SWITCH FROM A TIER 4 STUDENT VISA TO A SPOUSE VISA

[mimichatterjee]

Hi,

I am from India, and presently working as a PhD scholar in the UK under a Tier 4 student visa scheme since last four years. My husband was also a student in the UK who has recently switched to Tier 2 work visa and settled in this country with his new job. As my student is expiring soon, I want to switch to a Spouse visa (as his wife). I have few queries, and would be immensely grateful to get some help about it.

As everything is happening in a but of hurry (since my student visa is expiring soon), I want to be clear about the eligibility and documentations beforehand, and would like to apply for a priority service. So here are my questions:

1) Do I need to prove my English qualification again if I already have a Tier 4 visa (and had a valid TOEFL score, which was accepted that time when I applied)?

2) Is there any restriction on the time of my partner is settled in the UK? He has been in a Tier 4 visa since four years, and is settled with a Tier 2 visa just since a few weeks. Is it still okay to apply as for a visa as his spouse?

3) Is an Indian marriage registry certificate is readily valid in the UK as the proof of our marriage?

4) Do I need to give a 'Life in the UK' test for switching from my current visa status to a spouse visa?
5) Do I need to provide any sponsorship certificate?

6) Is there any limitation in a spouse visa to work in the UK? Or is it treated similary to the tier 4 work visa in the matter of jobs in the country?

I would really appreciate to have some quicke responses. Thanks a lot in advance for your help.

With regards,
Mimi

[CR001]

1. No you don't need to prove English requirement if apply as a PBS (Tier 2) dependent. Note that a spouse visa is a completely different visa category which you don't qualify for as your husband doesnt hold PR if he only recently switched to tier 2 general.

2. Your husband is not "settled", which means holding ILR/PR. Yes you can apply for a tier 2 dependent visa if you meet the requirements, including 90 days maintenance funds.

3. Yes.

4. No. LIUK is ONLY required for ILR/PR.

5. No.

6. You can do any work on a tier 2 dependent visa except work as a Dr or dentist in training.

[mimichatterjee]

Hi,

Thanks a lot for your reply. It was really helpful. I have another question and would be obliged to get help in that regard too. In our marriage registry certificate, it is mentioned that:

"If the document is needed for use in the foreign countries or for acceptance by the foreign missions situated in India Authentication of the document by the designated authority VIZ The Ministry of External Affairs Govt. of India is necessary".


I hereby understand that our marriage certificate needs to be apostille. I want to know, is it possible to attest this document from within UK? Or is it the only choice to do it from India only?

Thank you.