UK Dependent Visa

If you're planning to join your partner, spouse, or parent in the UK, the Dependent visa UK route allows you to live, work, and even study alongside them. Whether your loved one is in the UK on a Skilled Worker visa, Global Talent visa, Student visa, or another eligible immigration route, you may qualify to apply as their dependent.

Applying for a UK Dependent visa can feel overwhelming, but you don't have to go through it alone. At Wembley Solicitors, we're here to simplify the process and give you confidence every step of the way.

For immediate help & assistance with your UK Dependent visa, you can contact Wembley Solicitors on 0203 417 3700. We're available to assist in person, over the phone, or online.

Table of Contents

What Is a UK Dependent Visa?

A UK dependent visa allows close family members (spouse, partner, or children) of individuals with a valid UK visa to join them in the UK. Family members who can apply as dependents include spouses, civil partners, unmarried partners, and children under 18. In most cases, the dependent visa will be valid for the same length of time as the main visa holder.

Who Can Apply as a Dependent?

A dependent is someone who is closely related to the main visa holder, usually a partner or child. To apply under this route, the relationship must be genuine, and in some cases, proven through official documentation.

You may qualify as a dependent if you're:

• A husband or wife.
• An unmarried or civil partner.
• A child under the age of 18.

It's important to note that this route is different from the UK Spouse Visa or Family Visa. While those also allow family members to join loved ones in the UK, they fall under separate visa categories with different requirements.

Which UK Visa Holders Can Bring Dependants?

Not every visa allows family members to join the visa holder in the UK. Whether you can bring dependants depends on the type of visa you have. Below are some of the main visa types that allow dependants:

Long-Term Work Visas

Visa holders under the following categories can bring dependants:

• Skilled Worker visa
• Senior or Specialist Worker visa (Global Business Mobility)
• Minister of Religion visa (T2)
• Scale-up Worker visa
• International Sportsperson visa

Important Update (March 2024): Care workers and senior care workers on a Skilled Worker visa can no longer bring dependants unless they were already employed in the UK before 11 March 2024 under that visa category.

Short-Term Work Visas

Some temporary visas also allow dependants, such as:

• Charity Worker visa
• Creative Worker visa
• Government Authorised Exchange visa
• Graduate Trainee visa
• Graduate visa
• High Potential Individual (HPI) visa
• International Agreement visa
• Religious Worker visa
• Secondment Worker visa
• Service Supplier visa
• UK Expansion Worker visa

Business and Talent Visas

Entrepreneurs, investors, and innovators can usually bring dependants on the following visas:

• Innovator Founder visa
• Global Talent visa
• Scale-up Worker visa

Other Eligible Visas

Additional visas that may allow dependants include:

• British National (Overseas) visa
• Representative of an Overseas Business visa

Student Visas: When Can Students Bring Dependants?

From January 1, 2024, most international students can no longer bring their partners or children as dependents to the UK on a Student visa. However, only PhD and postgraduate research students can bring their families with them.

If the course started after 1 January 2024, it must be a:

• PhD or doctoral qualification (RQF Level 8), or
• A research-based postgraduate degree

Eligibility Criteria for a Dependent Visa

To be granted a dependent visa, you'll need to meet several criteria that prove your relationship to the main visa holder is genuine.

For a Partner or Spouse

You must:

• Be married or in a civil partnership recognised by UK law
• Show evidence of living together for at least two years (for unmarried partners)
• Both must be aged 18 or over
• Intend to live together in the UK during your stay

For Children

Children must:

• Be under 18 years of age at the time of application
• Be living with both parents unless special circumstances apply
• Not be married, in a civil partnership, or have children of their own
• Be financially dependent on their parents

Children cannot apply alone, they must apply with one or both parents or be joining a parent already in the UK.

Documents Required for Dependent Visa Application

The exact documents you'll need depend on your relationship with the main visa holder:

For a Student's Dependant

The following are the supporting documents you must provide during your application:

• Valid passport
• Bank statements to prove financial support
• Biometric Residence Permit (if applicable)
• Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS)
• Tuberculosis test certificate (if applicable)
• Police registration certificate (if required)

For Spouse or Civil Partner

The following are the necessary documents for your application:

• Marriage or civil partnership certificate
• Certificate of Sponsorship (if your partner is on a sponsored work visa)

For Unmarried Partner

The following are the necessary documents for your application:

• Evidence of cohabitation for at least 2 years (e.g. utility bills, council tax, tenancy agreements)

For Dependent Children

The following are the necessary documents for the children's application:

• Birth certificate
• Valid passport
• NHS registration document
• School enrolment confirmation
• Guardianship order (if applicable)

Financial Requirements for a UK Dependent Visa

When applying for a UK Dependent Visa, one important step is proving that you can support yourself financially during your stay. This is to show that you won't need to rely on public funds while living in the UK.

Even though you're applying as a dependent, whether as a partner, spouse, or child, you still need to demonstrate that you or your family have enough money to cover your living costs.

To meet the financial requirements for a UK dependent visa, you must show the following minimum amounts:

• £285 if you're the spouse or partner
• £315 for the first child
• £200 for each additional child

For example, if you're applying with your partner and two children, you'd need to show that you have at least £1,000 available (£285 + £315 + £200 + £200).

