UK Student Visa Spouse: Requirements, Application Process & Work Rights

So, you’re planning to study in the UK and wondering about bringing your partner along for the adventure? 

If so, this guide is for you.

Whereas the UK actually has some rules when it comes to bringing your spouse while you’re pursuing your studies. 

To be honest, it’s not as complicated as you might think. Though there are definitely some boxes you’ll need to tick. 

Therefore, whether you’re from India, Sri Lanka, or anywhere else in the world. Understanding these rules is crucial to keeping your family together while you chase those academic dreams.

In fact, the UK government understands that studying abroad shouldn’t mean putting your life on hold. Which is why they’ve created provisions for student visa holders to bring their partners. 

Moreover, they’ve made the process relatively accessible, especially if you’re enrolled in a postgraduate course or a longer undergraduate program. 

Anyway, throughout this friendly guide, we’ll walk you through everything from who qualifies to bring their spouse, what documents you’ll need, and even how your partner can work or study while they’re in the UK. 

For that reason, grab another biscuit and let’s dive into the details of making your UK study experience quite perfect.

Who Can Bring a Spouse on a UK Student Visa?

Now, let’s get down to the details – who exactly can bring their spouse along to the UK? 

Well, first things first, you’ll need to be enrolled in a full-time course that meets certain criteria. 

Typically, this means you should either pursue a postgraduate degree (that’s master’s level or higher). Or an undergraduate program that lasts longer than nine months. 

Furthermore, you must be studying at a recognized institution – basically, any university or college that’s officially registered with the UK government.

Anyway, here’s where things get interesting. 

Contrary to what some folks might think, you don’t need to be married in the traditional sense to qualify. 

That is because the UK recognises both legally married couples and those in long-term relationships (usually two years or more) as eligible for dependent visas. 

However, if you’re claiming your relationship falls under the latter category, you’ll need to provide some evidence of your commitment. 

This could include your joint bank accounts, shared rental agreements, or even utility bills showing that you’ve lived together.

Moreover, timing plays a crucial role in this whole scenario. 

Whereas you’ll need to apply for your spouse’s visa at the same time as your own student visa application, or shortly thereafter. 

This is because trying to add them later can complicate matters significantly.

Financial Requirements for Spouses of UK Student Visa Holders

Let’s talk about money, which is probably the most important part of bringing your spouse to the UK. 

Trust us, the financial requirements are not something that you can take lightly. But don’t worry, we’ll break it down in a simple way. 

To be honest, the UK government just wants to make sure that you can support yourselves without needing public funds. 

Whereas they’ve set some clear guidelines about how much you need to show in your bank account.

For instance, you’ll need to demonstrate that your partner has at least £845 per month. For each month up to nine months of your course duration. 

That’s on top of the £1,336 you’ll need for yourself if you’re studying outside London, or £1,483 if you’re in the capital. 

Now, here’s where it gets quite confusing – you can’t just show a random bank statement.  

The funds need to have been in your account for at least 28 consecutive days, and your account must be less than 31 days old when you submit your application. 

Step-by-Step Application Process for UK Student Visa Spouse

Alright, let’s walk through the actual application process. 

First of all, you must gather all your documents (we’ll talk about these in detail in the next section). 

With that, once you’ve got everything ready, you can start the online application process through the UK government’s official website. 

To be honest, the digital system is pretty user-friendly, though it does require attention to detail.

Speaking of which, you’ll need to create an online account after selecting the correct visa type. In this case, the dependent of a student visa holder. 

Throughout the form, you’ll be asked about your relationship, your financial situation, and your plans while in the UK. 

Moreover, you’ll need to pay the application fee, which is £524, plus the healthcare surcharge – that’s around £776 per year for both you and your spouse. 

Note: Don’t forget, you’ll also need to book an appointment at a visa application center (VFS) to provide your biometric information (fingerprints and photo).

Then, after submitting your application, the waiting game begins. 

As a matter of fact, processing times may depend on your location and the time of year, but you’ll probably hear back within three weeks. 

Documents Required for Spouse Visa Application

Let’s talk about the documents because unfortunately, there’s quite a bit of it. 

Don’t worry, though, we’ll go through everything that you need. 

To begin with, you’ll need proof of your relationship. 

This could be your marriage certificate if you’re legally wed, or a bundle of documents showing your long-term commitment if you’re in a civil partnership or long-term relationship. 

Moreover, you’ll need to provide evidence of living together, like utility bills, lease agreements, or bank statements that show shared accounts.

On the financial side, you’ll need to provide your bank statements that cover the required amount for the specified period. 

