The Points-Based System (PBS) UK Visa and its counterpart, the PBS Dependant Visa, are essential routes for individuals seeking to work, study, or settle in the UK under one of the UK’s Points-Based immigration categories. These visas are designed to attract skilled individuals and provide a clear path for their dependents to join them in the UK.

1. What is the PBS UK Visa?

The PBS UK Visa is an umbrella visa system that covers multiple visa categories for individuals looking to work, study, or invest in the UK. The Points-Based System evaluates applicants based on specific criteria such as skills, qualifications, salary, and language proficiency, assigning points for each. A minimum number of points is required to qualify for different visa categories.

Key PBS Visa Categories:

• Skilled Worker Visa: For individuals with a job offer from an approved UK employer.
• Health and Care Worker Visa: For healthcare professionals with a job offer from the NHS or related sectors.
• Student Visa: For international students enrolled in a UK institution.
• Global Talent Visa: For individuals recognized as leaders or potential leaders in academia, research, arts, or digital technology.
• Innovator Visa: For entrepreneurs looking to start a business in the UK.

Each category under the PBS system has specific requirements and conditions. Let’s take a closer look at the most common types of PBS visas and their general criteria.

a. Skilled Worker Visa Requirements:

To qualify for the Skilled Worker Visa, applicants must:

• Have a job offer from a UK employer with a valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS).
• Meet the required skill level (RQF Level 3 or higher).
• Meet the minimum salary threshold (usually £26,200 per year).
• Demonstrate proficiency in the English language (CEFR level B1 or above).
• Earn a minimum of 70 points through the combination of criteria such as job offer, salary, and language skills.

2. What is the PBS Dependent Visa?

The PBS Dependent Visa allows the spouse, partner, or children of a PBS visa holder to join or remain with them in the UK. This visa provides dependents with the opportunity to live, work, and study in the UK, as long as the main PBS visa holder’s visa remains valid.

Who Can Apply for the PBS Dependent Visa?

Dependents of PBS visa holders may include:

• Spouse or Civil Partner: Legally married or in a civil partnership with the main visa holder.
• Unmarried Partner: Must prove a subsisting relationship for at least two years.
• Children: Under 18 years old at the time of application, or over 18 if already in the UK as a dependent.

Key Benefits of the PBS Dependent Visa:

• Work and Study Rights: PBS dependents can work in most jobs and study in the UK.
• Healthcare Access: Dependents can access the NHS once the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) is paid.
• No Limit on Employment: There are no specific restrictions on the type of employment dependents can take up.
• Path to Settlement: After spending five years on a PBS Dependent Visa, dependents may qualify for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) and, eventually, British citizenship.

3. Eligibility Requirements for PBS Dependent Visa

To qualify for the PBS Dependent Visa, applicants must meet several criteria:

a. Relationship Requirements

• Spouse/Civil Partner: The relationship must be genuine, and you must be living together. Marriage or civil partnership certificates must be provided.
• Unmarried Partner: You must provide evidence (e.g., joint bank statements, tenancy agreements) that proves you have lived together for at least two years in a genuine relationship.
• Children: If applying for children, you must provide birth certificates or legal documents to prove their relationship to the PBS visa holder.

b. Financial Requirements

There are specific financial requirements to ensure that the main visa holder can support their dependents. These include:

• Maintenance Funds: The main visa holder must have enough funds to support each dependent without relying on public funds.
  • £285 for the spouse or partner.
  • £315 for the first child.
  • £200 for each additional child.

Note: These amounts must be in the bank account for 28 consecutive days before the application date.

c. Accommodation Requirement

You will need to show that there is adequate accommodation in the UK for both the main visa holder and their dependents, ensuring no overcrowding according to UK standards.

4. Application Process for PBS Dependent Visa

The process of applying for a PBS Dependent Visa can vary depending on whether the dependent is applying from inside or outside the UK.

a. Applying from Outside the UK:

1. Complete the Online Application: You must submit an online application for each dependent. Ensure that you provide accurate information and all the necessary documents.
2. Provide Biometric Information: Dependents must provide their biometric details (fingerprints and a photograph) at a visa application center.
3. Submit Required Documents:
   • Valid passport or travel document.
   • Proof of relationship with the main PBS visa holder.
   • Evidence of maintenance funds.
   • Proof of accommodation.
4. Pay the Visa Fee and IHS: The visa fee varies depending on the length of stay, while the IHS fee grants access to the NHS.
5. Wait for a Decision: Processing times can vary, but most applications take around three weeks to be processed.

b. Applying from Inside the UK:

Dependents who are already in the UK may switch to a PBS Dependent Visa by following a similar application process online. If their current visa is expiring, they must apply for an extension before it expires.

5. Duration and Conditions of PBS Dependent Visa

The PBS Dependent Visa is generally granted in line with the length of the main PBS visa holder’s stay in the UK. For example, if the main visa holder has been granted a Skilled Worker Visa for five years, the dependent will also be granted a visa for the same duration.

Dependents must comply with UK immigration rules, and any breach of visa conditions (such as working in restricted jobs) can lead to visa cancellation.

6. Path to Settlement for PBS Dependents

After living in the UK for five continuous years on a PBS Dependent Visa, dependents may apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), provided they meet the eligibility criteria, such as:

• Continuous residence in the UK for five years.
• Meeting financial and accommodation requirements.
• Passing the Life in the UK Test.
• Demonstrating English language proficiency (CEFR level B1 or higher).

Once granted ILR, dependents can live in the UK indefinitely and eventually apply for British citizenship after holding ILR for 12 months.

7. Conclusion

The PBS UK Visa and PBS Dependent Visa provide valuable pathways for skilled individuals and their families to live, work, and settle in the UK. Understanding the specific requirements for both the main visa holder and their dependents is essential for a successful application.

If you’re considering applying for a PBS visa or a dependent visa in 2025, make sure you meet all the necessary criteria, provide accurate documents, and understand the financial obligations. For personalized advice, you may also want to seek guidance from an immigration specialist to navigate the application process smoothly and efficiently.