PBS Dependant Visa For UK – Get Instant Approval!

The PBS Dependant Visa is designed for family members of individuals who hold or are applying for a UK visa under the PBS. Eligible family members typically include spouses, civil partners, unmarried partners, same-sex partners, and children under 18. 

For your spouse, partner and kids, the PBS (Points Based System) Dependant Visa is a crucial gateway to travel and stay in the UK with you if you possess a points-based system (PBS) visa for the UK.

This article will delve into the objectives of the UK PBS Dependant Visa, the qualifying criteria, the application process, and how dependants obtain ILR, providing you with a comprehensive understanding of this significant visa.

Who Can Be Called As A PBS Dependent?

A migrant who is the “main” or “lead applicant” can be called as a “sponsor” in simple words. His/her partner and children will be known as dependent of a point-based migrant. A list of different categories of visa’s whose dependents are known as PBS dependents permission holder

We have divided all the professionals and permissions according to their 3 tiers:

Serial No	Tier 1	Tier 2	Tier 5
1	Global Talent Visa	Global Mobility Route	Temporary Workers Visa
2	Startup	Skilled Worker General	Creative Worker Visa
3	Innovator Founder	Minister of Religion	Religious Worker Visa
4	Scaleup	International Sports Person	Charity Worker Visa
5	High Potential (HPI)	UK Ancestry Visa	International Agreement Worker
6			Government Authorise Exchange Worker

PBS is basically a UK Visa system which grants visa according to how many points a migrant or applicant will score, English proficiency have some score, employer job offer contain some score and other factors according to their visa category

Tier 1: High Value Migrants

Tier 2: General Skilled Worker Migrants

Tier 5: Temporary Worker Migrants

PBS Dependant Visa Requirements For UK – A Quick Overview

Under the UK PBS Dependant Visa, spouses, single partners, and children of points-based visa holders can enter the UK. As long as the primary applicant maintains their PBS Visa and stays in the United Kingdom, adult and child-dependant visa holders have the right to live, study, and work in the UK.

However, it’s important to note that PBS Dependant Visa holders, while enjoying these rights, are not eligible for government resources or benefits.

This visa allows dependants to live, work, and study in the UK if the primary visa holder’s permit is valid. The following conditions must be met to apply for a dependant visa using the points-based system: 

• Be a dependant who satisfies the requirements for a UK PBS visa.
• Possess sufficient funds for maintenance. 

Read Also: Document Checklist For UK Spouse Visa

PBS Dependant Visa Requirements

Documents required for PBS dependent visa are following:

1. Valid Travel Documents such as Passports
2. Proof of Relationship certificates such as birth certificates, marriage certificates or death and divorce certificate.
3. Proof of Financial Means such as bank statements
4. Proof of accommodation such as lease and tenancy agreements
5. Tuberculosis test certificates (approved centres)
6. Proof of good character such as providing police character certificates

PBS Dependent Required Document Checklist

Point base system dependent visa required checklist is following

Mandatory Documents

1. Valid Passport
2. English Translated Marriage or Civil Partnership Certificate
3. Criminal Record Certificate of Applicant over 18
4. Tuberculosis Test Certificate
5. Proof of Previously been living together

Optional Documents For Skilled Worker Dependent

• Employment Confirmation
• Sponsor Visa Vignette Stamp
• Family Tree Certificate (Attested)
• Joint Bank Statements
• Joint Bills
• Pictures Together
• Booking confirmations and flight ticket

Proof of Genuine Relationship

In point base dependent visa application genuine relationships are the first criteria to meet by providing with the marriage certificate, birth certificates in in case of children, divorce certificate if any of the partners have someone before.

Proof of Financial Requirements

We can divide this part into two categories first is skilled worker and by employer details are mentioned below

By Skilled Worker

Skilled Worker financial maintenance basically is to show that individuals can support the first month of their family stay in UK. The Current threshold is £285 for partner for first child add £315 and for next child £200 addition will require every time. Lead applicants is required to keep this amount for last 28 to 31 days in his bank account.

Employer Certifying Maintenance

In second category employer provide the certification mentioned in the CoS letter as well that they will certify that means employer will take responsibility of the applicants first month expense in the United Kingdom.                              

Person of Good Character Requirement

In some occupation codes the skilled workers who are working with vulnerable people their partners have to provide police clearance certificate from a country where they have been living for up to 12 months or more. These professions include health workers, social workers and teachers. General skilled worker dependents are exempt from providing police clearance certificates.

