DEPENDENTS ON THE GRADUATE VISA (PSW)

Introduction

The UK Graduate Route, commonly known as the Post-Study Work (PSW) visa, allows international students who have completed eligible courses in the UK to stay and work for 2 years (or 3 years for PhD graduates).

A common query among international graduates is whether their spouse or children can stay or join them under this route. This article outlines the current eligibility rules, required documents, application process and associated fees for dependents of Graduate Route Visa holders.

Who Can Apply As A PSW Dependent [DEPENDENTS ON THE GRADUATE VISA (PSW)]?

Under Current Home Office:

• Dependents must already be in the UK under a valid student dependent visa at the time the main applicant switches to the Graduate Route.
• You cannot bring a new dependent from overseas (such as from India) after you have switched to the PSW Visa.
• The only exception is if a child was born in the UK during the student visa period.
• Must apply in the UK, before the current visa expires.

Who Qualifies as a Dependent?

• A spouse, civil partner;
• An Unmarried Partner (must have lived together for at least 2 years);
• Children under 18 who are already your dependent or was born in the UK while you were on a Student Visa.
• Children over 18 who are already your dependent on a Student Visa.

Fees & Processing Time

Application Fees:

Standard Visa Application Fee: £880 (8 weeks)

Priority Services Additional Fee: +£500 (5 working days)

Super Priority Services Additional Fee: +£1,000 (next working day)

Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): £1,035/year – £2,070 (2 years)

Documents Required

Each dependents needs to provide:

• Valid Passport/ E-Visa
• Main Application Form: partner (FLR (G) form).
• Relationship Proof: marriage or civil partnership certificate, or cohabitation (lease, joint bank statements), communication log for long term unmarried partners.
• Child: UK birth certificate.
• Sponsor letters: If study funded by scholarship/government, a consent letter is needed.

Contact Asher & Tomar Solicitors, Dependents on the Graduate Visa (PSW)

We have dealt with numerous application for Dependents on the Graduate Visa (PSW)