DEPENDANT VISA

A Dependant Visa enables the immediate family members of UK visa holders to join them in the UK. Discover the application process and the key requirements for eligibility. Whether you’re a partner, spouse, or child, this visa allows you to live, work, and study in the UK alongside your loved ones.

A UK Dependant Visa allows immediate family members—such as spouses, civil partners, unmarried partners, children, and in some cases, adult dependants—to join a relative who holds a qualifying UK visa or has settled status. This visa enables families to live, work, and study together in the UK.

You may be eligible to apply as a dependant if you are:

• The spouse, civil partner, or unmarried partner (living together for at least two years) of a visa holder.
• A child under 18, or over 18 but financially dependent on the main visa holder.
• An adult relative (parent, grandparent, or adult child) requiring long-term care that cannot be provided in your home country.

Minimum Income Requirement:
The financial threshold for sponsoring a spouse or partner has increased from £29,000 to £34,500 per year. For each child, an additional £4,500 is required.

Eligibility for Students:
As of January 2024, international students can only bring dependants if enrolled in a PhD or government-sponsored postgraduate research programme.

Care Workers:
From March 2024, care workers and senior care workers are no longer permitted to bring dependants to the UK.

• Relationship Proof:
  Provide evidence of your relationship to the main visa holder (e.g., marriage certificate, birth certificate).
• Financial Evidence:
  Demonstrate that the main visa holder can financially support you without recourse to public funds.
• Accommodation:
  Show that adequate accommodation is available for you and your family.
• Intention to Live Together:
  Confirm that you intend to live together in the UK.

Spouse/Partner: £34,500 per year.

Child: £4,500 per year per child.

These thresholds reflect the rising cost of living and inflation, ensuring that applicants can meet the financial demands of living in or visiting the UK.

Applicants typically need to provide:

• Valid passport or travel document.
• Proof of relationship to the main visa holder.
• Financial evidence (e.g., payslips, bank statements).
• Proof of accommodation.
• Tuberculosis test results (if applicable).
• Biometric information (fingerprints and photograph).

The exact documents required may vary depending on the specific visa category under which you’re applying.

Complete the Online Application:
Fill out the appropriate application form on the UK government website.

Pay the Fees:
Submit the visa application fee and the Immigration Health Surcharge.

Submit Documents:
Upload all required documents to support your application.

Biometric Appointment:
Attend a biometric appointment to provide fingerprints and a photograph.

Wait for a Decision:
Processing times vary, but decisions are typically made within 8 weeks.

Work and Study:
Dependant visa holders can live, work, and study in the UK without restrictions.

Public Funds:
Dependant visa holders are not entitled to public funds.

Duration:
The visa is usually granted for the same duration as the main visa holder’s leave.

After living in the UK for a continuous period of 5 years on a Dependant Visa, you may be eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), provided you meet all the necessary requirements.

Are you an overseas family member of a UK visa holder looking to join them in the UK? Our experienced immigration lawyers can guide you through the entire process of applying for a UK Dependant Visa. We’ll ensure your application is handled efficiently and meets all UK immigration requirements. Contact us today for personalised legal advice and take the first step toward starting your life in the UK with your family.