Spouse and Partner Visa Work Rights
Can spouse visa holders work in the UK? Understand work rights for partners and dependants of visa holders.
Last updated: 30 January 2025
Partners and dependants on family visas usually have full work rights.
Family Visa Holders
Spouse/Partner of British Citizen
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full work rights | No restrictions |
| Any job | Any level |
| Self-employment | Allowed |
| No sponsorship | Needed |
Spouse/Partner of Settled Person
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Same as above | Full rights |
| Partner of ILR holder | Full work rights |
| No restrictions | On employment |
Work Rights Summary
Partners of British/Settled
| Right | Detail |
|---|---|
| Any employment | Unrestricted |
| Any hours | Full-time allowed |
| Any sector | No limitations |
| Self-employment | Permitted |
| Change jobs | Freely |
No Restrictions Means
| Freedom | Explanation |
|---|---|
| No hour limits | Unlike students |
| No employer ties | Unlike Skilled Worker |
| No salary threshold | Any pay |
| No skill level | Any job |
Dependants of Work Visas
Skilled Worker Dependants
| Dependant | Work Rights |
|---|---|
| Partner | Full work rights |
| Children (18+) | Full work rights |
| No restrictions | Unlike main holder |
Other Work Visa Dependants
| Visa Type | Dependant Rights |
|---|---|
| Global Talent | Full work rights |
| Innovator Founder | Full work rights |
| Scale-up | Full work rights |
| Health and Care | Full work rights |
Key Difference from Main Holder
| Main Visa Holder | Dependant |
|---|---|
| May have restrictions | Usually unrestricted |
| Tied to sponsor | Not tied |
| Specific role | Any role |
Checking Right to Work
Online Verification
| Process | Step |
|---|---|
| Share code | Dependant generates |
| Online service | Employer verifies |
| Shows status | Dependant of... |
| Work rights | Usually unrestricted |
What You'll See
| Information | Detail |
|---|---|
| Status | Dependant of [visa type] |
| Work rights | Check for restrictions |
| Valid until | Linked to main visa |
| Conditions | Usually none for work |
Visa Duration
Linked to Main Holder
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Same expiry | As main visa |
| If main extended | Dependant can extend |
| If main revoked | Dependant affected |
Family Visa Route
| Stage | Duration |
|---|---|
| Initial grant | Usually 2.5 years |
| Extension | Another 2.5 years |
| After 5 years | ILR eligible |
For Employers
Simple Hiring
| Benefit | Detail |
|---|---|
| No sponsorship | Required |
| No compliance | Beyond RTW check |
| Full flexibility | In role |
Process
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| Check online | Via share code |
| Verify work rights | Should show unrestricted |
| Note expiry | Track date |
| Hire normally | Standard process |
Different Partner Types
Married Spouses
| Status | Work Rights |
|---|---|
| Legally married | Full rights |
| Civil partner | Full rights |
| UK or abroad | Marriage valid |
Unmarried Partners
| Status | Work Rights |
|---|---|
| 2+ years cohabiting | Full rights |
| If visa granted | Same rights |
| Evidence required | For visa |
Fiancé(e) Visa
| Status | Work Rights |
|---|---|
| Fiancé visa | Cannot work |
| Must marry first | Then switch |
| After marriage | Apply to stay |
| Then can work | On new visa |
Children on Family Visas
Under 18
| Child Status | Work |
|---|---|
| As minor | Normal rules |
| School-age | Education priority |
| Part-time | If old enough |
18 and Over
| Adult Child | Work Rights |
|---|---|
| If on visa | Usually can work |
| Check status | Online |
| May have own visa | Different type |
Switching Visas
Dependant Becoming Main Holder
| Situation | Process |
|---|---|
| Own Skilled Worker | Can apply |
| Other visa | May switch |
| Becomes independent | Of partner's status |
After Relationship Ends
| If Split | Options |
|---|---|
| Apply own visa | If eligible |
| Domestic violence | Protection route |
| May lose status | If not eligible |
Common Scenarios
Scenario 1: Spouse of British Citizen
| Situation | Position |
|---|---|
| Married to UK citizen | Spouse visa |
| Full work rights | Any job |
| Check online | Verify status |
| Hire normally | No restrictions |
Scenario 2: Partner of Skilled Worker
| Situation | Position |
|---|---|
| Dependant visa | Of Skilled Worker |
| Not tied | To sponsor |
| Full work rights | Unlike partner |
| Any employer | Can hire |
Scenario 3: Fiancé Wanting Work
| Situation | Position |
|---|---|
| On fiancé visa | Cannot work |
| Must wait | Until married |
| Then apply | For spouse visa |
| Then can work | After granted |
Record Keeping
What to Keep
| Record | Detail |
|---|---|
| Online confirmation | Work rights verified |
| Visa type | Dependant/Spouse |
| Expiry date | Linked to main visa |
| Check date | When verified |
Track Expiry
| Action | Why |
|---|---|
| Note end date | Plan ahead |
| May be extended | If main visa extended |
| Follow up | Before expiry |
Restrictions That May Apply
Student Dependants
| Dependant of Student | May Have |
|---|---|
| Limited work rights | In some cases |
| Check carefully | Online confirmation |
| Not always unrestricted | Unlike work visa dependants |
Visitor Dependants
| Visitor Status | Work |
|---|---|
| Cannot work | At all |
| Even if dependant | Of worker |
| Different visa | Needed |
Pathway to Settlement
After 5 Years
| If On Family Visa | Can Apply |
|---|---|
| 5 years residence | For ILR |
| Meet requirements | Language, Life in UK |
| Then full rights | Permanently |
Work Rights After ILR
| With ILR | Position |
|---|---|
| Permanent | Work rights |
| No restrictions | Ever |
| Own right | Not dependant |
Summary
Key Points
| Visa Type | Work Rights |
|---|---|
| Spouse of British | Full rights |
| Partner of settled | Full rights |
| Dependant of worker | Full rights |
| Fiancé | Cannot work |
For Employers
| Action | Detail |
|---|---|
| Check online | Always |
| Verify rights | Should say unrestricted |
| Track expiry | Plan ahead |
| No sponsorship | For dependants |
Related answers
Right to Work Checks: UK Employer Guide
UK employers must verify every employee's right to work before they start. Learn the 3 methods, required documents, and penalties for non-compliance.
Online Right to Work Check
How do you conduct an online right to work check? Step-by-step guide to using the Home Office checking service with share codes.
Skilled Worker Visa
What is a Skilled Worker visa and what are the work rights? Understand employer sponsorship, restrictions, and checking requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can spouse visa holders work in the UK?
- Yes. Partners of British citizens or settled persons have full work rights - they can work in any job without restrictions. They don't need sponsorship and can be self-employed.
- Can dependants of Skilled Worker visa holders work?
- Yes. Dependants (partners and children over 18) of Skilled Worker visa holders can work without restriction. They don't have the same employer or role restrictions as the main visa holder.
- How do I check a dependant's right to work?
- Use the Home Office online checking service with a share code from the employee. Their status will show as a dependant with work rights. The same checking process applies as for any other visa holder.