Can I bring my spouse to the UK on a Tier 2 visa?

Yes, you can bring your spouse to the UK on a Skilled Worker (formerly Tier 2) visa by applying for a Skilled Worker Dependant visa for them, provided you meet specific eligibility criteria, including proving your relationship, having sufficient funds (£600 for your partner), and ensuring your job is at the appropriate skill level (most are). Your spouse, as a dependant, generally has the right to work in the UK as well.

Can a Tier 2 visa holder bring dependents to the UK?

Global Talent, Tier 2 and GAE visa applicants/holders can apply to bring their family to the UK, or for them to continue to stay, as their dependants.

Can I bring my wife to the UK on a Skilled Worker 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 as a care worker or senior care worker in the UK and on a Skilled Worker visa since before 11 March 2024. you're applying for a child born in the UK.

Is it easy to bring your spouse to the UK?

UK spouse visa requirements 2026. To make a successful application for a UK partner and spouse visa, you will need to meet a set of eligibility requirements, including providing evidence of: You are in a genuine and eligible relationship. You and your partner's combined gross annual income is at least £29,000.

What are the benefits of Tier 2 visa in the UK?

The Tier 2 (General) visa allows workers to begin their stay in the UK up to 14 days before the start date on their certificate of sponsorship. This allows workers to get settled before commencing their role, perhaps engaging in some of the destination services that will ensure a smooth transition into the UK.

How To Bring Your Spouse And Children To the UK || UK Tier 2 Dependent Visa Requirements

How long can you stay in the UK on Tier 2?

As the maximum length of Tier 2 General Visas is six years (you can have an initial period of up to five years and 14 days and then an extension to take you up to six), any individual stay outside of the UK of more than 180 days is likely to mean you will not be able to satisfy the requirements of Indefinite Leave to ...

Can I convert my Tier 2 visa into PR?

You may be able to settle permanently in the UK if you have one of the following visas: Skilled Worker, Health and Care Worker or Tier 2 (General) T2 Minister of Religion or Tier 2 (Minister of Religion) International Sportsperson, T2 Sportsperson or Tier 2 (Sportsperson)

How long does it take to bring wife to the UK?

Applications from Outside the UK

If you're applying from overseas, the official processing time for a spouse visa in 2025 is up to 12 weeks. But in reality, many applicants are finding the wait much longer, often 4–6 months, and in some regions, even 6 months or more.

Why would a UK spouse visa be refused?

A Spouse Visa refusal happens when the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) denies your Spouse Visa application to allow you to join your UK-based partner, due to various reasons that include the failure to: Provide proof of a genuine relationship. Demonstrate English language proficiency.

Can my American wife move to the UK?

The earliest you can apply to settle in the UK (called 'indefinite leave to remain') is after you've lived in the UK for 5 years continuously on a family visa as a partner. You cannot include time you've spent in the UK: on any other visa. as a fiancé, fiancée or proposed civil partner.

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).

Does a partner visa need an English test?

How to Meet the English Requirement for a Partner Visa? Sit and achieve functional English through one of the accredited English tests, IELTS, PTE, TOEFL or CAE. Hold a passport from an exempt country (e.g. the UK, the USA, Canada, New Zealand or Ireland).

Can my spouse come with me on a work visa?

Typically, immediate family members are eligible to join you in the United States. This includes: Spouse: Your legally married spouse. Children: Your unmarried children under the age of 21.

Can a Tier 2 visa holder buy a house in the UK?

Yes, you can get a mortgage with a Tier 2 Visa if you're a foreign national, also known as a Skilled Worker Visa mortgage. But, the process can be more complicated and there will usually be some additional hoops you need to jump through.

Can I bring my spouse on a work permit?

You can apply for an open work permit if you're 1 of the following: a spouse, common-law partner or conjugal partner living in Canada who's being sponsored for permanent residence. an accompanying dependent child of the principal applicant.

Why is the UK spouse visa so difficult?

One of the most challenging aspects of the Spouse Visa application is meeting the minimum income requirement. The UK-based partner (the “sponsor”) must show a minimum gross annual income of £29,000 per year. This requirement increases if dependent children are included in the application.

How many UK spouse visas are rejected?

It is estimated that 20-25% of all UK spouse visa applications are rejected, resulting in disappointment, worry, uncertainty, and a significant loss of money for those affected.

How long can I stay in the UK with a 2 year visa?

You can choose to apply for a long-term Standard Visitor visa if you visit the UK regularly. This visa lasts 2, 5 or 10 years. You can stay for a maximum of 6 months on each visit.

What are the requirements to bring my wife to the UK?

Unless exempt, you must show that your sponsoring spouse – or you and your spouse jointly if you are already in the UK with valid leave to remain and permission to work – has a gross annual income of at least £29,000. There is no longer a separate child element to the minimum income requirement.

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.

How can I get my UK spouse visa fast?

Using the priority service

If you're eligible you can choose the 'priority service' when you apply. You'll need to pay £500 in addition to the application fee. Using the 'priority service' means you'll usually get a decision within 5 working days.

What happens after 5 years of tier 2 visa?

There is no limit to the number of Skilled Worker Visa extensions you can apply for. However, most Skilled Worker Visa holders will apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after 5 years of continuous residence in the UK, which removes the need for further extensions.

What is the easiest visa to get for the UK?

While tourist and visitor visas may be the easiest to obtain, work and student visas can involve more rigorous requirements. As long as you meet the specific visa requirements and submit a well-documented, accurate application, your chances of getting a UK visa are significantly improved.

Can I bring my wife to the UK while on a work permit?

UK dependant visa new rules 2025

Only those in roles at RQF Level 6 or above remain eligible to bring dependants. Existing dependants who applied before 22 July 2025 are not affected by the new rules and can remain in the UK and extend their dependant visas, even if the main applicant's job is at RQF Level 3–5.