If you are a dependent of someone who holds a visa in the UK, you may be wondering whether you are allowed to study in the country. The answer is yes, but there are certain conditions that you need to fulfill. In this article, we will explore the details of studying on a dependent visa in the UK.
What is a Dependent Visa?
A dependent visa is a type of visa that allows you to live in the UK as a dependent of someone who is already in the country. This could be a spouse, partner, parent, or child. You can only apply for a dependent visa if your family member is already in the UK on a visa.
Can I Study on a Dependent Visa?
Yes, you can study on a dependent visa in the UK. However, there are certain conditions that you need to fulfill. The first condition is that you cannot study on a course that is longer than your partner’s or parent’s visa. For example, if your partner is in the UK on a six-month visa, you can only study on a course that is six months or shorter.
The second condition is that you cannot study on a course that leads to a professional qualification. This means that you cannot study for a degree, diploma, or any other course that leads to a professional qualification. However, you can study for a short course or a language course.
What Types of Courses Can I Study on a Dependent Visa?
As mentioned earlier, you can only study on a course that is shorter than your partner’s or parent’s visa. This means that you can study for a short course or a language course. Some examples of courses that you can study on a dependent visa are:
- English language course
- Cookery course
- Art and craft course
- Photography course
- Short-term vocational course
Do I Need to Apply for a Student Visa?
No, you do not need to apply for a student visa if you are studying on a dependent visa. However, you will need to inform the school or college where you are studying that you are on a dependent visa. You will also need to provide evidence of your relationship with the person who holds the visa.
Can I Work on a Dependent Visa?
If you are on a dependent visa, you are allowed to work in the UK. However, there are certain conditions that you need to fulfill. You cannot work as a professional sportsperson or coach. You also cannot work as a doctor or dentist in training.
You are allowed to work in most other jobs, but you will need to apply for a National Insurance number and pay taxes. You will also need to inform your employer that you are on a dependent visa.
What Happens if my Partner Leaves the UK?
If your partner leaves the UK, your dependent visa will also expire. This means that you will need to leave the country or apply for a new visa. If you want to continue studying in the UK, you will need to apply for a student visa.
Conclusion
Studying on a dependent visa in the UK is possible, but there are certain conditions that you need to fulfill. You cannot study on a course that is longer than your partner’s or parent’s visa, and you cannot study for a professional qualification. However, you can study for a short course or a language course. If you want to work on a dependent visa, you will need to apply for a National Insurance number and pay taxes. If your partner leaves the UK, your dependent visa will also expire.