Spouse Dependent Visa Queries

Hi,

I would need some help regarding spouse dependent visa application.

I stay currently in UK on a Skilled Worker Visa. I am going to marry this year from India in the month of August 2024 and have to apply spouse visa for my partner so that we can both fly back to UK together immediately after marriage.

I have below queries:

1. Do I need to book the spouse visa appointment before the actual marriage date or after the actual marriage date?
2. If I book the spouse visa appointment before the actual marriage date then I don’t have the marriage registration certificate document to upload during the spouse visa application process.

Please explain me the process so that myself and my spouse can fly back to UK from India smoothly immediately after our marriage.

3. Also, currently which visa is better for my spouse:

A) Skilled Worker Dependent Visa (As I am currently on Skilled Worker Visa for more than 4 years now)
B) ILR Dependent Visa (As I am going to get the ILR at the end of this year 2024)
C) Currently bring spouse to UK after marriage on 6 month Visitor visa and then apply later for dependent visa (either Skilled Worker Dependent Visa or ILR Dependent Visa)

Your help is greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Vikram

have to apply spouse visa for my partner so that we can both fly back to UK together immediately after marriage.

You can only apply online AFTER you are married and have the marriage certificate. It is unlikely you will travel back together immediately after marriage.

1. Do I need to book the spouse visa appointment before the actual marriage date or after the actual marriage date?

You can only apply after you are married.

2. If I book the spouse visa appointment before the actual marriage date then I don’t have the marriage registration certificate document to upload during the spouse visa application process.

You cannot do this. The date of application is the date you submit and pay online and you need to be married already to apply as a spouse.

A) Skilled Worker Dependent Visa (As I am currently on Skilled Worker Visa for more than 4 years now)
B) ILR Dependent Visa (As I am going to get the ILR at the end of this year 2024)

If you hold a skilled worker visa when you apply for your spouse's visa, they it is a skilled worker dependent visa. If you hold ILR at the time you are married then it is a Spouse Settlement visa under Appendix FM.

C) Currently bring spouse to UK after marriage on 6 month Visitor visa and then apply later for dependent visa (either Skilled Worker Dependent Visa or ILR Dependent Visa)

No. You cannot switch to a dependent visa while in the UK as a visitor.

Thanks for your valuable response. It really helps!

Thanks once again

Can you please explain more about Spouse Settlement Visa under FM?
Is it(ILR Dependent Visa) better than Skilled Worker Dependent Visa?

Spouse Settlement visa has more stringent requirements. She would need English A1 test, you need to prove you meet the financial requirements for a minimum of 6 months. You have to prove you have adequate accommodation. It will be 2 x 2.5 year visas. It is more expensive visa fee. Has no restrictions on work. Can take up to 6 months to process visa.

PBS Dependent visa - No English test, no income requirements. Has some restrictions on work. It will be an initial visa with the same expiry date as your visa. Costs less in visa fees. Generally processed a bit quicker.

Neither is better than the other as such. Both routes require 5 years residence before she can apply for ILR.

Thanks for your clear information. It really helps