Important Note: You must have had this money in your bank account (or your sponsor's) for at least 28 consecutive days before the date you submit your application. This financial evidence proves that you can support yourself without help from the UK government.

Are There Any Exceptions?

Yes, not everyone needs to show proof of funds. You may not need to meet the financial requirement if:

• You've already been living in the UK with a valid visa for 12 months or more, or
• Your spouse or partner's employer has agreed to cover your living expenses for the first month in the UK; this must be clearly stated in their Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)

How Can I Apply for a UK Dependent Visa?

To apply for a UK Dependent visa, dependents must complete the online application, submit supporting documents, and attend their biometric appointment.

 You'll need to provide documents that prove your relationship, financial status, and identity, along with your biometric information. Make sure the main visa holder includes your details in their application or provides their Unique Application Number (UAN) or Certificate of Sponsorship, depending on the visa type.

Step-by-Step Process

1. Check if you need a visa as a dependant
2. Create a UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account
3. Prepare and upload documents
4. Prove your identity by providing biometrics at a visa centre, or using the UK Immigration ID Check App
5. Pay visa fees and the immigration health surcharge
6. Book a biometrics appointment (if required)
7. Wait for a decision

For best results, many people seek help from immigration solicitors to ensure their dependent visa application is successful.

How Much Does a UK Dependent Visa Cost?

The cost of a UK Dependent Visa depends on where you're applying from and what type of visa your sponsor holds.

If applying from outside the UK, the fee is typically £1,938 per person, while it's £1,321 per person if applying from inside the UK. For Skilled Worker dependents, it's £713 for a 3-year visa or £1,420 for a 5-year visa.

Don't forget the Immigration Health Surcharge, which is £1,035 per year for adults and £776 per year for children. Optional priority services can also increase the cost.

You may be exempt from the visa application fee if any of the following apply:

• You're joining a spouse or partner who is a citizen of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, or Liechtenstein, and they have pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme
• You're living with a British citizen in Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, or Liechtenstein
• You're joining a Northern Ireland resident who was living in the UK on or before 31 December 2021
• You're related to a family from the EU, EEA, or Switzerland, and you have retained your right of residence after a family breakdown or bereavement

How Long Does It Take to Get a UK Dependent Visa?

The UK Dependent visa processing time depends on whether you apply from inside or outside the UK. From outside the UK, the decision usually takes around 3 weeks. If you're applying from within the UK, the wait time is around 8 weeks. If you need a faster decision, you can pay extra for the Priority Service (decision in 5 working days) or Super Priority Service (next working day decision), where available.

Applying from Within the UK (Visa Extension or Switching)

If you're already in the UK on a dependent visa and want to stay longer, you can apply to extend or switch your visa:

• Apply before your current visa expires
• You can apply at the same time as your partner or separately
• Children who turn 18 while in the UK may also be eligible under the dependent route

Can I Work on a UK Dependent Visa?

Yes, in most cases, UK dependent visa holders are allowed to work in the UK. This includes full-time and part-time work, self-employment, and voluntary work. However, if you're a dependent of a Student Visa holder, your work rights may be limited based on the type of course your partner is studying.

Always check the visa conditions on your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) or decision letter to confirm your work entitlements.

Can UK Dependent Visa Holders Access NHS Services?

Yes, once you've paid the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), you'll have access to the NHS (National Health Service) just like a UK resident. This includes GP appointments, emergency services, and hospital treatment.

Keep in mind that you must pay the IHS upfront when you apply, and the fee is based on how many years your visa covers.

How Long Can You Stay on a UK Dependent Visa?

The length of time you can stay in the UK on a dependent visa depends largely on the visa status of the main applicant, usually your spouse, partner, or parent. Typically, a UK dependent visa is granted for the same duration as the primary visa holder's stay.

For example, if your spouse holds a Skilled Worker visa valid for three years, your dependent visa will usually also be valid for three years. You can apply to extend your dependent visa as long as your partner or parent continues to hold a valid visa.

In most cases, you can stay in the UK as a dependent for up to 5 years at a time, after which you may be eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) or permanent residency, provided you meet all other requirements.

It's important to note that the dependent visa does not provide automatic settlement rights, but after a certain period, usually 5 years, you can apply to settle in the UK permanently.

If your partner's visa is shorter or they leave the UK, your dependent visa will also be affected, so always check your visa conditions carefully.

How Wembley Solicitors Can Help

Navigating the UK Dependent Visa process can be confusing, but you're not alone. At Wembley Solicitors, we specialise in helping individuals reunite with their families in the UK. Our experienced team of immigration lawyers can assist with:

• Assessing your eligibility
• Preparing and reviewing your application
• Gathering the right documents
• Ensuring your family stays together in the UK

Whether you're applying for a UK dependent visa from outside the UK or switching visas from within, our team of expert immigration solicitors is ready to help reunite your family.

Need Help with Your UK Dependent Visa Application?

Whether you're joining your spouse, partner, or parent in the UK, our trusted immigration solicitors are here to make the process smooth and stress-free. From checking your eligibility to preparing your application, we'll guide you every step of the way.

For legal advice and assistance with your UK dependent visa application, call Wembley Solicitors today on 0203 417 3700 or fill in our online enquiry form.