Visa quesiton

[aix]

A relative of mine is planning to come to the UK this autumn to start a PhD. For this, he'll need a student visa.

His wife plans to join him one year later, as a dependant.

They are trying to work out whether it is logistically easier (or indeed possible) for:
* both of them to get visas at the same time, and for her to enter the UK on her visa one year after him; or
* for her to apply for her visa separately, just before she is ready to come over.

Any thoughts on this?

[Docterror]

It is never a great idea to enter on a visa for the first time one year after it has been issued. In fact, I don't think that the British Embassy will allow the wife to apply for it one year prior to the actual intended date of departure. Please check with the nearest embassy and if they do not accept the application, we don't have to worry about any more dilemmas.. as there are no more options.

[aix]

It is never a great idea to enter on a visa for the first time one year after it has been issued.

I agree. However, are there any rules governing this?