What is PBS Dependent Visa?

What is a PBS Dependent Visa? A PBS dependent is a person who is financially reliant on another individual for their basic needs, and the term is often used in the context of tax purposes. It might apply to a child, relative, or someone else for whom an individual provides support and meets certain criteria outlined by tax regulations.

What is a PBS Dependent Visa

A PBS Dependent Visa is a type of visa that allows the family members (dependents) of individuals who hold a Tier 2 (General) or Tier 4 (General) visa in the United Kingdom to join them and reside in the country. The visa falls under the Points-Based System (PBS), which is the UK’s immigration framework for managing migration based on factors like skills, qualifications, and sponsorships. The dependents, such as spouses, partners, and children, can apply for this visa to accompany the main visa holder during their stay in the UK.

The main visa holder is expected to have any of the following visas:

• Health & Care Worker Visa
• High Potential Individual Visa
• Skilled Worker Visa
• Senior or Specialist Worker Visa
• International Sportsperson Visa
• Graduate Visa
• Minister of Religion Visa
• Graduate Trainee Visa
• Service Supplier Visa
• Innovator Visa
• Global Talent Visa
• UK Expansion Worker Visa
• Startup visa
• Entrepreneur Visa (for the Tier 1 levels)
• UK Ancestry Visa
• Investor Visa
• Temporary Work Visas
• Turkish Worker Visa
• British National (that is, Overseas) Visa
• Turkish Businessperson Visa

PBS Dependent visa, also known as a Tier 4 Dependent visa, is a type of visa that grants the dependents (spouse, partner, children) of persons who are in hold a Tier 4 Student visa in the UK to join them. There are also tiers within the PBS Dependent visa category. View the tiers below:

PBS Dependent Visa Tiers

1 Tier 4 (General) Dependant

 This visa is for the dependents of Tier 4 (General) Student visa holders who are pursuing a higher education course in the UK.

2 Tier 4 (Child) Dependant:

This visa is for the dependents of Tier 4 (Child) Student visa holders who are under the age of 16 and are studying in the UK.

3 Tier 4 (General) Doctorate Extension Scheme Dependant

This visa is for the dependents of individuals who are applying for or already have a Tier 4 Doctorate Extension Scheme visa. This scheme allows Ph.D. graduates to stay in the UK for a period after completing their studies to seek work or start a business.

4 Tier 4 (General) Student Re-sit Dependant

This visa is for the dependents of Tier 4 (General) Student visa holders who are retaking or re-sitting exams.

How to Apply for PBS Dependant Visa

To apply for a PBS Dependant Visa, abide by the process flow given below;

1. Check Your Eligibility:

 Make sure you are eligible as a dependant of someone with a Tier 2 (General) work visa, Tier 4 student visa, or another eligible category under the Points-Based System (PBS).

2. Prepare Application Documents:

Collect necessary documents, including your passport, proof of relationship (such as marriage or birth certificates), proof of funds, tuberculosis test results (if applicable), and any other required documentation.

3. Online Application

 Create an account on the UK government’s official website (https://www.gov.uk/visas-immigration) and complete the online application form. You’ll need to provide personal information, travel history, and details about the main visa holder.

4. Biometrics Appointment:

 Depending on your nationality and where you’re applying from, you might need to schedule a biometrics appointment to provide your fingerprints and photograph.

5. Pay Fees:

Pay the application fee and the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) if applicable. The IHS gives you access to the National Health Service (NHS) in the UK.

6. Submit Documents:

After completing the online application, you might need to submit your documents, either by uploading them electronically or sending them to a visa application center.

7. Attend an Interview:

 In some cases, you might be required to attend an interview at a visa application center.

8. Wait for Decision:

 The processing time can vary. You’ll receive an email or a letter notifying you of the decision.

9. Collect Visa:

 If your application is successful, you’ll receive a vignette (sticker) in your passport that allows you to enter the UK. You must then collect your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) within 10 days of arriving in the UK.

Who can apply for a PBS Dependant Visa?

You should be married or into a same sex civil union recognized in the UK, must be 18 years and above, and you must have been in a civil partnership with your partner for 2 or more years.

For a child family member, the following will apply; you should be under 18 years of age and you are not living an independent life, you should be above 18 but your parents must have sole responsibility over you, you must be unmarried or not in any civil union, you should be living with your parent (or studying any other place in the UK) and you must be without children.

Required Documents for Points Based System (PBS) Dependant Visa Application

• You must have a valid passport
• Your marriage certificate
• A birth certificate if you are a child
• Personal bank statements
• Tuberculosis test result, that is if you are applying from a highly endemic area
• Criminal record certificate
• Evidence of civil partnership or evidence of same sex relationship if you are an unmarried partner (evidence can be in the form of  joint accounts, jointly owned properties, or your  utility bills)
• An admission letter obtained from a school if you are a child, and in the United Kingdom
• Proof showing your health insurance surcharge payment.

What are the Requirements for PBS Dependant Visa extension?

The process and requirements for extending a PBS Dependant Visa in the UK might involve submitting an online application, providing updated financial documents, proof of relationship, and valid immigration status. Requirements can change, so it’s best to consult the official UK government website or seek legal advice for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

What Should be Done if Your PBS Dependant Visa Application is Not Accepted?

If your PBS Dependant Visa application is not accepted, you typically have a few options. You can appeal the decision, reapply with improved documentation, or explore alternative visa routes that might be more suitable for your circumstances. It’s important to carefully review the refusal letter to understand the reasons for the rejection and seek legal advice if needed to determine the best course of action.

Conclusion

The financial criteria for a PBS Dependant Visa application can vary based on your situation and the specific visa category. Generally, you are expected to show that you have the minimum fund requirements to support yourself and any dependents without asking for public funds. Requirements may also include proof of your income, savings, and your accommodations.