Change of status from visitor to dependant

[Marco 72]

A friend of mine is in the UK on a student visa, his wife is staying with him as a visitor. Is it possible for her to "change status" to dependant without having to leave the UK?

[vinny]

See also Your family’s immigration.

[Marco 72]

See also Your family’s immigration.

Thanks, I had read that page, but I wasn't sure if it applied in this case. In the part "How to apply", it says:

"If your dependants are currently outside the UK, or are in the UK, but not as your dependants

* Your dependants must apply for 'entry clearance' from the British authorities in their home country before they travel to the UK."

In this case, my friend's wife (presumably) did apply for entry clearance, but as a visitor - would she still qualify?

[pennylessinindia]

can not apply in the UK. return to own country and apply if they meet the criteria.

[Greenie]

See also Your family’s immigration.

Thanks, I had read that page, but I wasn't sure if it applied in this case. In the part "How to apply", it says:

"If your dependants are currently outside the UK, or are in the UK, but not as your dependants

* Your dependants must apply for 'entry clearance' from the British authorities in their home country before they travel to the UK."

In this case, my friend's wife (presumably) did apply for entry clearance, but as a visitor - would she still qualify?

she has to apply for entry clearance in the correct category, applying as a visitor (and thus stating that she intends to return at the end of her visit) is not what they mean.

It is not possible to switch from leave as visitior to tier 4 dependent from within the UK as 319C(h) is not met. She will need to return and apply for entry clearance in the correct capacity.