IMMIGRATION PROCEDURES, VISAS, AND TRAVEL DOCUMENTATION

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IMMIGRATION PROCEDURES, VISAS, AND TRAVEL DOCUMENTATION

Gladwill Integrated Global Services is a professional certified immigration expert in all types of visas and travel documentation in various countries around the world.

Skilled Worker Visa

Skilled Worker Dependant Visa

The Skilled Worker Dependant Visa is the mechanism that allows the immediate family members of a Skilled Worker Visa holder to join them in the UK. Specifically, it’s a visa for the spouse, civil partner, or unmarried partner of the main applicant and any dependent children they may have. It enables the dependents to accompany the main applicant for the duration of their visa in the UK.

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PBS Dependant Visa

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Graduate Dependant Visa

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Graduate Visa

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Civil Partner Visa

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Skilled Worker Visa

What is a UK Skilled Worker Visa?

The UK Skilled Worker Visa is a visa category designed for skilled workers from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland who want to work in the United Kingdom. It was introduced as part of the UK’s new points-based immigration system, which came into effect on December 1, 2020. This visa category replaced the previous Tier 2 (General) Visa.
The Skilled Worker Visa aims to attract highly skilled individuals to contribute to the UK’s workforce and economy. It offers opportunities for individuals with job offers from UK employers to come and work in the country. The visa allows successful applicants to live and work in the UK for a specified period, usually up to five years. After this time, the applicant should be eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain.
Applicants must meet certain requirements to be eligible for the Skilled Worker Visa. These include a valid job offer from a UK employer with a sponsor license. The job offer must meet the minimum skill and salary thresholds, ensuring that the position is at an appropriate skill level and offers a competitive salary. Applicants must also demonstrate proficiency in the English language and accumulate a minimum of 70 points across these different requirements. Should an applicant meet all of these criteria, then the application should be approved subject to the appropriate supporting documentation being supplied.
This guide will examine the eligibility requirements, process, and documents required for a skilled worker visa. This comprehensive guide should address any questions you may have, but if there are still outstanding questions, please feel free to contact our team.

What are the Eligibility Requirements for a Skilled Worker Visa?

here are various different components to a UK Skilled Worker Visa. Each of these needs to be addressed and satisfied for the visa to be granted:

Points-Based System Requirement: The Skilled Worker Visa operates on a points-based system. Applicants must accumulate a minimum of 70 points to be eligible. Points are awarded based on factors such as having a job offer from an approved sponsor, meeting the skill and salary requirements, and demonstrating English language proficiency.

Job Offer Requirement: Applicants must have a job offer from a UK employer with a valid sponsor license. The job offer must be at the required skill level, which generally means the job is classified at RQF (Regulated Qualifications Framework) Level 3 or above.

Skill and Salary Threshold: The job offer must meet the minimum skill and salary thresholds. Applicants must be offered a salary that meets or exceeds the general salary threshold (currently £26,200 per year) and the specific salary threshold for their occupation.

English Language Requirement: Applicants are required to demonstrate their knowledge of the English language. This can be done by passing an approved English language test, holding a degree taught in English, or in several other ways.

Sponsorship and Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS): The employer must have a valid sponsor license and issue a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) to the applicant. The CoS contains information about the job and the individual, and it is required during the visa application process.

Maintenance Requirement: The applicant must be able to support themselves and any dependents upon arrival to the UK.

Job Offer, Skill, and Salary Threshold Requirements

For a role to be suitable for a Skilled Worker Visa, several different requirements need to be met:

Job Offer: A valid job offer from a UK employer must be issued, and the employer must hold a valid sponsor license. The job offer must be for a position suitable for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker route.

Skill Level: The job must be at an RQF Level 3 or above skill level. This means it should generally require a qualification equivalent to A-levels or above.

Salary Requirement: The job offer must meet the minimum salary threshold. The salary offered must either meet the general salary threshold, which is currently £26,200 per year, or the specific salary requirement for the occupation, whichever is higher.

Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS): The employer must issue you a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS). The CoS contains information about the job and your details and is required during the visa application process.

The occupations suitable for a Skilled Worker Visa are subject to periodic review. There is also an array of circumstances where the minimum salary requirement can be varied based on the job role, the applicant’s educational background, and the specific circumstances of the offer. We’d suggest checking the government website for the latest information or contacting First Migration to discuss the specific circumstances of the application.

