Is it possible for your family to remain dependent upon you after transitioning to a UK visa? Are you apprehensive about the welfare of your dependents and plan to modify the category of your visa? Consequently, you must verify the validity of the visas of your dependents.
If you are a student and are considering transitioning to the Graduate Visa, which is a variation of the post-study employment visa, your dependents may also be eligible to relocate as your dependents.
Did you know that your spouse or offspring may be classified as your dependents? It is essential to remember that your dependents are only eligible to use the new path if they are eligible to do so under your student visa as dependents. Their visa will expire on the same date as yours if their application is approved. When applying for a visa, it is necessary to submit separate applications for each member of your family and pay the corresponding charge.
Complete Guide for UK Visa Fees in 2024 ~ UK Visa 2024
You must be cognizant of the current application fees, regardless of whether you are applying for a work, study, or visitor visa to the United Kingdom. Equipping yourself with precise information may facilitate the organization and budgeting of the application process.
In October 2023, the UK Home Office revised the application fees for certain visas. In this section, we will guide you through the revisions to ensure that you have a comprehensive understanding of the current cost structure for your visa.
Application Fee Highlights
Outside of the United Kingdom, a work visa is required.
- Innovator Funder (principal applicant and dependents): £1,191
- Proficient Employee
a. Sponsorship certificate for three years or less: £719
b. Sponsorship certificate for a period exceeding three years: £1,420
- Health and Care Visa
- a. £284 for less than three years
- b. For a period exceeding three years: £551
- Global Talent Visa
a. £192 with an approval letter
b. £716 without an approval letter
- Visa for Employment (Within the United Kingdom)
- Innovator Funder (principal applicant and dependents): £1,486
Proficient Employee
a. Sponsorship certificate for three years or less: £827
b. Sponsorship certificate for a period exceeding three years: £1,500
- Graduate Route (primary applicant and dependents): £822
Fees for Sponsorship Applications
- £25,000 is the cost of the premium sponsor service for significant sponsors.
Sponsorship certificate
a. £239 for a skilled laborer
b. Temporary worker: £25
Fees for Study Visas
- £490 for student visa applications, both within and outside the United Kingdom.
- Visa Fees for the United Kingdom in General
Standard visitor visa
a. £115 for a period of up to six months
b. £400 per year for two years
c. £771 per year for five years
d. £963 per year for ten years
British National (Overseas) from Hong Kong
a. £180 per month for 30 months
b. £250 per year for five years
Fees for British Citizenship
Naturalization: £1,500
Registration expenses for British citizens
a. Adults: £1,351
b. Children: £1,214
You must be fully apprised of the substantial fee structure that is associated with the application for a UK visa. Furthermore, it is advisable to allocate funds for supplementary expenses, such as immigration health surcharges and premium processing services.
British Citizenship Updates for Spouses & Dependents 2024
Are you uncertain as to whether your companion is a citizen of the United Kingdom? What are the differences in the requirements for naturalization? The following residence requirements, exemptions, unique situations, and additional application requirements are addressed in this update.
Benefits of
- Dependent Flexibility: International students’ dependents, including their spouses or children, have the option to transition from a Dependent Visa to other visa categories, such as a Skilled Worker Visa. This allows them to pursue career opportunities in the UK without having to leave the country.
- Work Opportunities: Dependents who are currently in possession of a UK Student Visa may transition to a visa category that allows them to work full-time. This can be beneficial for spouses who wish to pursue a career in the UK or contribute financially to the household.
- Pathway to Settlement: The Skilled Worker Visa is one of the visa categories that can provide dependents with a pathway to permanent settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain) in the UK, providing the family with long-term security.
- Educational Opportunities: Dependents who transition to a visa that permits study have the opportunity to pursue additional education or professional certifications in the United Kingdom, which can significantly improve their career prospects.
- Streamlined Process: The UK’s visa switchability eliminates the necessity for dependents to return to their home country to register for a different visa, thereby saving them both time and money.
- Family Unity: Families can maintain their unity throughout the student’s academic career and beyond by permitting dependents to exchange visas without departing the United Kingdom. This arrangement mitigates stress and disruption.
- Access to Public Services: The National Health Service (NHS) may provide dependents with access to public services and benefits, such as healthcare when they switch to specific visa categories. This can be essential for the well-being of the family.
Residency Requirements
By marrying a British citizen, it is possible to modify the residency requirements for naturalization. If you are married to a British citizen or in a civil partnership with one, you must have resided in the United Kingdom for a minimum of three years before submitting your application. Furthermore, it is prohibited to spend more than 270 days outside of the United Kingdom during the three years, and applicants are prohibited from spending more than 90 days overseas in the twelve months preceding their application.
Check Also: Student Visa Priority Processing for Australia
Exemptions and Special Circumstances
The Home Office may waive these residency criteria in exceptional cases, such as when your spouse is employed abroad by the UK government or an affiliated company. Additionally, extraordinary circumstances that prevent UK citizens from participating at the outset of the three years, such as health issues or travel restrictions, are assessed.
Additional Criteria for Application
The residency requirements are solely one component of the application process. Furthermore, petitioners must have either Indefinite Leave to Remain, Settled Status, or Indefinite Leave to Enter the United Kingdom. Evidence of residency in the United Kingdom for three years before the application’s reception. Additionally, it is essential to possess excellent character, pass the Life in the UK test, and possess knowledge of Welsh, Scottish, or English.
Application Cost and Processing Time
The application fee for naturalization is £1,500 and will be in effect beginning on October 4, 2023. The Home Office typically decides within six months; however, there are instances in which it may require more time.
When submitting for naturalization, spouses of British nationals must be cognizant of the unique residency requirements and additional requirements. The process involves demonstrating a continuous presence in the United Kingdom, possessing the necessary legal statuses, being fluent in English, and having a good character. Nevertheless, the home office considers specific exceptions and distinctive circumstances. The application’s success can be significantly influenced by an understanding of these subtleties.
Frequently Asked Questions:
-
Can dependents switch visas in the UK?
If you extend or switch your visa, your partner’s or child’s current visa will still be valid until its original end date. Your partner or child needs to apply to extend or switch their visa, either at the same time as you or at any time before their current visa expires.
-
Can I switch from a UK student visa to a spouse visa?
A person who is in the UK on a student visa can apply for switching to a spouse visa (5-year route) after getting married to a UK partner.
-
What is the UK’s new rule on dependents?
Starting January 2024, the UK Home Office has enforced new rules for student visas, impacting students’ ability to bring family members to the UK as dependents. Announced in July 2023, these changes aim to limit the number of dependents accompanying international students.