Tuberculosis Certificate

If any individual is applying to enter United Kingdom as a partner of PBS dependent if he/she is residing in enlisted countries for more than six months they. Then applicant must provide a tuberculosis test certificate with their application.

PBS Child Dependents Requirements

Any Child dependents under 18 must prove their relationship to the sponsor or lead applicant by providing their birth certificate and by family tree certificates. Furthermore, child must be dependent on his/her parents and not been living an independent life of their own. In case of previous partner’s children, you are eligible to provide a court decree such as guardian ship grant certificate.

Children From Previous Relationships

If applicant is biological child of lead applicant or partners anyone who holds these certificates can bring their child dependents to the UK.

• Adoption Certificate
• Sole Parental Order

Validity Requirements For PBS Dependant Visa

Applications must fulfill each of the following specifications: 

• If the lead applicant obtained British citizenship, the dependant must already have permission to be their dependant. 
• The applicant must possess a passport or other travel document to verify their identity and nationality.
• Any children born in the UK must have been born before the lead applicant settled. 
• Unless applying under UK Ancestry, the lead applicant must have submitted a legitimate application for permission on the path the dependant is applying for or reside while holding permission on that route. 
• The applicant must have submitted all required biometrics and paid any fees, including immigration health charges.

Eligibility Criteria For PBS Dependent Visa 

PBS dependent visa eligibility criteria are mentioned below:

• Genuine Relationship with Sponsor
• Spouse or Civil Partners of the Lead Applicant
• Partners who are not married but has been living in relationship for last 2 years
• Unmarried and Same Sex Partners of Sponsor
• Children under the age of 18 at the date of application
• Children already in the UK with last permission to stay as lead applicant dependents
• Children born in UK to restricted dependents code
• Children of previous relationship with sole guardianship order

Please note:
Children over 18 years old, siblings and parents of the migrant are not in the eligibility criteria of PBS dependent partner visa. It’s only restricted for partner, spouse and children of the “main permission holder”.

Rights and Restrictions For PBS Dependents

Rights and restrictions for point base permission holder dependents are following

Rights

• Can work full time
• Can study full time

Restrictions

• Not allowed to access public funds
• Work as an international sports person

Types of Eligibility Requirements

A PBS-dependant visa may be obtained by partners of holders of point-based system visas if they can provide the following proof. The types of eligibility requirements are as follows:

1. Lead Applicant’s Immigration Status (Sponsor Requirements)

To apply for a dependant visa using the points-based system, the following criteria must be fulfilled: 

1. A dependant can apply for permission to stay or settle as a dependant on the economic route if the lead applicant got settlement or British citizenship through any route other than the UK Ancestry covered by this guidance, as long as they held permission as the lead applicant’s dependant before the lead applicant’s settlement.

2. This does not cover children born in the UK before the primary applicant’s settlement. 

3. Suppose a lead applicant has already been granted settlement or has become a British citizen. In that case, a dependant child may be eligible for entry clearance and permission to stay on the UK Ancestry route. 

4. Only in the same circumstances may a dependant partner apply for permission to settle or remain on the UK Ancestry route.

5. A child may apply for settlement through that economic route if they were born in the UK and had no immigration status when the lead applicant settled. 

6. Except for UK ancestry applicants, children born after the lead applicant’s settlement who need leave to remain should apply through family routes.

2. Relationship Requirements For PBS Dependants

All dependant applications must be submitted when the applicant is applying and has permission to settle on the same path as the dependant partner. The requirements listed below need to be reviewed during the round. 

Dependant Partner Requirements

Relationship with a partner. This includes:

• Minimum age for partners
• Relationship with the lead applicant
• Genuine and subsisting requirements
• The requirement for a durable relationship where a person is not married or in a civil partnership
• The requirement that the partners must not be closely related
• The requirement for previous relationships to have broken down permanently
• A requirement that any marriage or civil partnership is valid
• Polygamous relationships

Dependant Children’s Requirements

You should make sure the criteria are applied appropriately. You should be aware of: 

• Some apply to all applications.
• Some are exclusively for those under the age of 18.
• Some for those 16 and older
• Others to those 18 and older

Children From The Past Relations

According to the rules, the lead applicant or their partner is entirely responsible for any dependant children or must be jointly accountable with their dependant partner.

• This implies that if a child’s connection does not fit the new criteria, they will no longer be eligible to qualify as PBS dependants. 
• They might not be able to apply, particularly if neither of their parents has a permanent residence in the UK.
• A child may be eligible to apply through Appendix Adoption. The appropriate approach should be used when applying.
• Generally, you should reject the PBS-dependant application if the relationship does not fit the earlier criteria.
• They can then apply for further approval as a dependant in the ways covered by this guideline after being approved through the adoption route and a legal adoption has occurred in the UK. 