English Language Requirement

o meet the English language requirement for the UK Skilled Worker Visa, you must demonstrate proficiency in reading, writing, speaking, and understanding English at a minimum level of B1 on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) scale.
There are various ways to prove your knowledge of English:

Secure English Language Test (SELT): You can take a SELT from an approved provider to demonstrate your English language skills. These tests are designed specifically for immigration purposes and assess your proficiency in English.

Academic Qualifications: You may be exempt from taking an English language test if you have certain academic qualifications. These qualifications include a GCSE, A level, Scottish National Qualification level 4 or 5, Scottish Higher, or Advanced Higher in English. However, it is important that these qualifications were obtained by studying at a UK school before age 18.

English-Taught Degree: If you have a degree-level academic qualification taught in English, you may also meet the English language requirement. However, if you studied abroad, you must apply through Ecctis (formerly UK NARIC) to confirm that your qualification is equivalent to a UK bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, or PhD.

Healthcare Professionals: For individuals working in specific healthcare professions, such as doctors, dentists, nurses, midwives, and veterinarians, the requirement to prove English language proficiency may be different. If you belong to one of these professions and have already passed an English Language assessment accepted by the relevant regulated professional body, you do not need to provide further evidence of your English language skills. However, if you are a veterinarian, there may be an additional requirement to demonstrate that you have passed an English Language assessment specifically with the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons.

Citizen of an English Speaking Country: You do not need to prove your knowledge of English if you’re a national of a majority English-speaking country. A full list is available on our English language knowledge centre guide.

Maintenance Requirement

To demonstrate your ability to support yourself in the UK, you must have a minimum of £1,270 in your bank account. This amount should have been available for a continuous period of at least 28 days. The 28th day must fall within 31 days before submitting your visa application.

You have been residing in the UK with a valid visa for at least 12 months.

Your employer is willing to cover your expenses for the first month in the UK, up to £1,270.

It’s important to note that your partner and children accompanying you must also demonstrate their financial ability to support themselves while in the UK. The additional maintenance funds required are as follows:

£285 for your partner

£315 for one child

£200 for each additional child

If your employer can support your financial needs instead, it must be explicitly mentioned in your Certificate of Sponsorship. Your employer should complete the ‘sponsor certifies maintenance’ section, located under ‘Additional data’ on your certificate.

Sponsorship and Certificate of Sponsorship Requirement

The Sponsorship and Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) requirements are important aspects of the UK Skilled Worker Visa application process. These requirements need to be undertaken directly by the employer. Here’s an overview of these requirements:

Sponsorship: To apply for a Skilled Worker Visa, you must have a valid job offer from a UK employer with a valid sponsor license issued by the Home Office. The employer must be registered as a sponsor and have a sponsor license to sponsor skilled workers.

Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS): Once the UK employer has offered you a job, they will issue a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS). The CoS is a unique reference number assigned to your job offer and contains information about the role, salary, and other relevant details. It serves as evidence that the employer has offered you a genuine position.

t’s important to note that the employer generates the CoS through the Sponsor Management System (SMS), the online platform UK employers use to manage their sponsor duties and responsibilities. The CoS is not to be confused with a physical or paper certificate. It is a digital reference number used in the visa application process. You must provide the CoS reference number when submitting your visa application.

Skilled Visa Document List

During the application process for a UK Skilled Worker Visa, you will be required to provide the following documents and information:

Certificate of Sponsorship Reference Number: Your employer will provide a certificate of sponsorship reference number, a unique identifier for your job offer.

Proof of English Language Proficiency: You must provide evidence of your English language skills per the specified requirements.

Valid Passport or Identity Document: You must submit a valid passport or another acceptable document verifying your nationality and identity.

Job Title and Annual Salary: You need to provide details of your job title and the annual salary offered for the position.

Job’s Occupation Code: Include the occupation code associated with your job, which helps identify the specific occupation under the Skilled Worker route.

Employer’s Name and Sponsor License Number: Provide your employer’s name and sponsor license number, which can be found on your certificate of sponsorship.

Additionally, depending on your circumstances, you may be asked to provide other supporting documents, such as:

Evidence of sufficient personal savings to support yourself in the UK (unless your certificate of sponsorship states that your employer will support you financially).

Proof of your relationship with your partner or children if they apply with you.

Tuberculosis test results if you come from a country on the specified list.

Criminal record certificate if your occupation falls within certain fields, such as education, healthcare, therapy, or social services.

