If you are the family member of a Points-Based System migrant, you may have the right to apply for entry clearance or leave to remain alongside the main PBS applicant.

The PBS categories include Tier 1 entrepreneur and investor visas, Tier 2 work permit visas and Tier 4 student visas. If your application is successful, you will generally be given leave in line with the main PBS applicant’s leave.

At GB Immigration our expert team understand you want to start the next chapter in your life quickly and with minimal disruption and expense.

Applying for a PBS dependant visa

As part of your PBS dependant visa application, as the applicant you will need to demonstrate one of the following:

  • That you are the spouse, civil partner or child (under the age of 18) of the main PBS applicant who is holding a Tier 1, 2 General or 4 visa; or
  • That you are the spouse, civil partner or child (under the age of 18) of a person with ILR or British Citizenship, but who last held a Tier 1, 2 or 4 visa and you don’t qualify for ILR yet; or
  • That you are the child of a person with ILR or British Citizenship who last held a Tier 1, 2 or 4 visa and:
    • Your other parent does not qualify for ILR yet; and
    • You last held leave as a PBS dependant which was given to you on or after 9 July 2012

A family member is regarded as the spouse or civil partner of a PBS migrant and children under the age of 18. If an in-country further leave to remain application is made and the child turns 18 prior to this, he or she may still make an application as a dependant child. It is important to prove that the child is not leading an independent life from the main PBS applicant

There are also specific maintenance requirements depending on the main PBS dependant’s visa category

Tier 1 entrepreneur dependants: If you are the family member of a Tier 1 Entrepreneur migrant and the main applicant is outside the UK or has been in the UK for less than 12 months, you must show that you have £1890 in your account (or your partner/parent’s account) to support yourself and this amount must have been held for at least 3 months before application date. If the main applicant has been in the UK for more than 12 months, you must have £630 to support yourself.

Tier 2 worker dependants: If you are the family member of a Tier 2 worker migrant, then you must have £630 in your account  (or your partner/parent’s account) to support yourself and this amount must have been held for at least 3 months before application date. Alternatively, the Tier 2 sponsor may be able to provide a sponsorship undertaking.


Tier 4 student dependants: If you are the family member of a Tier 4 student, then your maintenance requirement depends on where the main applicant will be studying. If they are studying in London, then you must have at least £845 per month (for the first 9 months of study) to support yourself. If they are studying outside London, then you must have at least £680 per month to support yourself.

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Points Based Dependants

Applying for your PBS dependants

If you wish to apply for entry clearance or further leave for your partner and/ or children under the age of 18 as your dependants, we can assist with this application process. Leave is granted in line with your visa.

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Applying for settlement (indefinite leave to remain)

If you have been in the UK for a period of 5 years on a relevant PBS dependant category and you meet all other ILR requirements, we can assist you with the settlement application process.

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Challenging a decision

If your PBS dependant visa application has been refused we can assist you with an  Administrative Review application, or alternatively challenging the refusal in the First Tier or Upper Tribunal.

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