Read Also: Child Dependent Visa UK

3. Financial Requirements For PBS Dependants

The Home Office will only grant an immigration PBS-dependant visa if they are confident the applicant has the funds to support their stay in the UK. Verifying the requirements that apply to your situation is essential since the kind of visa the primary visa holder possesses affects the maintenance financing requirements.

For instance, the applicant must demonstrate the following to be granted a PBS dependant visa so they can accompany a family member on a skilled worker visa: 

• As a dependant partner, £285 
• £315 for a single child 
• £200 for every extra child 
• It is on top of the £1,270 maintenance funds the primary visa holder needs.

4. Criminal Record Requirements For PBS Dependants

To be granted entry clearance as the skilled worker’s partner, the applicant must present a criminal record certificate from the appropriate authority in each of the ten countries in which they were living for 12 months or longer, either continuously or cumulatively, while they were 18 years of age or older. 

Serial No	Occupation Code	Job Title	Serial No	Occupation Code	Job Title
1	1171	Health Services and Public Health Managers and Directors	26	2255	Paramedics
2	1172	Social Services Manager and Directors	27	2256	Podiatrists
3	1231	Healthcare Practice Managers	28	2259	Other health professionals not elsewhere classified
4	1232	Residential, Day, and Domiciliary care Managers and Proprietors	29	2312	Further education teaching professionals
5	1233	Early education and Childcare Services	30	2313	Secondary education teaching professionals
6	2211	Generalist Medical Practitioners	31	2314	Primary education teaching professionals
7	2212	Specialist Medical Practitioners	32	2315	Nursery education teaching  professionals
8	2221	Physiotherapists	33	2316	Special needs education teaching professionals
9	2222	Occupational therapists	34	2317	Teachers of English as a foreign language
10	2223	Speech and language therapists	35	2319	Teaching professionals not elsewhere classified
11	2224	Psychotherapists and  cognitive behavior therapists	36	2321	Headteachers and principals
12	2225	Clinical psychologists	37	2322	Education managers
13	2226	Other Psychologist	38	3221	Youth and community workers
14	2229	Therapy professionals not elsewhere classified	39	3222	Child and early years officers
15	2231	Midwifery nurse	40	3223	Housing officers
16	2232	Community nurse	41	3224	Counselors
17	2233	Specialist nurses	42	6135	Care workers and home carers
18	2234	Nurse practitioners	43	6136	Senior care workers
19	2235	Mental health nurses	44	3211	Dispensing opticians
20	2236	Children’s nurses	45	3212	Pharmaceutical technicians
21	2237	Other nursing professionals	46	3213	Medical and dental technicians
22	2251	Pharmacists	47	3214	Complementary health associate professionals
23	2252	Optometrists	48	3219	Health associate professionals not elsewhere classified
24	2252	Dental practitioners	49	3221	Youth and community workers
25	2254	Medical radiographers	50	3222	Child and early years officers

If the applicant convincingly justifies why it is not reasonably practical for them to get a criminal record certificate from any or all of the relevant agencies, the condition above is canceled.

5. Settlement Requirements For Dependants

Applications for dependants’ settlement are only accepted via the following routes: 

• UK Ancestry
• Skilled Worker
• T2 Minister of Religion
• Representative of an Overseas Business
• International Sportsperson
• Scale-up
• Global Talent
• Innovator Founder

The immigration health charge is unnecessary to pay for the PBS-dependant settlement.

PBS Dependant Visa Processing Time?

So, there are two situations:

Applying Outside UK

Once applicants have provided their biometrics most of the application take two to three weeks of time. In some complex cases and due to lack of evidence it can take more time.

Applying Inside UK

Applicants who are already in their processing time deadline is three to four weeks and if there are any documents require more verification it can result as a delay.

Priority Service

If applicant want to get decision a little early in 5 working days, they need to pay extra £500.  

Super Priority Service

If applicant want to get decision in one working day, then pay £1000 extra and get decision within the end of next working day after confirmation of identity (By app or by providing biometrics).