Valid ATAS certificate if your employer informs you that your job involves sensitive research at PhD level or higher.

UK PhD certificate or unique Ecctis reference number (formerly known as unique UK NARIC reference number) if your qualification is obtained outside the UK (for non-UK PhD holders).

Certified translations will be required if your documents are not in English or Welsh.

Skilled Worker Visa Rights and Entitlements

With a Skilled Worker visa, you have the following permissions:

Engage in eligible employment.

Pursue studies.

Bring your spouse and children as dependents if they meet the eligibility criteria.

Take on additional employment in specific circumstances.

Engage in voluntary work.

Travel outside the UK and return.

Apply for settlement (indefinite leave to remain) after living in the UK for 5 years and meeting other eligibility criteria.

However, there are certain restrictions:

You are not eligible for most public funds or the State Pension.

Changing jobs or employers requires updating your visa through the application process.

Upon successful application, you will receive a comprehensive list outlining the activities you are permitted or prohibited from doing with a Skilled Worker visa.

Skilled Worker Processing Time

After submitting your online application, verifying your identity, and submitting the necessary documents, you can generally expect to receive a decision back within three weeks. However, if your application requires additional time for document verification, an interview, or personal circumstances like a criminal conviction, you will be notified accordingly. It is possible to expedite the decision process by paying an additional fee, and you will be informed of this option when submitting your application.

Skilled Worker Dependant Visa

What is a Skilled Worker Dependant Visa?

Dependents can either apply simultaneously with the main applicant or apply to join them at a later date.

The length of the skilled worker visa determines the length of the dependents visa. Dependent visas are typically granted for the same duration as the main applicant’s.

Under a dependent visa, dependents can work, study, and reside in the UK without restrictions.

Dependents can extend their visas with the main applicant or seek settlement (indefinite leave to remain) once they meet the residency requirements.

The Skilled Worker Dependant Visa ensures that families can stay together and grants significant opportunities and rights to the visa holder. Somewhat ironically, the dependents have greater freedom of employment than the main visa holder. The visa also serves as a pathway to obtaining indefinite leave to remain and, eventually, British citizenship. However, it’s crucial to understand that, as a dependent, your stay in the UK is completely dependent on the main visa holder. Any future visa extensions or applications for residency in the UK are contingent upon the main applicant doing likewise and all dependents maintaining a genuine and subsisting relationship with the main visa holder.

Skilled Worker Dependant Visa Eligibility

To be eligible for a Skilled Worker Dependant Visa, you must satisfy all of the following criteria:

Relationship to the main applicant: To be eligible for a skilled worker dependent visa, you must be the spouse, civil partner, unmarried partner, or dependent child (under 18) of the main applicant with a valid skilled worker visa.

Financial requirement: Both the main applicant and any dependents applying must have sufficient savings to support themselves without recourse to public funds. The funds must have been held in your account for at least 28 consecutive days.

Tuberculosis (TB) test: Depending on your country of residence, you may need to undergo a TB test as part of the visa application process.

It’s important to note that there is no English language requirement for dependants at this point. However, subsequent applications in the immigration journey to residency and citizenship will require evidence of your English language proficiency.

Relationship Requirement

You must meet certain relationship requirements to qualify for a Skilled Worker Dependant Visa. The following individuals can apply as dependants:

Spouse, civil partner, or unmarried partner: If you are married to or in a civil partnership with the main Skilled Worker Visa holder, you could apply as their dependant. Alternatively, if you had been living together in a relationship similar to marriage or civil partnership for at least two years, you could apply also as an unmarried partner.

Children: The children of the main Skilled Worker Visa holder (including biological children, adopted children, and stepchildren) under 18 can apply as dependants. Children over 18 can also be included if they’re currently in the UK as your dependant.

The UKVI requires evidence to prove the relationship and we’ll look at these requirements later in this article.

Financial Requirement

Any dependents will need a certain amount of money available to satisfy the financial requirement and support themselves in the UK. The amount needed depends on the makeup of the family. The following maintenance requirements apply:

Primary applicant: £1,270

Dependant partner: £285

First dependant child: £315

Subsequent dependant children: £200

his means if a family consists of the primary applicant, a partner, and two children, the total maintenance requirement would be £2,070 (£1,270 + £285 + £315 + £200). When submitting your visa application, you will need to provide bank statements demonstrating that the required maintenance funds have been continuously available in your account for at least 28 consecutive days. The final day of this period must also fall within 31 days of your visa application.
There are a couple of exceptions to needing to satisfy the maintenance requirement:

If all members of your family have held a valid visa in the UK for a minimum of 12 months

If your employer confirms on your certificate of sponsorship that they will cover your family’s expenses for the initial month in the UK

It’s also important to note that if dependants apply separately, they only need to demonstrate sufficient funds to support themselves.

