Tier 2 Dependant Visa vs Spouse Visa: Which Is Right for You?
What You’ll Learn
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into the essential aspects of the Tier 2 Dependant Visa and the Spouse Visa, helping you make an informed decision about which UK visa aligns best with your circumstances.
Quick Comparison Table
| Feature | Tier 2 Dependant Visa | Spouse Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Eligibility Criteria | Family members of Tier 2 (General) visa holders | Non-UK citizens married to or in a civil partnership with a British citizen or settled person |
| Financial Requirements | Sufficient funds to support themselves | Minimum income threshold of £29,000 per year or sufficient savings |
| Application Process and Fees | Online application, biometric appointment; fees vary | Online application, biometric appointment; £1,846 (outside UK), £1,258 (inside UK) as of 2025 |
| Visa Duration and Extensions | Dependent on sponsor’s visa status | 33 months (outside UK), extendable for 30 months, leading to indefinite leave to remain after 5 years |
| Work and Study Rights | May have restrictions based on sponsor’s employment | Right to work and study without restrictions |
| Pathway to Permanent Residency | May need to switch to another visa category | Eligible after 5 years of continuous residence |
Overview of Tier 2 Dependant Visa
The Tier 2 Dependant Visa allows family members of individuals holding a Skilled Worker visa (formerly Tier 2 General) to join them in the UK. Eligible dependants include spouses, civil partners, unmarried partners, and children under 18.
Pros
– **Family Reunification**: Enables families to live together in the UK.
– **Work Rights**: Dependants can work in most roles, except as professional sportspersons or coaches.
– **Study Rights**: Dependants can study in the UK.
Cons
– **Financial Requirements**: Applicants must demonstrate sufficient funds to support themselves, with specific amounts required for each dependant.
– **Dependent on Sponsor’s Status**: The duration of the dependant visa is tied to the main applicant’s visa status.
Overview of Spouse Visa
The Spouse Visa, also known as the Family of a Settled Person visa, allows non-UK citizens married to or in a civil partnership with a British citizen or settled person to live together in the UK.
Pros
– **Work and Study Rights**: Spouse visa holders have the right to work and study in the UK without restrictions.
– **Pathway to Permanent Residency**: Eligible to apply for indefinite leave to remain after 5 years of continuous residence.
Cons
– **Financial Requirements**: Applicants must meet a minimum income threshold of £29,000 per year or show sufficient savings.
– **Application Fees**: Higher application fees compared to the Tier 2 Dependant Visa.
Side-by-Side Breakdown
Eligibility Criteria
– **Tier 2 Dependant Visa**: Designed for family members of Tier 2 (General) visa holders, including spouses, civil partners, unmarried partners, and children under 18.
– **Spouse Visa**: Intended for non-UK citizens married to or in a civil partnership with a British citizen or settled person.
Financial Requirements
– **Tier 2 Dependant Visa**: Applicants must show sufficient funds to support themselves, with specific amounts required for each dependant.
– **Spouse Visa**: Applicants must meet a minimum income threshold of £29,000 per year or demonstrate sufficient savings.
Application Process and Fees
– **Tier 2 Dependant Visa**: Involves an online application and biometric appointment; fees vary.
– **Spouse Visa**: Requires an online application and biometric appointment; as of 2025, the fee is £1,846 for applications made from outside the UK and £1,258 for applications made from within the UK.
Visa Duration and Extensions
– **Tier 2 Dependant Visa**: The visa duration is dependent on the sponsor’s visa status.
– **Spouse Visa**: Initially granted for 33 months if applied for from outside the UK, with the possibility of extending for an additional 30 months, leading to indefinite leave to remain after 5 years.
Work and Study Rights
– **Tier 2 Dependant Visa**: Holders may have restrictions based on the sponsor’s employment status.
– **Spouse Visa**: Holders have the right to work and study in the UK without restrictions.
Pathway to Permanent Residency
– **Tier 2 Dependant Visa**: Holders may need to switch to another visa category to pursue permanent residency.
– **Spouse Visa**: Holders can apply for indefinite leave to remain after 5 years of continuous residence.
Which One Should You Choose?