Serial No	Visa Type	Inside UK	Outside UK
1	Skilled Worker Visa (General)	4 Weeks	Three Weeks
2	Tier 2 Minister of Religion	30 Days	15 Working Days
3	Global Talent Visa	3-4 Weeks	8 weeks
4	Scale Up	8 Weeks	4 Weeks
5	Startup	3 Weeks	8 Weeks

Application Process For PBS Dependant Visa

To apply for a PBS dependant visa, candidates must do the following (assuming they are not in the UK):

1. Apply online. Depending on whether they are your spouse or child, you will need to fill out a form on their behalf.
2. The online application must include the Global Web Form (GWF) or Unique Application Number (UAN) of the primary PBS Visa application in order to guarantee that all applications undergo processing simultaneously.
3. Obtain a biometric residency permit by proving your identification. You can do this by making an appointment to have your fingerprints and photo taken at a visa application center. An alternative method may be to utilize the “UK Immigration: ID Check” smartphone app.
4. Send in any necessary payments.
5. Add any supporting documents that the application requires.
6. Await the decision.

PBS-dependant applications can be responded to in a minimum of three weeks following the identification process and receipt of the necessary evidence. If you need a quicker response, you can obtain a decision in as little as five working days (called “priority service”) for £500 or by the end of the following working day (called “high-priority service”) for £800.

ILR As A PBS Dependant

For individuals who are already in the UK, PBS dependant leave to remain allows them to stay for the rest of their visa. PBS-dependant leave allows anyone applying from outside the UK to enter the country at the border. As per the PBS dependant guidelines, those who are authorized to enter or remain in the UK in the role of a PBS dependant are eligible to:

• Work for any employer, full- or part-time (no sponsorship needed)
• Enroll in a UK school, college, or university full- or part-time.
• Go and come back to the UK anytime.
• Further, to extend their visa.
• After five years of continuous residence in the UK, submit an immigration application (ILR); in certain circumstances, you may be able to do so sooner.

Dependants under the immigration points-based system, however, cannot:

• Access to government resources and advantages
• Become a professional athlete, physician, or dentist

Read Also: Transitioning From Tier 2 To ILR

PBS Dependent Visa To ILR Or Settlement

Lead Applicant must complete a 5-year qualifying period of time which leads to settlement or British Citizenship. The PBS dependents are eligible to switch at the same time or even after the lead applicant if their qualify with below mentioned requirements

Please Note: These set of rules applies on the following visa holders

• Global Talent Innovator
• Representative of an Overseas Business
• International Sports Person
• Skilled Worker

Lead Applicant – Already been granted settlement

Partner Requirements

• Previously Been Granted Permission as a Partner
• Biometric Appointment Attendance
• Continuing and Subsisting Relationship
• Proof of Relationship
• Valid Passport
• Valid Permission Card
• Lead Applicant Must Complete a 5-year qualifying period
• English Language Requirement (Approved Test Centres)
• Life in the UK test Certificate

Child Requirements

• Child must previously on the dependent permission of lead applicant
• 5 Years Continuous residence requirement in United Kingdom
• Dependent should not be out from UK for 180 days in a year
• Proof of Continuous Relationship with lead applicant
• English Language Requirements
• Life in the UK test certificate if 18 years or above

PBS Dependent Visa Fees Criteria

UK Visa and Immigration Fee structure consist on two type of fee while applying for a dependent visa permission first is visa fees and second is IHS Health Surcharge. Most of the occupation codes applicants has to pay both fees but in some of immigration salary list codes either applicant pay less or in some case it’s exempt.

A PBS dependents fee can be categories in two main classes first is eligible occupation list and second is immigration salary list

Eligible Occupation List

If you are applying as dependent of someone who’s job occupation code is from eligible occupation list. The applicants are liable to pay full visa fee and immigration health surcharge. The fee will be charged according to the time limit permission lead applicant been granted.

Immigration Salary List

According to immigration salary list these job occupations including in this list are special and the fee criteria as compared to general skilled worker visa group is a bit different and in some occupation codes immigration health surcharge is exempt for lead applicant and its dependents.

A	Eligible Occupation List
		Duration	Visa Fee	IHS Health Surcharge
1	Marketing Manager	3 Years	£750	£3105
1	Marketing Manager	5 Years	£1639	£5,175
B	Immigration Salary List
		Duration	Visa Fee	IHS Health Surcharge
2	Care Worker Visa	3 Years	£284	Exempt
2	Care Worker Visa	5 Years	£551	Exempt

Read Also: PBS Dependant Visa Fees And Processing Time

UK Dependent Visa New Rules

Below is a breakdown of the new rules for UK dependent visa:

Immigration Visa Fee Changes

In July 2023 Government of UK announced a step-by-step increase in the Fee structure related to the UK visa and immigration routes. In first step they increased visa fee which is following:

Serial No	Visa Type	Percentage	Previous Fee	Current Fee
1	Family Visa	20%	1048	1258
2	Citizenship Applications	20%	£2480	£2880
3	Student Visa	35%	£363	£490
4	Skilled Worker 3 Year	10%	£ 700	750 +
5	Visit Visa	10%	£115	£125
6	Skilled Worker 5 Year	10%	£1500	£1639

• Immigration Health Surcharge Update

Before February 2024 the immigration health surcharge per applicant was £624 per year for adults and for applicants under 18 it was £470. Furthermore, according to latest update in February 4^th 2024 immigration health surcharge each applicant is £1035 for adults and £774 for minors per year.