Tuberculosis Test Requirement

Any application made by a dependant from outside of the UK will need to assess whether they need to provide a Tuberculosis (TB) test certificate. This is a requirement for applications from countries where it is assessed that TB is prevalent. You can check whether this requirement applies to you by viewing our TB Test requirement guide in the knowledge centre.

Documents Required for a Dependant Skilled Worker Visa

The following documents are required when making an application:. The exact requirements will vary based on your circumstances.

Valid passport: A valid passport should be submitted for each dependant family member applying for the visa. The passport should have at least six months of validity remaining.

Proof of relationship: Appropriate documentation must be provided to establish the relationship between the main applicant and each dependant. This could include marriage certificates, civil partnership certificates, or evidence of 2 years cohabitation for unmarried partners. The cohabitation documents should include documents from several sources covering the last two years. For dependant children, birth certificates or adoption certificates will be required. For children aged 16 years or over, proof of address should also be supplied to prove they live with the main applicant.

TB test results: If the dependants are from a country where a tuberculosis (TB) test is required, you would need to provide the TB test results from an approved clinic.

Financial documentation: You must provide evidence of meeting the financial requirement for maintenance funds. This can include bank statements or other financial documents showing that you have sufficient funds to support yourself and your dependants.

Rights and Permissions Under Dependant Skilled Worker Visa

The Skilled Worker Dependant visa offers several advantages to the visa holder, granting them various rights in terms of work, study, and general freedoms. Visa holders can do the following:

Engage in full-time or part-time employment with any employer without requiring sponsorship.

Pursue education on a full-time or part-time basis at recognized schools, colleges, or universities in the UK.

Enjoy the freedom to enter and exit the UK at their discretion.

Apply for visa extensions to continue their stay in the UK.

Qualify to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after residing continuously in the UK for five years.

It is important to consider certain limitations that apply to the visa, particularly regarding access to public funds:

Generally, Dependant Skilled Worker Visa holders do not have access to most UK public funds, including welfare benefits and social housing.

However, some exceptions exist, such as access to healthcare services provided by the National Health Service (NHS).

Dependant Skilled Worker Processing Time

The clock starts ticking on the processing time once an application has been made online and biometric information has been provided at the scheduled appointment. From this point, most applications are assessed and processed within 3 weeks, considerably quicker than many other visa types. You may be able to expedite your application, and if applicable, this information will be provided to you by UKVI when you apply.

PBS Dependant Visa

PBS Dependant Visa Overview

The Points-Based System (PBS) is the UK’s immigration system to manage the entry of skilled workers, students, and other individuals from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland. It assigns points to applicants based on specific criteria, such as qualifications, work experience, language proficiency, and sponsorship. The PBS-dependent visa allows the partners and children of these migrants to come with them to the UK for the duration of their visas. As the PBS system covers a wide range of different visas, from multi-million-pound investor visas to student visas, there’s a significant amount of variation in the duration and cost of the dependant visas. However, all PBS dependant visas work along the same broad principles:

Dependants can apply at the same time as the main applicant or can apply to join them at a later date.

Dependants can work, study, and live in the UK without any restrictions.

Dependants can extend their visas with the main applicant or apply for settlement (indefinite leave to remain) after meeting the residency requirements.

The PBS dependant visa allows family units to remain together and provides significant opportunities and rights to the visa holder. It also provides a pathway to indefinite leave to remain and, in time, British citizenship. However it’s always important to understand that as a PBS dependant visa holder, your stay in the UK is inextricably linked to that of the main visa holder. Future extensions and the right to remain in the UK can only be granted if the main applicant extends their stay and you remain in a genuine and subsisting relationship with the main visa holder.

Who Can Apply for a PBS Dependant Visa?

