Family members of Migrant Workers and Students
This page is for the family members of migrants under the points based system and migrant workers and students in non-points based immigration categories. These are migrants that have (or will get) so-called ‘limited leave to enter or remain’. If your sponsor is a British citizen or a person with ‘indefinite leave to remain’ (i.e. your sponsor has settled status), you should read our page ‘Family of British citizens and settled persons’.
1. Family members of migrants under the points-based system
If you are the partner or dependent child under 18 of a migrant who is in or coming to the UK under most categories of the points-based system, you can apply for a visa to join them here. Before you apply, you must read the policy guidance for points-based system dependants, which you can find on the UKBA website. This will also explain whether or not your sponsor is in a category that allows him/her to be joined by his/her family members.
2. Family members of migrant workers in other, non points based, immigration categories
If you are the partner or dependent child under 18 of a migrant who is in or coming to the UK in most work categories outside the points-based system, you can apply for a visa to join them here. You should always read relevant guidance of the UKBA website; this will also explain whether or not your sponsor is in a category that allows him/her to be joined by his/her family members.
The migrant worker will need to prove that they can support you and themselves without needing state benefits or other public funds. You will need to show that:
- you intend to live with the migrant worker during their stay, and your relationship is genuine (not a ‘marriage of convenience’), if you are their partner; or
- you have not formed an independent family unit and are not leading an independent life, if you are their child aged under 18.
Which migrant workers/students can bring family members?
| Category | Allowed to be joined by family members | Notes |
| Tier 1 | Yes | |
| Tier 2 | Yes | |
| Tier 4 | See notes | Tier 4 Child: If you are under 12, a parent can accompany you to the UK. They must apply as a special visitor. If you have a husband, wife, civil partner or other partner, you cannot bring them to the UK with you as your dependant. If they or any other family members want to come with you to the UK, they must make their own application, which may be in a different immigration category. As a child student, you cannot have any children who live with you or for whom you are financially responsible.Tier 4 General: Yes, but from 4 July 2011, you cannot bring your dependants to the UK unless you are sponsored by a higher education institution on a course at NQF level 7 or above which lasts 12 months or more; or a new government-sponsored student following a course which lasts longer than 6 months. |
| Tier 5 | See notes | Yes, Tier 5 main applicants may be joined by family members, with the exception of the Tier 5 Youth Mobility Scheme category |
| Domestic workers in private households | No | If a dependant wishes to come, s/he will need to apply as a general visitor |
| Representative of an overseas business | Yes | |
| UK Ancestry | Yes | |
| Prospective student | Yes | |
| Student Visitor | No | If a dependant wishes to come, s/he will need to apply as a general visitor |
Visa application forms and Guidance for family members of Migrant Workers and Students
Please note that, in terms of application forms, most applicants need to complete an electronic form. The forms listed in the table below are printed, handwritten forms. UKBA’s country finder tool will tell you if you have to submit an electronic of printed form. If you need to complete an electronic form, the application system will automatically generate the correct form for you. Please note that you will still need to print out your electronic form, and sign and date it! You can find UKBA’s country finder tool here, and the on-line application system here.
| Partners and children of migrant workers and students | ||||||
| Visa Category | AppliCation
Form |
Guidance to complete form | Supporting Documents Guidance | PBS Policy Guidance | Additional form (Appendix) to be completed | Paragraph Immigration Rules |
| Family members of Migrants under the points-based system | VAF10 | Click here | No document guidance, but see here. | Click here | Not applicable | 319A-319K and 277-80 (spouses or civil partners of Relevant PBS Migrant), 277 (civil partners of Relevant PBS Migrant; and paragraph 295AA (unmarried and same-sex partner) |
| Family members of Migrants in other (non-PBS) work-related immigration categories, including UK Ancestry | VAF2 | Click here | No document guidance, but see here. | Not applicable | Not applicable | 193A- 199 |
| Prospective Student Dependant | VAF3B | Click here | Click here | Not applicable | Not applicable | 76-81 |
Please note that immigration rules and regulations are complex and subject to continuous change. The information provided in this page is purely for informative purposes. Its use is entirely at your own risk. You should always consult the relevant government department for correct and up to date guidance.
