FAMILY MEMBER OF A PBS MIGRANT VISA

The Family Member of a PBS Migrant Visa allows Points-Based System (PBS) migrants in the UK to sponsor their partner and children to join or remain with them as dependants.

To qualify, you must be related to the PBS Migrant as:

• Husband or wife

• Civil partner

• Unmarried partner

• Same-sex partner

• Child (under 18 at the time of first application)

Who Is Considered a PBS Dependant?

To qualify as a dependent partner, you must demonstrate that:

• You are over 18 years of age

• You are the spouse, civil partner or same-sex partner of the sponsoring PBS migrant

• OR you are an unmarried partner and have lived in a relationship similar to marriage for at least 2 years

• Your relationship is genuine and subsisting

• You intend to live together throughout the sponsor’s stay

• You do not intend to remain in the UK beyond the sponsor’s visa

• You meet the required maintenance funds (unless exempt)

PBS Dependant Child Requirements

You may qualify as a child dependant if:

• You are the child of a PBS migrant

• You are under 18 at the time of your initial application

• OR over 18 but previously granted leave as a child dependant

• You are unmarried and not living independently

• You do not intend to stay beyond your parent’s leave

• Your parents are in the UK with valid visas or applying at the same time

• You meet the maintenance fund requirement

Applications are assessed by UK Visas and Immigration under the UK Immigration Rules.

Maintenance Funds Requirement

Unless your sponsor holds a:

• Tier 1 (Investor) visa

• Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent) visa

• Global Talent visa

You must demonstrate sufficient maintenance funds to support yourself in the UK.

The required amount depends on the specific PBS category of your sponsor.

How Long Can You Stay?

Partners

• Leave is granted in line with the sponsor’s visa expiry

• If sponsor has Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), you receive 3 years

• Extensions can be made until qualifying for ILR

Children

• Leave is granted in line with the parent whose visa expires first

• If both parents hold ILR, the child receives 3 years

If the Sponsor’s Circumstances Change

If your sponsor:

• Changes employment

• Changes educational institution

• Switches immigration category

You do not need to reapply immediately. You can remain until your visa expires and then apply to align your leave with your sponsor.

Conditions of a PBS Dependant Visa

If granted, you can:

• Work full-time or part-time

• Study in the UK

Restrictions:

• No access to public funds

• Cannot work as a professional sportsperson

• Cannot work as a Doctor or Dentist in Training (with limited exceptions)

How Our Immigration Lawyers Can Help

Our experienced immigration lawyers provide strategic, tailored support for PBS Dependant Visa applications.

We can:

• Assess your eligibility

• Identify strengths and weaknesses in your case

• Advise on documentary evidence

• Draft and prepare your application

• Prepare a detailed legal representation letter

• Submit your application online

• Arrange biometric appointments

• Correspond with the Home Office

• Respond to UKVI queries

• Monitor your case until a decision is made

We adopt a strategic, holistic approach to ensure every aspect of your application meets the Immigration Rules.

What This Means for You

When you instruct us, we will:

• Conduct a detailed case assessment

• Provide tailored legal advice

• Design a customised strategy

• Prepare and submit a strong, evidence-backed application

• Support you throughout the entire process

Speak to an Immigration Lawyer Today

If you wish to apply for a PBS Dependant Visa, contact our specialist immigration team for expert advice and guidance.