To be able to apply for a PBS dependant visa, you need to ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria. This includes requirements for both you as the dependant family member as well as requirements for the main visa holder. The most important requirement is that the main visa holder must have a qualifying PBS visa. The following list provides an overview of the most common qualifying PBS visas:

Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent) – Innovator Visa, Investor Visa, Global Talent Visa

Tier 2 (Skilled Worker) – General Visa, Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) Visa, Minister of Religion Visa, Sportsperson Visa

Tier 4 (Student) – Student Visa*, Ancestry Visa

Tier 5 (Temporary Workers) – Temporary Worker Visa

In addition to the above, the applicant for the PBS dependant visa must:

be the spouse, civil partner, unmarried partner, or dependant child (under the age of 18) of a person who is applying for or already in the UK under a PBS visa

demonstrate a genuine and subsisting relationship with the main visa holder

satisfy a maintenance funds requirement in conjunction with the main applicant

Providing all of the above requirements are met, and the necessary evidence is submitted, your application for a PBS dependant visa should be granted.

Rights and Permissions Under the PBS Dependant Visa

The PBS dependant visa bestows several benefits to the visa holder, including the right to work and study and some more general rights. The PBS dependant visa allows the holder to:

Engage in full-time or part-time employment with any employer without sponsorship.

Pursue full-time or part-time education at a recognized UK school, college, or university.

Enjoy the freedom to leave and re-enter the UK as desired.

Apply for visa extensions to continue staying in the UK.

Become eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after living continuously in the UK for five years.

However, it is important to note that there are some limitations to the visa, including the right to access public funds:

Generally, PBS Dependants do not have access to most UK public funds, including welfare benefits and social housing.

However, some exceptions apply, such as access to healthcare through the National Health Service (NHS).

Graduate Visa

Overview of the Graduate Visa

The UK, USA, or Canadian Graduate Visa is a popular post-study work visa aimed at international students who want to work in the UK, USA, or Canada at the end of their studies. The visa targets students who have studied within the UK, USA, or Canada for at least 12 months and attained a higher level qualification, typically of bachelor’s degree level or above. You can submit an application if your qualification meets the requirements and you satisfy all the other eligibility criteria. If your application is approved, you’ll receive a 2- or 3-year graduate visa based on the specific qualification obtained.
The Graduate Visa has many benefits, including working and living in the UK, USA, or Canadian without restrictions. Unlike many other work visas, there is no requirement for sponsorship by an employer, giving you the freedom to work across various companies and sectors. There’s also the possibility of working as a contractor or on a self-employed basis. The Graduate Visa is often seen as a stepping stone to other work visas, which can then lead to permanent residence within the UK, USA, or Canada and Indefinite Leave to Remain.

Who is eligible to apply for a graduate visa?

There are four key criteria that need to be satisfied for you to be eligible for a graduate visa. All of the following conditions need to be met for you to be eligible:

You must currently be in the UK, USA, or Canada.

Your current visa must be a student visa or Tier 4 (General) Student Visa.

You must have completed a UK, USA, or Canadian bachelor’s degree, postgraduate degree, or another eligible course for a minimum duration while on your Student Visa or Tier 4 (General) Student Visa.

Your education provider, such as your university or college, must have notified the Home Office that you have successfully finished your course. If you are uncertain whether your education provider has informed the Home Office about your course completion, you should ask them for confirmation.

Providing you satisfy all of the above criteria, you will be able to make an application for a Graduate Visa.

Application Process for a Graduate Visa

The process for applying for a Graduate visa in the UK involves several steps. Here is a step-by-step overview:

Check Eligibility: Ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria for the Graduate visa. This includes being in the UK, USA, or Canada, having a current Student Visa or Tier 4 (General) Student Visa, completing an eligible course, and having your education provider inform the Home Office about your course completion.

Gather Required Documents: Collect all the necessary documents for your application. This typically includes your passport, current visa, evidence of completing an eligible course, such as a degree certificate or academic transcript (if available), and any other supporting documents as required.

Complete the Online Application: Access the online application form by visiting the UK, USA, or Canadian government website. Fill in the required details accurately and provide all the requested information.

Pay the Application Fee

Book Biometric Appointment: After submitting your online application, you must book an appointment to provide your biometric information. This usually involves taking your fingerprints and photograph at a designated visa application centre. There may be a cost associated with booking the appointment.

Submit Your Documents: Documents can be uploaded and submitted online, and this should be done before attending your biometric appointment.

Attend Biometric Appointment: On the scheduled date and time, attend the biometric appointment with your passport, BRP, and the appointment confirmation.

Wait for a Decision: After submitting your application and providing biometric information, you will need to wait for a decision on your Graduate Visa application. The processing time is typically within 8 weeks, although processing times can fluctuate throughout the year.

