Visiting Your Spouse on a Graduate Visa in the UK: A Comprehensive Guide
If you are in the UK on a Graduate visa, commonly referred to as a PSW visa in the past, you might wonder if you can bring your spouse with you on a Standard Visitor Visa or a Marriage Visitor Visa. Unfortunately, the answer is no. This article will provide a detailed explanation of the visa options available to spouses of those on a Graduate visa and outline the steps to bring your spouse to the UK if it's a long-term arrangement.
Visitor Visa Overview
Standard Visitor Visa
The Standard Visitor Visa is designed for short-term stays of up to 6 months and is ideal for tourism, visiting family, or attending business meetings. It does not allow your spouse to live with you or work in the UK during the permitted stay. Therefore, if you want your spouse to live with you for an extended period, a Standard Visitor Visa is not the right choice.
Marriage Visitor Visa
A Marriage Visitor Visa is specifically for individuals who intend to get married or enter into a civil partnership in the UK. The visa allows your spouse to stay for up to 6 months for the purpose of marriage, but they cannot switch to a different visa category while in the UK on this visa. This option is only available for those who plan to marry during the stay, not for bringing a spouse to live with you.
Options for Bringing Your Spouse
If you wish your spouse to live with you in the UK, they would typically need to apply for a Dependent Visa. To qualify for a Dependent Visa, your spouse must meet certain requirements, including financial thresholds and proving that your relationship is genuine. You, as the primary visa holder, must also meet the necessary criteria, such as being in a long-term, genuine relationship and having a stable income.
Understanding the Key Differences Between Visitor Visas and Marriage Visitor Visa
A visitor visa and a marriage visitor visa are two very different categories, each with its own specific purposes and restrictions. Here are some key points to consider:
Marriage Visitor Visa for Marriage Purposes
If you are married, your spouse cannot get a Marriage Visitor Visa to marry. The Marriage Visitor Visa is for individuals who plan to get married or enter into a civil partnership in the UK. Once in the UK, your spouse cannot switch to a different visa category. This means the Marriage Visitor Visa is not suitable for those seeking to live with their spouse in the UK for an extended period.
Graduate Visa and Dependent Visa
Since you are in a Graduate Visa and not a PSW visa, you can bring your spouse through a Dependent Visa process. However, they cannot visit you as a visitor if they are seeking to live with you in the UK. A Dependent Visa allows your spouse to stay and work in the UK if you meet the eligibility criteria, such as having a legitimate relationship and a stable income.
Conclusion
Your spouse can visit you on a visitor visa for a short period, but for long-term residence, they would need to apply for a Dependent Visa if you meet the necessary criteria. Always check the latest UK Home Office guidelines or consult with an immigration advisor for the most current and personalized advice. Understanding the different visa categories and their purposes will help you make informed decisions about your immigration status and that of your spouse.