• Care Worker Visa 2024 Update

According to a recent update individual who apply care worker dependent visa on or 11^th of March 2024 or after 11^th their dependents will not be permitted to join and live with the lead applicant in the United Kingdom.

When Are PBS Dependants Not Permitted To Enter?

Current dependents of individuals with these four job occupation codes are not eligible to apply and join with lead applicant are following:

Serial No	Job Occupation Codes	Name
1	6135	Care Workers and Home Carers
2	6146	Senior Care Workers
3	6145	Care Workers and Home Carers
4	6146	Senior Care Workers

Please Note:

If a lead applicant switched on skilled worker visa before 11^th of March 2024 and want to apply for dependents after the date. The dependents of skilled worker migrant will be granted permission to enter UK.

Example:

1. Individual A has been sponsored a care or senior Care worker on 11^th of June 2022, his dependents are in the eligibility criteria to apply for their PBS dependent visa permission
2. If a lead applicant switches job or employer his/her dependents previous leave will remain valid. But in case of care workers only Lead applicant can switch to this category
3. A child born to a care worker or senior career inside UK after 11^th of April can join the lead applicant dependent position.

Extension of PBS Dependant Visa

Before their visa expires, dependant visa holders may apply to extend it at any time or concurrently with the primary PBS visa holder. The PBS Visa holder must remain in the UK and fulfill the exact requirements as when they initially applied to extend their visa. The fees for PBS dependant visa extensions are determined by the type of permission obtained by the primary PBS visa holder and are filed online.

Refused PBS Dependant Visa

The following circumstances may delay the issuance of PBS dependant visas:

• The two people are not in a legitimate or qualifying relationship.
• The child doesn’t qualify as being dependant.
• The child will not reside in the UK with both parents (unless extraordinary circumstances apply).
• There is not enough money for maintenance.
• The application must be complete and the applicant’s character must be more trustworthy.

Concerning the reason for the rejection, it may be possible to:

• Apply for a judicial review to contest the legal grounds for the rejection.
• Apply for an administrative review if the Home Office made a mistake.
• Submit a new application.
• Apply for a different kind of visa.

How Can KQ Solicitors Help You?

Contact our team at KQ Solicitors if you require legal assistance with any aspect of your UK visa application, immigration, or nationality-related matters. With unique services for your case, we can clarify the legal requirements and improve your chances of success. With 17 years of expertise in helping clients obtain successful UK immigration outcomes, you can be sure that your case is in capable hands.

So, why do you delay? Use our Contact Us feature to schedule an online appointment right now. Additionally, you can reach us by phone at +447429294455 or by email at info@kqsolicitors.com.

Conclusion

The abbreviation for a points-based system is PBS. It relates to the UK’s point-based immigration application evaluation system, which assigns points to applicants who satisfy the necessary eligibility requirements for the relevant visa category.

Certain family members of people who hold or are seeking a UK visa under the points-based system (PBS) are granted permission to enter and remain in the country with a PBS dependant Visa, also known as a Family Member of a PBS Migrant visa.

The “primary applicant,” often known as the “visa holder,” must already be a PBS immigrant or apply to be one under point-based visa programs such as the Student, Health and Care, and Skilled Worker visas.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

References: 

Appendix Tuberculosis FM (TB)

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/dependent-family-members-in-work-routes-immigration-staff-guidance/dependent-family-members-in-work-routes-accessible#dependant-requirements

Eligible Occupation Codes List

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/skilled-worker-visa-eligible-occupations/skilled-worker-visa-eligible-occupations-and-codes

Appendix Criminal Record Check

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/61c0a950d3bf7f05570654f2/Criminal_record_certificate.pdf

Fee Update

https://commonslibrary.parliament.uk/research-briefings/cbp-9859

GOV.UK:

Dependent Family Members in Work Routes: Caseworker Guidance

GOV.UK:

Dependent Family Members in Work Routes

GOV.UK:

Dependent Requirements

GOV.UK:

Settlement Requirements