in the UK without restriction. There no work restrictions placed on dependency visa holders, meaning you can work in any job, at any skill level.

What is the 28 day rule for UK spouse visa?

Tax Year: The UK's fiscal year for tax purposes, running from 6 April to 5 April of the following year. 28-Day Rule: The requirement that the most recent financial evidence submitted with the application must be no older than 28 days before the application date.

What is relationship proof for UK dependent visa?

You can use things like: a marriage certificate or civil partnership certificate. a tenancy agreement, utility bills or Council Tax bills confirming that you live at the same address or pay bills together. a bank statement from a joint bank account, or confirming that you live at the same address.

How long will it take to get a dependent visa for the UK?

Applications for partner and family visas can be submitted up to 3 months before the intended date of travel. The published service standard for deciding an application from outside the UK to settle in the UK as the spouse, partner or family member of a British citizen or settled person is 12 weeks.

How many days can I stay out of the UK on a dependent visa?

You can only use time you've been in the UK as a dependant on your partner's visa towards your continuous residence. You must have spent no more than 180 days outside the UK in any 12 month period, if you're applying as a dependant on your partner's: Skilled Worker visa. Scale-up Worker visa.