Your choice between the Tier 2 Dependant Visa and the Spouse Visa depends on your specific circumstances:
– **Tier 2 Dependant Visa**: Best suited for individuals who are dependents of Tier 2 (General) visa holders, such as spouses, children, or other eligible family members, seeking to join their sponsor in the UK.
– **Spouse Visa**: Ideal for non-UK citizens married to or in a civil partnership with a British citizen or settled person, aiming to live together in the UK.
Tier 2 Dependant Visa vs Spouse Visa: The Final Verdict
| Category | Tier 2 Dependant Visa | Spouse Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Best for Family Reunification | ✔️ | ❌ |
| Best for Work and Study Rights | ❌ | ✔️ |
| Best Value | ✔️ | ❌ |
Findings and Recap
In summary, the Tier 2 Dependant Visa is tailored for family members of Skilled Worker visa holders, facilitating family reunification in the UK. In contrast, the Spouse Visa is designed for non-UK citizens married to or in a civil partnership with a British citizen or settled person, offering broader rights and a pathway to permanent residency.
Related reading: Understanding UK Family Visas
AI Image Prompt: A split-screen image showing a family reunion on one side and a couple in a civil ceremony on the other, symbolizing the Tier 2 Dependant Visa and Spouse Visa, respectively.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between a Tier 2 Dependant Visa and a Spouse Visa?
A Tier 2 Dependant Visa allows family members of a Skilled Worker visa holder to join them in the UK, whereas a Spouse Visa permits the spouse or civil partner of a British or settled person to live and work in the UK. The primary distinction lies in the eligibility criteria and the relationship to the main applicant.
Can I switch from a Tier 2 Dependant Visa to a Spouse Visa?
Yes, if you are married to or in a civil partnership with a British or settled person, you may be eligible to switch from a Tier 2 Dependant Visa to a Spouse Visa within the UK, provided you meet the necessary requirements. This includes demonstrating a genuine relationship and meeting financial criteria. ([immigrationlawyers-london.com](https://immigrationlawyers-london.com/blog/switching-from-skilled-worker-visa-to-spouse-visa.php/?utm_source=openai))
What are the financial requirements for a Spouse Visa?
To qualify for a Spouse Visa, you and your UK-based partner must have a combined annual income of at least £29,000. This can include income from employment, self-employment, pensions, or non-work income. If you have children, the required income may be higher. ([immigrationlawyers-london.com](https://immigrationlawyers-london.com/blog/switching-from-skilled-worker-visa-to-spouse-visa.php/?utm_source=openai))
Can dependants work in the UK on a Tier 2 Dependant Visa?
Yes, dependants on a Tier 2 Dependant Visa are permitted to work in most roles in the UK, except as professional sportspersons or coaches. However, they are not allowed to work as doctors in training; a separate Tier 2 Visa is required for such positions. ([imgconnect.co.uk](https://www.imgconnect.co.uk/news/2020/04/the-tier-2-dependant-visa-can-i-bring-my-family-to-the-uk/139?utm_source=openai))
How long does a Spouse Visa last, and can it lead to permanent residency?
A Spouse Visa is typically granted for an initial period of 30 months, which can be extended for another 30 months. After completing 5 years of continuous residence in the UK on a Spouse Visa, you may be eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), leading to permanent residency. ([immigrationlawyers-london.com](https://immigrationlawyers-london.com/blog/switching-from-skilled-worker-visa-to-spouse-visa.php/?utm_source=openai))
What evidence is required to prove a genuine relationship for a Spouse Visa?
To demonstrate a genuine relationship for a Spouse Visa, you may need to provide evidence such as a marriage or civil partnership certificate, joint tenancy agreements, shared bank accounts, utility bills, or council tax bills showing cohabitation for at least two years. ([davidsonmorris.com](https://www.davidsonmorris.com/dependent-visa-uk/?utm_source=openai))
Can dependants study in the UK on a Tier 2 Dependant Visa?
Yes, dependants on a Tier 2 Dependant Visa are allowed to study in the UK, including accessing public education for children. ([davidsonmorris.com](https://www.davidsonmorris.com/skilled-worker-dependant-visa/?utm_source=openai))
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