It can be a real headache when you apply for a Tier 2 dependent visa. It’s like trying to put together a 1000-piece puzzle with no picture on the box!
But don’t worry, we’ve got your back! The guide will cover all the important aspects of the application process, including:
- The eligibility criteria
- The required documents
- The cost involved
We’ll also provide tips and tricks to make the process as smooth as possible. In the end, this will help you avoid common mistakes that can cause delays or even lead to rejection. So, let’s get started!
Tip 1: Gather Required Documents
To get Tier 2 dependent visa in the UK, the first step is to gather all the required documents. This includes:
- A valid passport
- Travel document
- Proof of your relationship
- Evidence of your financial support
In addition, proof of your relationship to the Tier 2 visa holder can be in the form of the following:
- A marriage certificate
- Civil partnership certificate
- Proof of cohabitation
Most importantly, you’ll also need to provide a tuberculosis test certificate. In addition, you must provide this if you’re from a country where this test is required. Furthermore, you should also check if you need to take a Life in the UK test. Ultimately, this is mandatory for all visa applicants over the age of 18.
Moreover, you will need to provide a valid certificate of sponsorship. Shortly, this certificate confirms that the Tier 2 visa holder has a job offer. Overall, this shows that the employer is willing to sponsor them.
In the first place, get all the required documents ready. With this in mind, incomplete applications will be refused.
Also, provide the evidence required to support your claim of meeting these criteria. With that said, the application may be refused if the evidence is not provided.
In some cases, you may be able to apply for a dependent visa UK tier 2 from inside the UK rather than from your home country. In other words, this is known as an in-country application.
Tip 2: Choose the Right Application Type
Here’s a detailed table outlining the eligibility criteria for a Tier 2 dependent visa in the UK:
| Criteria | Eligibility Requirements | Compliance Evidence |
| Relationship to the Tier 2 visa holder | Must be the spouse, partner or dependent child of the Tier 2 visa holder | Marriage certificate, civil partnership certificate, proof of cohabitation |
| Financial dependency | Must be financially dependent on the Tier 2 visa holder | Financial support documents: bank statements and a letter from the Tier 2 visa holder. This confirms they will support you financially |
| English language proficiency | Must have a minimum level of English language proficiency | English language test certificates, such as IELTS or TOEFL |
| Maintenance requirements | Must have enough money to support yourself without relying on public funds | Evidence of savings, such as bank statements |
| Tuberculosis Test | Must not have active tuberculosis and have a valid TB test certificate | TB test certificate |
| Life in the UK Test | Must pass the Life in the UK Test if aged 18 or over | Life in the UK Test certificate |
| Compliance with previous visa conditions | Must have complied with the conditions of any previous UK visa | Previous visa and entry/exit stamps in your passport |
| No criminal record | Must not have a criminal record | Criminal record check or police clearance certificate |
| Certificate of sponsorship | Must have a valid certificate of sponsorship from the Tier 2 visa holder’s employer | Certificate of sponsorship from the employer |
Note that these criteria may change over time. Therefore, it’s advisable to check the official UK government website.
Tip 3: Pay the Application Fee
Once you have chosen the right application type, the next step is to pay the application fee. First, the fee for a standard application is £610. Secondly, the priority application is for £800. Particularly, you can pay the fee online using a credit or debit card.
Additionally, you’ll also need to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS). Equally important, the IHS fee covers your access to the National Health Service (NHS) while in the UK.
Here is a table that outlines the current costs associated with a tier 2 spouse visa in the UK:
| Service | Cost |
| Standard Application Fee | £610 |
| Priority Service | £800 |
| Extension Application Fee | £704 |
| Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) | £470 per year |
In general, these costs may change over time. So, it’s advisable to check the official UK government website.
Above all, the application fee and the IHS are non-refundable. Ultimately, it will remain non-refundable even if your application is refused.
There are two types of dependent visa UK tier 2 applications
- The standard application
- The priority application
The standard application is the most common. So, it usually takes around 8 weeks to process. On the other hand, the priority application is for applicants who need to travel urgently. Plus, this can be processed within 5 working days. However, priority applications are more expensive than standard applications.
You can apply online using the UK Visa and Citizenship Application Service (UKVCAS).
Tip 4: Submit Your Application
After you have paid the application fee, the next step is to submit your application.
Not to mention, this table is for a dependent visa UK tier 2 application for different situations:
| Situation | Required Documents | Format | Additional Information |
| Passport or travel document | Travel document / A passport | 6 months validity from the date of intended travel | ———— |
| Relationship to the Tier 2 visa holder | Marriage certificate, civil partnership certificate, or proof of cohabitation | Original/certified copy | If the documents are not in English, they must be accompanied by a certified translation |
| Financial dependency | Bank statements or letters from the Tier 2 visa holder. This will confirm they will support you financially | Original/certified copy | Show that you have enough money to take care of yourself without asking for help from the government. |
| English language proficiency | English language test certificates, such as IELTS or TOEFL | Original/certified copy | Must meet the required level of proficiency as stated in the UKVI guidance |
| Maintenance requirements | Evidence of savings, such as bank statements | Original/certified copy | Show that you have enough money to take care of yourself without asking for help from the government. |
| Tuberculosis Test | TB test certificate | Original/certified copy | Must be valid and not expired |
| Life in the UK Test | Life in the UK Test certificate | Original/certified copy | Must have passed the test if aged 18 or over |
| No criminal record | Criminal record check or police clearance certificate | Original/certified copy | Must not have a criminal record |
| Certificate of sponsorship | Certificate of sponsorship from the employer | Original/certified copy | Must be valid and issued by the Tier 2 visa holder’s employer |
Tip 5: Attend the Biometric Appointment
This is the next step in the Tier 2 dependent visa application process. Therefore, you must attend a biometric appointment. So, this is where you’ll have your fingerprints and photograph taken. Also, the appointment can be at a UKVCAS service point or a visa application center.
First, you’ll be sent an email with instructions on how to book your biometric appointment. Secondly, you’ll also know the date and time of the appointment.
Once you’ve completed the biometric appointment, your application will be processed. Correspondingly, you’ll be notified of the decision via email. If your application is successful, you will be issued a visa vignette. In other words, this is a sticker placed in your passport. Moreover, this will show your visa’s start and end dates and any conditions that apply to your stay.
When submitting your application, you must upload all the required documents. On the other hand, a visa decision can take a while. So, applying well in advance of your intended travel date is advisable. Also, keep all the documents and information you have used for your application. You may need them to apply for an extension or permanent residency.
Decision on your Application
After you send in your application, someone at UK Visa and Immigration (UKVI) will look it over. Particularly, the decision can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months. In general, different types of applications take different amounts of time to process. In that case, you’ll be notified of the decision via email or post.
If your tier 2 spouse visa application is denied, you’ll be notified of the reasons for the decision. Plus, you’ll also have the option to appeal if you believe it was made in error. However, the appeal process can be lengthy and may not result in a favorable outcome.
Moreover, you can re-apply for the same visa. That said, it’s advisable to address the reasons for the rejection. Also, provide more evidence. Correct the mistake to increase the chances of the next application being accepted.
Moreover, double-check that you have included all the required documents. In addition, they must be in the correct format. It’s also worth noting that if you’re denied the visa, you’ll not be refunded the application fee or IHS. Therefore, read the guidelines and make sure that you meet all the requirements
