Can I Take My Spouse to the UK on a Study Visa?

Yes, you can bring your spouse to the UK on a study visa, but certain conditions must be met based on the latest rules set by the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI). Specifically, students pursuing a research-based postgraduate degree or receiving government sponsorship can generally bring their dependents to the UK. Recent changes by UKVI have introduced stricter guidelines to manage the influx of dependents, and understanding these requirements is essential for a smooth application process.

The Possibility of Accompanying a Spouse with a Study Visa

Not every student is eligible to bring their spouse to the UK on a study visa. The rules depend on the course you’re undertaking, your visa type, and your ability to meet financial requirements.

1. Postgraduate Level Studies: The UKVI allows students enrolled in a research-based postgraduate degree (PhD, Doctoral programs, or any other equivalent level) to bring their spouse and children as dependents. A research-based postgraduate degree typically refers to programs that focus on original research and contribute to academic knowledge rather than purely taught courses like a Master of Arts or Science. According to UKVI guidelines, research-based degrees are often at the PhD level. Students on MRes, Master’s by Research, Mphil or MScR can also bring dependents to the UK on a student visa.
2. Government Sponsorship: Students who are recipients of a financial scholarship or sponsorship from a government or international scholarship organization for a course that lasts longer than six months are also eligible to bring dependents, regardless of whether their course is research-based or taught.
3. Course Duration: The course must be at least nine months long. Shorter courses, even at postgraduate levels, generally do not qualify for bringing dependents.
4. Financial Proof: Financial readiness is a crucial factor in your eligibility. You need to demonstrate that you can support both yourself and your spouse during your stay in the UK. As of the latest guidelines, you must show evidence of £845 per month (up to nine months) if you’re studying in London, or £680 per month if you’re studying outside London. This amount is in addition to the financial proof you need to support yourself as a student.
5. Proof of Relationship: You must provide evidence of your marital or civil partnership status. If you’re in a long-term relationship but not married, you need to show proof of cohabitation for at least two years.

What is a Postgraduate Research Degree?

Finding the right research-based postgraduate degree courses in the UK requires careful research, as not all universities or departments offer them. Here are steps to identify these courses:

1. University Websites: Most UK universities have dedicated postgraduate sections on their websites where they list available courses. Use search terms like “Master’s by Research,”, “Mphil”, “MScR,” or “MRes” (Master of Research) to filter results.
2. Program Descriptions: Read the course descriptions carefully to differentiate between taught and research-based programs. MScR programs will emphasize independent research, minimal taught components, and a focus on producing a thesis.
3. Departmental Pages: Explore the pages of specific departments within universities. Research-based programs are often advertised alongside details of ongoing research projects and available supervisors.
4. Contact the University: If you are unsure whether a course is research-based, contact the admissions office or the relevant academic department directly for clarification.

General Conditions for Obtaining a UK Study Visa

To study in the UK, you must apply for a Student Route visa (previously called the Tier 4 (General) student visa). The primary conditions include:

1. Admission to a recognized institution: You must have an unconditional offer from a UK educational institution that holds a valid sponsorship license.
2. Financial requirements: You need to show that you have sufficient funds to cover your tuition fees and living costs while in the UK. The specific amount depends on whether you are studying in London or elsewhere in the UK. For example, as of recent regulations, you must demonstrate at least £1,334 per month for living expenses if studying in London, and £1,023 per month if studying outside London, for up to nine months.
3. English language proficiency: You must prove your ability to speak, read, write, and understand English at a level required by your course. Most often, this is done by passing an approved English language test, such as IELTS or TOEFL.
4. Tuberculosis test: Depending on your country of residence, you may need to take a tuberculosis (TB) test as part of your application.

Documents Required to Apply for a Study Visa with Spouse

When applying for a study visa for both yourself and your spouse, several documents are required to support the application:

Valid Passports

When applying for a UK visa, you will need to have both your passports.

