Changing from my work permit visa to partner's work permit dependent

Hello,

I am currently here on a work permit visa and have been since 2006.  I still have my job, but I'm thinking about moving to be a dependent on my husband's work permit because it will give me flexibility in seeking employment and the ability to do some consulting work as self-employed, which I understand that I cannot do as a employer sponsored work permit holder.

I have been told I have to return to my home country in order to apply to be his work permit dependent.  Has this always been the case?  I also want to confirm that in the (unlikely) event I am refused the work permit dependent visa, that I would keep my current visa?  I'd hate to go do this and then for some reason not be able to return here, especially given I still have my job.

All of this is being done primarily so I can do small amounts of consulting (self-employment work).  Is there any other way anyone would know of that I could do self-employment work without changing my current visa status?  What if it were just a one-time self-employment contract totaling less than GBP 4,000?  Anything else I should be taking into consideration when thinking this through?

Any thoughts or ideas would be appreciated!

You can take supplementary work but not self employed.

If you want to switch to being a dependent you'd have to go home.

If you were refused you wouldn't lose your current status.


Vicky