Furthermore, if you’re relying on savings, you’ll need to provide statements that show these funds have been available for at least 28 days. 

Oh, and don’t forget your passport. You’ll need to submit the original along with photocopies of all pages. 

Additionally, medical records are also crucial as you’ll need to complete a tuberculosis test if you’re from a country where it’s required. 

Work and Study Rights for UK Student Visa Spouses

Here’s some good news – your spouse can actually work while you’re focusing on studies. 

In fact, they have some pretty decent options for working and studying in the UK. 

To be honest, many people don’t realise just how flexible these rights are. 

When it comes to studying, your spouse has even more freedom. 

As they can enrol for courses from short English language courses to full degree programs. 

Moreover, they don’t need to apply for a separate student visa to do this. 

However, if they decide to pursue a full-time course lasting more than six months, they’ll need to meet the same academic and financial requirements as other international students. 

Duration and Extensions of Stay

Let’s talk about how long your spouse can stay and what happens when your course ends. 

Generally speaking, your spouse’s visa will match the duration of your student visa in most cases. 

So, if you’re doing a one-year master’s program, your spouse’s visa will also be valid for that year, plus a little extra time at the end. 

To be honest, the UK government usually grants a few additional months after your course completion date – typically up to four months for courses shorter than 12 months, and up to six months for longer programs.

Now, here’s where things get interesting. If you decide to continue your studies, perhaps moving from a master’s to a PhD, you can apply to extend your spouse’s visa alongside your own. 

Moreover, the extension process is pretty similar to the initial application, though you’ll need to demonstrate that you still meet the financial requirements and that your relationship is still genuine. 

Note: During the extension period, your spouse retains all their work and study rights.

Common Reasons for Rejection & How to Avoid Them

Let’s have an honest chat about visa rejections because nobody likes talking about it, but it’s better to be prepared. 

Speaking of which, most rejections result from a few common mistakes that are actually pretty easy to avoid if you know what to look out for. 

Out of those, the main one is the financial documentation issue. 

Whereas many applications get turned down because the funds aren’t shown correctly, or the required amount hasn’t been maintained for the full 28-day period. 

Another problem could be a lack of evidence of the relationship. 

In fact, even if you’ve been together for years, if you can’t prove it with official documents, the visa officer might doubt your commitment. 

With that being said, incomplete applications are another red flag. 

Such as missing a signature, forgetting to answer a question, or not including all your required documents can lead to instant rejection. 

Lastly, don’t underestimate the importance of following instructions precisely. 

That is because each and every detail that you submit matters to the final decision of the visa officer.

Bringing Children as Dependants

So, what if you’ve got little ones in the picture? 

Well, here’s good news – the UK allows you to bring your children as dependents too.

So, like in other cases, the process for it is quite similar to bringing your spouse, just with a few extra considerations. 

Whereas your children must be under 18 when you apply, unless they’re already in the UK as your dependants. 

Moreover, they need to be unmarried and not living independently.

Financially speaking, you’ll need to show extra funds for each child – currently, it’s £315 for the first child and £200 for each additional child. 

When it comes to documentation, you’ll need to provide birth certificates for each child, along with any adoption or custody papers if applicable. 

Furthermore, if your children are attending school, you’ll need to show evidence of their current education arrangements as well.

Tips for a Successful Application

So, here’s some advice to help your application to fall on the green side. 

For starters, start early, like really early. 

That is because many couples underestimate how long it takes to gather all the necessary documents and end up rushing at the last minute. 

In fact, starting your preparation three to four months before your intended travel date isn’t too soon. As this gives you plenty of time to address any unexpected issues.

Moreover, double-check every detail on your forms, such as dates, names, and amounts.

Furthermore, make sure your supporting documents match your application. 

Conversely, seeking for professional advice can be a game-changer, especially if your situation is complex. 

While it’s not mandatory, many find that consulting with an immigration advisor helps them to overcome any mistakes. 

Lastly, be patient and polite in all your communications with UKVI. 

That is because they’re just doing their job to ensure that everyone follows the rules properly.

Well, we’ve covered quite a journey together, haven’t we? 

From figuring out who can bring their spouse to going through the financial aspects and understanding work rights, we’ve touched on all the crucial areas. 

Anyway, remember that bringing your spouse to the UK while you study doesn’t have to be a solo mission. 

That is because there’s plenty of support available, from university international offices to online communities of students who’ve been through the same process. 

So, whether you’re just starting to consider studying in the UK or you’re ready to hit the apply button, you’re now full of knowledge to make informed decisions about bringing your spouse along for this exciting chapter of your life.

Contact TEVS a UK student visa consultants in Sri Lanka for more information.

Frequently Asked Questions