Proof of Relationship

This could be a marriage or civil partnership certificate. If you are in a long-term relationship but not married, you need to provide evidence that you have lived together for at least two years.

Certificate of Acceptance for Studies (CAS)

A Certificate of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) is a document issued by a UK educational institution to international students who have been offered an unconditional place on a full-time course. The CAS is an essential part of the application process for a UK student visa. CAS contains information like: CAS number, institution’s sponsor license number, your personal details, course details, fees, ATAS certificate if required.

Once you have your CAS, you can use it to apply for your student visa within six months. It’s important to ensure all the details on your CAS are accurate, as errors can cause delays in your visa application.

Proof of Funds

You must demonstrate that you can financially support both yourself and your spouse. This means showing an additional £845 per month (for up to nine months) if you’re studying in London or £680 per month if you’re outside London, on top of the financial requirements for yourself. Funds can be shown by a bank statement, a loan statement or financial sponsorship.

English Language Proficiency Test

The university must confirm the means by which the student’s English language ability was tested. This can be done via IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, the university English language test, etc.

Procedures for Applying for a Study Visa for Accompanying Spouse

The application process for a study visa and a dependent visa for your spouse can be done simultaneously or separately, depending on your timeline. The steps typically include:

Filling out the UKVI Online Application Form

Both you and your spouse need to complete the appropriate visa application forms on the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) website. You will apply for a Student visa, and your spouse will apply for a Dependent visa separately.

Providing Biometric Information

Both you and your spouse will need to provide biometric information (fingerprints and photos) as part of the application process. This is typically done at a visa application center in your home country. Most often, this is done by VFS Global or TLS.

Submit Required Documents

Upload all necessary documents, including proof of funds, relationship status, and your CAS. Keep in mind that sometimes the documents can be submitted to the VAC personally. In this case, you will need to hand over the hard copy to the VAC on the date of appointment.

Pay Visa Fees and Health Surcharge

You will need to pay the visa application fee for both yourself and your spouse. Additionally, both of you will be required to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), which grants access to the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) during your stay.

Wait for Decision

After submitting the application, you will typically receive a decision within 2 to 5 weeks. If your application is approved, both you and your spouse will receive your visas, allowing entry into the UK.

Costs Associated with Student Visas and Spouse Visas

The costs of obtaining a study visa and a spouse visa in the UK can be significant:

• Visa application fee: As of recent guidelines, the Student visa application fee is around £490, and your spouse will need to pay a similar fee for the Dependent visa.
• Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): This fee is charged to all visa applicants and is currently £776 per year for students and their dependents. The total amount you need to pay depends on the length of your visa.
• Proof of funds: You will need to demonstrate that you have enough money to support yourself and your spouse without recourse to public funds. This can involve holding a large sum of money in your bank account for a specified period before applying.

Rules and Regulations Related to Study Visa and Spouse

Both you and your spouse must adhere to the rules and regulations associated with your visas:

1. Work restrictions: As a student, you can work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during holidays. Your spouse, however, can work full-time without restrictions, except for certain professions like professional sports.
2. Visa validity: Your spouse’s visa will be valid for the same duration as your study visa. If you extend your visa for further studies, your spouse will also need to extend their visa.
3. No access to public funds: Neither you nor your spouse can claim public benefits while in the UK.

How to Stay and the Rights of a Spouse in the UK

Once your spouse joins you in the UK, they will have certain rights and responsibilities:

• Work rights: Your spouse can work full-time while living in the UK, which is a significant advantage over international students who often face work restrictions. However, they cannot work as a professional sportsperson or coach.
• Healthcare access: Your spouse will be entitled to NHS services, having paid the Immigration Health Surcharge as part of the visa application process.
• Travel: Your spouse can travel in and out of the UK during the visa period, provided they maintain their visa status.
• Study options: If your spouse wishes to study in the UK, they can do so without needing a separate student visa. This flexibility is ideal if your spouse plans to pursue further education.