Visa Decision and Biometric Residence Permit (BRP): Once your application is approved, you will receive a decision letter, and you’ll also be issued a new Biometric Residence Permit (BRP).

UK, USA, or Canada Graduate Visa Processing Times

The processing time for a Graduate Visa begins once the application has been fully submitted along with the applicant’s supporting documents and biometric information. From this point, most applications are processed in around 8 weeks. Sometimes, applications can be processed faster, while others can take longer. This is especially true for applications made during the summer months, as this is the end of the academic year and when most degrees are awarded. Regardless of the processing time, you will be able to remain in the UK until a decision has been made on your visa application.

Rights and Permissions on a UK, USA, or Canadian Graduate Visa

Having a Graduate visa enables you to:

Engage in a wide range of employment opportunities.

Conduct job searches and explore employment prospects.

Establish your own business or work as a self-employed individual.

Reside in the UK, USA, or Canadian with your eligible partner and children.

Participate in voluntary work.

Travel outside the UK, USA, or Canadian and return without restrictions.

However, there are certain limitations. You are not eligible to:

Apply for most benefits or public funds provided by the government.

Receive the State Pension.

Pursue a professional sports career.

Graduate Dependant Visa

What is a Graduate Dependant Visa?

A UK, USA, or Canadian Graduate Dependant visa is a type of visa that allows dependants to remain in the UK, USA, or Canada alongside the main applicant on the Graduate visa. The Graduate visa is only available to applicants who have completed an acceptable qualification and are currently inside the UK, USA, or Canada on a Student visa, so the application must be made from inside the UK, USA, or Canada. This also means the Graduate Dependant visa application must be made at the same time as the main applicant. If the application is successful, the dependants will be issued a visa for 2 or 3 years, depending on the academic qualification obtained. The visa gives dependants the flexibility to work, study, and live in the UK, USA, or Canada, although they won’t be able to access any public funds or benefits.

UK, USA, or Canadian Graduate Dependant Visa Eligibility

You must only meet the relationship requirement to qualify for a UK, USA, or Canadian Graduate Dependant visa. This means you must be the spouse, civil partner, unmarried partner, or dependent child of the main applicant applying for the UK, USA, or Canadian Graduate visa. As you will have been in the UK for over 12 months, there isn’t any financial requirement, and there is no English language requirement for dependants. However, you should be aware that for subsequent applications related to residency and citizenship, you will need to provide evidence of your English language proficiency.

Relationship Requirement

Partners

o be eligible for a Graduate Dependant visa, your partner must have been a dependant on your Student visa . Additionally, you need to demonstrate that you’re still in a relationship.
You must be able to demonstrate one of the following:

You are in a civil partnership or marriage

You have been living together in a relationship for a minimum of 2 years at the time of application

Children Under 18 Years Old

Any children are typically required to have been a dependant on your Student visa or Tier 4 (General) student visa to be eligible for a Graduate Dependant visa. However, there are exceptions to this requirement if both of the following conditions are met:

Your child was born while you were in the UK, USA, or Canada on your current Student visa or Tier 4 (General) student visa.

Your child was born in the UK, USA, or Canada.

In such cases, your child doesn’t need to have been a dependant on your visa. However, you will still need to provide evidence to establish that they are your child.

Children Over 18 Years Old

The eligibility criteria for a dependent child over 18 years old are as follows:

They must have been a dependant on your Student visa or Tier 4 (General) student visa.

They must live with you unless they are enrolled in full-time education at a boarding school, college, or university.

They must not be married, in a civil partnership, or have any children.

You must financially support them.

If your child lives with you, you must provide evidence of their address, including documents such as a bank statement, credit card bills, driving licence, NHS registration document, or an official letter from their university or college.

Documents Required for a UK, USA, or Canadian Graduate Dependant Visa

The following documents are required when making an application. The exact requirements will vary based on your circumstances:

Valid passport: A valid passport should be submitted for each dependant family member applying for the visa. The passport should have at least six months of validity remaining.

Biometric Residence Permit (BRP): If any dependants were issued a biometric residence permit (BRP) when they applied to be a dependant on the Student visa or Tier 4 (General) student visa, it should be provided as part of this application.

