PBS Dependent Applications
What does Point Based System mean?
The UK’s points-based immigration system (PBS), introduced in
January 2021, is designed to manage immigration by assigning
points to applicants based on specific criteria.
Type of PBS applications: Skilled Worker, Health & Care Worker,
Global Talent, Student, Graduate, High Potential Individual, Global
Business Mobility visas, Start Up & Innovator, Creative Route,
Sporting Routes.
Most main applicants under these routes may bring (or have)
dependents with them. (Main applicant must apply successfully for
leave to enter or remain in order to do so.) With the noted
exception of most applicants under the Student route.
PBS Dependent Applications
Not all PBS routes allow dependents.
Relevant Rules will be found under the specific Appendices as to whether
or not Dependents could apply.
Suitability Rules as per Part 9 Immigration Rules will apply to all PBS
Dependent applications.
PBS Dependent visas will be issued in line with the main applicant’s visa. In
other words, their visas will be issued for the same length.
As per the PBS routes, not all PBS Dependent applications will lead to ILR.
Not all main applicants under the Student route can have their
Dependents to apply.
PBS Dependent Eligibility Criteria –
Relationship Requirements
The Points-Based System (PBS) Dependent Visa allows family members of
individuals holding certain UK work or study visas to join or remain with them in
the UK.
Who can apply as a PBS Dependent?
Spouse or Civil Partner: Must be legally married or in a civil partnership with the
main visa holder.
Unmarried Partner: Must have been living together in a relationship akin to
marriage for at least two consecutive years.
Durable Partner: Must have been in a relationship akin to marriage for at least
two consecutive years.
Children: Under 18 years old at the time of first application.
PBS Dependent Eligibility Criteria –
Financial Requirements
Dependents must demonstrate sufficient funds to support themselves (in
addition to the Financial Requirement to be met by the main applicant) :
£285 for a partner,
£315 for the first child,
£200 for each additional children.
These funds must have been held for at least 28 consecutive days, ending
no more than 31 days before the application date.
Exceptions apply if the main applicant’s sponsor certifies maintenance or if
the dependents have been in the UK with valid visas for at least 12 months.
Typical Documents Required
Applicants typically need to provide:
Valid passports,
Proof of relationship (e.g., marriage certificate, birth certificate),
Evidence of cohabitation for married partners and those in civil partnership and
unmarried partners,
Financial documents (e.g., bank statements),
Proof of accommodation in the UK,
Tuberculosis test results (if applicable),
Criminal record certificates (for certain leave to enter or remain categories)
Skilled Worker ILR – Who qualifies?
Partners (spouse, civil or unmarried partner):
Must have had permission as dependent.
In a genuine, subsisting relationship and living together (or intending to) for at
least 5 years as a dependent.
5 years on Skilled Worker Dependent Visa — only time spent as a dependent
counts (periods on other visas reset the clock).
Maximum 180 days spent outside the UK are allowed in any rolling 12-month
period.
Skilled Worker ILR – Who qualifies?
Children:
Must have had permission as dependent.
If over 18 years of age at the time of the application, must not be leading an
independent life.
Children do not need to complete 5 qualifying years of residence in the UK,
however, they will only qualify when both of their parents do.
Life in the UK and English Language requirement applies to all applicants
between 18 – 64 years of age, unless exempt.
Suitability Rules as per Part 9 Immigration Rules apply to all applications.
Skilled Worker ILR – Application Process
Form SET(O) — online.
Can apply 28 days before completing 5 years of continuous dependent
residence.
Can apply together with the main applicant if eligible.
Can apply on their own, if not eligible at the time of the submission of the main
applicant’s application.
Fee: £3,029 per person (no Immigration Health Surcharge for ILR).
Processing time:
Standard: up to 6 months.
Priority (+£500): 5 working days.
Super-priority (+£1,000): decision by next working day (or within 2 days if weekend).
