The University of Sheffield
Welcome to New Students

Spouse and Children

Spouse and Children

1. Can I bring my spouse and children to Britain?

  1. If studying for less than 12 months, dependants CANNOT come to the UK.
    Different rules apply to government sponsored students. For more
    information visit
    www.sheffield.ac.uk/newstudents/international/immigration/spouse.html
  2. Your spouse, civil partner, unmarried or same sex partner can join you as your dependant if you have sufficient money (see www.sheffield.ac.uk/newstudents/international/immigration/spouse.html) and if you will both be 18 or above when you arrive in the UK.
  3. Your children (under 18) can join you as a dependant if you have sufficient money (see "b" above). Both parents must be resident in the UK unless you are the sole surviving parent and/or have sole responsibility for the child’s upbringing. Children must be under 18, unmarried and must not be a civil partner, leading an independent life and must not have formed an independent family unit.
  4. Accommodation must be booked before dependants’ visas can be issued.
  5. Dependants have the right to work in the UK.
  6. You can get help with preparing your family’s entry clearance application from the Students’ Union’s Student Advice Centre. See

www.sheffield.ac.uk/union/student-advice-centre/immigration/

2. Will my spouse be able to work in Britain?

  1. Usually – yes. See 1a above. If an immigration/entry clearance officer thinks that you need money from employment for basic maintenance, they will refuse your visa.
  2. However, IF
    1. you do not have a prohibition on employment AND
    2. have been granted more than 12 months Leave to Enter or Remain or you are on a course of 6 months or more and are government sponsored, your spouse will be free to work in the UK.
  3. 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.

3. What about same-sex partners?

Students with same-sex partners should contact:

email : advice@sheffield.ac.uk

This information is correct at the time of publication. The UK government is making a number of changes to the immigration system. We will update our website as quickly as possible when information changes. You must check these pages regularly.