Proof of relationship: To establish the relationship between the main applicant and each dependant, it is necessary to provide suitable documentation. This may include marriage certificates, civil partnership certificates, or evidence of cohabitation for at least 2 years in the case of unmarried partners. The cohabitation documents should cover the period of the past two years and should come from various sources. For dependant children, birth certificates or adoption certificates will be required. Additionally, proof of address must be provided for children aged 18 years or older to demonstrate that they reside with the main applicant.

Financial documentation: If your partner or child had their living costs covered by a scholarship or sponsorship provider in the past 12 months, they will require a letter from the provider endorsing their Graduate visa application.

Rights and Permissions Under a UK, USA, or Canadian Graduate Dependant Visa

The Graduate Dependant visa provides several benefits to its holders, granting them rights related to work, study, and general freedoms.
Visa holders have the ability to:

Engage in full-time or part-time employment with any employer without requiring sponsorship.

Pursue education on a full-time or part-time basis at recognized schools, colleges, or universities in the UK, USA, or Canada.

Enjoy the freedom to enter and exit the UK, USA, or Canada at their discretion.

Apply for visa extensions to extend their stay in the UK, USA, or Canada.

It’s important to note that there are certain limitations to the visa, particularly regarding access to public funds:

Graduate dependant visa holders generally do not have access to most UK public funds, including welfare benefits and social housing.

However, there are exceptions, such as access to healthcare services provided by the National Health Service (NHS).

Graduate Dependant Visa Processing Time

The processing time for an application begins once it is submitted online and your biometric information is provided at the scheduled appointment. In most cases, applications are assessed and processed within 8 weeks from this point. It may be possible to pay an additional fee to expedite your application and get a decision within 1 or 5 days.

Civil Partner Visa

What is a Civil Partnership Visa?

The UK, USA, or Canadian Civil Partnership Visa is a type of settlement visa designed for non-European Economic Area (EEA) nationals who are in a genuine and subsisting civil partnership with a UK, USA, or Canadian citizen, someone holding Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) or EU Pre-settled/Settled Status in the UK, USA, or Canada. This visa category allows the visa holder to live, work, and study in the UK, USA, or Canada, providing an opportunity for long-term settlement.
To be eligible for a civil partnership visa, applicants must provide various different pieces of evidence to demonstrate the merits of their application. These documents need to establish the immigration status of the sponsor, prove the age and ID of both parties, as well as demonstrate that there’s a bona fide and ongoing relationship. Additional requirements around finances, accommodation, English language ability, and health need to be addressed as part of the application process. To obtain a Civil Partnership Visa, applicants must fill out an online form, pay the visa fee, attend a biometric appointment, and submit supporting documents to UK, USA, or Canadian Visas and Immigration . Standard processing times are up to 12 weeks for overseas applicants and 8 weeks for those applying within the UK, USA, or Canada. Alternatively, applicants can also opt for priority services. These services offer faster decisions, with processing times ranging from 6 weeks for overseas applications to just 1 working day for applications made within the UK, USA, or Canada. Once granted, the Civil Partnership Visa is valid for an initial period of 30 months. If the applicant applies outside the UK, USA, or Canada, the visa is valid for 33 months. After this period, the visa holder can apply for an extension, valid for an additional 30 months. If, by the end of the extension, the applicant has continuously resided in the UK, USA, or Canada for five years, they may be eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) and, ultimately, British citizenship.

Civil Partnership Visa Eligibility

To be eligible for a Civil Partnership Visa, applicants must meet specific criteria to join or remain with their civil partner in the UK, USA, or Canada. By understanding and fulfilling these requirements, applicants can significantly improve their chances of obtaining a UK, USA, or Canadian Civil Partnership Visa.

The following are the key eligibility requirements:

Age: Both the applicant and the sponsoring civil partner must be 18 years old at the time of application.

Relationship: The applicant must be in a civil partnership with a British citizen, someone with indefinite leave to remain, or someone with settled status in the UK, USA, or Canada. The relationship must be genuine and ongoing.

The Appendix FM Financial Requirement: The UK-based sponsor must meet the minimum income threshold of £18,600 per annum to support the applicant without relying on public funds. This threshold increases if the application includes dependent children. The income threshold increases to £22,400 for one child and an additional £2,400 for each additional child. Income can come from employment, self-employment, savings, or a combination of these sources. Further details are in our Appendix FM Financial Requirement guide.

