The spouse and children (under 18) of an international student can usually join their wife or husband/mother or father in the UK. They are called her/his dependants.
Spouse is defined in the regulations as legally married partner. This may include partners of customary or traditional marriages provided the marriage is recognised as valid by the law of the place of celebration.
EEA nationals do not require leave to enter UK so restrictions do not normally apply. If the spouse of an EEA national is not an EEA national, they should normally enter the UK on an EEA Family Permit available from the British diplomatic post.
Dependants with non-EEA Nationality
Students are strongly advised to obtain prior entry clearance for themselves.
Dependants’ entry clearance must be applied for as in the introduction.
Further documentation is required.
Accommodation must be booked before dependants' visas can be issued.
Will my spouse be able to work in Britain?
Immigration regulations allow a student’s dependants to join her/him only if the couple already has sufficient funds to maintain themselves. Employment, therefore, should not be to fund basic living expenses. If an immigration/entry clearance officer thinks that money from employment is needed for basic maintenance, entry will be refused.
However, IF
the student does not have a prohibition on employment AND
has been granted more than 12 months Leave to Enter or Remain her/his spouse will be free to work in the UK.
If a student is prohibited from taking employment, the spouse will also be prohibited from working. Neither can they work, nor seek employment, unless the prohibition is lifted by the Home Office.