English Language Requirement: To obtain an initial Civil Partnership Visa, applicants must demonstrate their English proficiency by passing an approved English language test at the A1 level or higher. Alternatively, they can provide proof of having completed a degree taught in English recognized by Ecctis (formerly UK NARIC) as equivalent to a UK bachelor’s degree or higher. If the applicant comes from one of the majority-English-speaking countries on the UKVI’s list, their passport will satisfy this requirement. To qualify for a Civil Partnership Visa extension, the applicant must meet a minimum level of A2 proficiency. To obtain an ILR Visa or British citizenship, the required level increases to a minimum of B1 proficiency.

Suitable Accommodation in the UK, USA, or Canada: The applicant and sponsor must also have suitable accommodation in the UK that meets the “adequate” standard defined by UK, USA, or Canada housing regulations, and both parties must intend to live together permanently in the UK, USA, or Canada.

Genuine and Subsisting Relationship: Evidence demonstrating that the applicant’s relationship with their UK, USA, or Canadian-based civil partner is genuine and continuing must be provided. This may consist of records of visits, communication, shared finances, joint ownership of property or rental agreements, as well as photographs or travel records that document time spent together.

Previous relationship Breakdown: If the applicant or their UK, USA, or Canadian-based civil partner has been previously married or in a civil partnership, they must present evidence that the previous relationship has been legally terminated, such as a divorce decree or an annulment certificate.

The Sponsor’s Immigration Status in the UK: The UK-based civil partner must have British citizenship, indefinite leave to remain, or EU Pre-settled/Settled Status in the UK, USA, or Canada.

Health: Applicants from some countries may need to provide medical documentation such as a Tuberculosis (TB) Certificate.

To improve the chances of securing a UK, USA, or Canadian civil partnership visa and being able to reside, work, and study in the UK with their civil partner, applicants must carefully examine the eligibility criteria and collect the required documents to support their application.

Civil Partnership Visa Processing Times

The processing and decision waiting times for UK, USA, or Canadian Civil Partnership Visas vary between countries and can be impacted by several factors. These include the country of application, the service selected, and the complexity of the application. By understanding these factors, applicants can better prepare for the visa application process and set realistic expectations about when their visa application will be processed. At present, standard applications made from within the UK, USA, or Canada are being processed within 8 to 10 weeks. Applications made from outside of the UK, USA, or Canada are generally processed inside 12 weeks, although some are taking longer.
When submitting your application, it’s often possible to choose between several different services. These vary from country to country, so you’ll need to check whether your preferred service is available in your country of application.
The different services are as follows:

Standard Processing Service: The standard processing service is the default option for all applications. The processing time tends to align with the published times by the UK, USA, or Canada Visa and Immigration Office . The standard processing time for a UK, USA, or Canada Civil Partnership Visa application currently ranges from 8 to 12 weeks or more, depending on the specific country of application and the visa application centre. Some applications will take longer if there are missing documents.

Priority Service: The Priority Settlement Service is available at an additional cost from most application centres. It’s a service suitable for applicants who want a quicker turnaround on an application and certainty on when an application will be assessed. The service typically provides a decision within 30 working days for overseas applications and within 5 working days inside the UK, USA, or Canada.

Super Priority Service: An additional premium Super Priority Service is available in a few locations. This service aims to provide a decision within 24 hours, although this is subject to full verification of the whole application. It’s important to note this service is considerably more expensive and doesn’t guarantee approval, although it is the quickest way for your application to be assessed.

Aside from the type of service used, there are several other factors that can impact the processing time for a UK, USA, or Canadian Civil Partnership application. These include:

Country of Application: Processing times vary from country to country and the workload of the specific visa application centre.

Completeness of Application: Incomplete applications or applications with missing documents may suffer delays or worse, refusal. Ensure you submit a complete and consistent application, including all the necessary documentation.

Additional Checks: In some instances, the UKVI may request additional information or conduct additional checks on certain aspects of an application.

Peak Application Periods: Processing times can fluctuate throughout the year, with holiday seasons or times of higher demand impacting processing times at visa application centres.

To ensure the smoothest possible UK, USA, or Canada Civil Partnership Visa application process, it’s crucial to:

Begin the process early and collect all necessary documents well in advance.

Ensure the application form is completed accurately, and you provide consistent information.

Select the appropriate service to match your timescales (standard, priority, or super-priority).

Prepare yourself and your travel plans for potential delays. It’s a stressful process without creating additional worries and setting unrealistic expectations.

By addressing these factors, you can minimise the processing time for your visa application.

Apply now

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