The UK Dependent Visa is a common immigration route families can take who are wishing to stay together when one member moves to the UK under any given visa category. The dependant visa type allows immediate family members, such as spouses, civil partners, and children, to immigrate to the UK along with their family member of who they are reliant on, as a dependant under their visa. As of January 2024, there have been significant updates to the UK immigration rules, particularly regarding student and health and care workers dependent.
At UKSpouseVisas, we’ve designed this guide to breakdown the new rules regarding UK Dependent Visa requirements in 2024, providing you with clear, concise, and up-to-date information.
Key Points to Takeaways
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Visa Type | UK Dependent Visa |
| Dependants Visa Purpose | To enable family members of certain UK visa holders to live together in the UK |
| Significant Update | Changes to student & Health and care workers dependents visas in January 2024 |
| Individuals who can apply | Spouses, partners, children of UK visa holders |
If your looking for further details into the spouse visa and their dependants, as well as requirements and documents needed our dedicated page on UK Spouse Visas may be able to offer some valuable insights.
Who Is Allowed to Bring Dependents to the UK?
Being able to bring dependents to the UK under your visa is not extended to all visa categories. Having an understanding of which visas allow for dependents is a key first step for families planning their move or reunion in the UK. Below we’ve created a list of the main UK visa categories that permit the inclusion of dependents:
- Skilled Worker Visa: Holders can sponsor their spouse, partner, and children under 18 to join them in the UK.
- Certain Global Business Mobility Visas: This category encompasses visas under the Global Talent, Graduate Trainee, Senior, or Specialist Worker categories, allowing family members to accompany the visa holder.
- Tier 1 Visa Categories: High-value migrants, including Investors and Entrepreneurs, have the privilege to bring their families.
- Ancestry Visa: Those moving to the UK based on their ancestral ties can also sponsor their dependents.
- Other Work Visas: Specific visas, such as those for Ministers of Religion or Sportspersons, also facilitate the arrival of dependents.
For those concerned over the financial implications of sponsoring a dependent under the Skilled Worker Visa, it may be beneficial to refer to our guide on Fiancé Visa Financial Requirements 2024.
Eligibility Summary
| Dependant Visa Category | Allows Dependents |
|---|---|
| Skilled Worker Visa | ✅ |
| Global Business Mobility Visas | ✅ |
| Ancestry Visa | ✅ |
| Other Work Visas | ✅ |
Understanding which visa categories allow the main applicant to bring their dependents into the UK with them is the first step in planning your family’s move to the UK.
Who Is Allowed To Apply for Dependent Visa In The UK?
Correctly Identifying if you qualify as a dependent is a fundamental point of the application process for a UK Dependent Visa. The UK’s immigration rules are designed to help keep families together, allowing certain members of the visa holder’s family to join or accompany them in the UK.
Partners
Married or Civil Partners: To qualify as a valid dependant via the ‘partner route’, you must be legally married to or in a civil partnership with the main visa holder.
Unmarried Partners: Required to have been living together in a relationship akin to marriage or civil partnership for at least two years.
Child Dependants
Any dependant applicants that are applying as a minor must be under 18 years old to qualify. However, there are additional considerations for children aged 16 and over, who must demonstrate their dependency on the main visa holder.
Adult Dependant Relatives
In certain circumstances, other immediate family members may qualify under the Adult Dependant Relative visa route. This visa is designed and catered for those who need long-term care that can only be provided by a family member in the UK.
Eligibility Criteria for Dependant Visas
Partners Route
- Married/Civil Partnership or Unmarried Partners living together for at least two years
Child/Minor Route
- Under 18, with specific requirements for those aged 16 and over
Adult Dependent Relative Visa
- In specific situations, based on the need for long-term care provided by a family member in the UK
What Requirements Do I Need to Meet for a UK Dependant Visa?
When applying for a dependant visa, applicants must meet a set of very strict and specific requirements, designed to ensure that dependants have genuine relationships with the main visa holder and that they are financially supported during their stay in the UK, is required. These requirements vary depending on the dependant’s relationship to the visa holder.
A. Relationship Requirements
The relationship between the main visa holder and their dependants must be ‘genuine and subsisting’
- Spouse/Civil Partner: Applicants for a dependant visa must provide a marriage certificate or a civil partnership registration to prove the relationship. Furthermore, evidence of the relationship, such as joint bank statements or utility bills, may be required.
- Unmarried Partner: Proof of cohabitation for at least 2 years is necessary, alongside evidence of a long-term commitment.
- Child: The child must be under 18 years of age at the time of application. Birth certificates or legal documentation proving the relationship to the British citizen or settled parent are essential.
- Parent: In rare cases, a parent can apply as a dependent via the ADR visa if they can prove their financial dependency on their British citizen or settled child.
B. Financial Requirements
Financial stability is crucial for supporting dependants in the UK
- The main visa holder (or applicant for the dependant visa) must demonstrate sufficient financial resources to support their dependants without the ability to rely on public funds.
- Specific amounts vary depending on the main visa category and the number of dependants. For example, the Skilled Worker Dependant Visa requires evidence of a certain minimum income to sponsor a partner and additional amounts for any dependent children.
For detailed financial requirements, including exemptions, we recommended to read our Fiancé Visa Financial Requirements 2024.
C. English Language Requirement
Unlike most applications for a foreign national to immigrate to the UK, dependant visa applicants do not need to pass an English language test to satisfy the application requirements.
UK Dependant Visa Document Requirements 2024
Gathering and submitting the right documentation is key to a successful dependant visa application. This can include, but is not limited to:
- Valid Passport/Travel Document: Must be valid for the duration of your stay in the UK, with at least one blank page for the visa.
- Biometric Residence Permit (BRP): If applicable, for applicants already in the UK.
- Proof of Relationship:
- For spouses or civil partners: marriage certificates, civil partnership certificates.
- For unmarried partners: evidence of cohabitation for at least two years, such as joint bank account statements, utility bills in both names, or tenancy agreements.
- For children: birth certificates, adoption papers, or other legal guardianship documents.
- For adult dependant relatives: evidence of financial and/or care dependency.
- Financial Evidence: Bank statements, payslips, or other proof of financial means to support the dependant’s stay in the UK without recourse to public funds.
- Accommodation Details: Proof of adequate accommodation in the UK, ensuring that the family can live together without overcrowding.
- Passport-Sized Photographs: In line with UKVI specifications for visa applications.
Dependant Visa for Children
- Consent Letters: If travelling or living separately from one or both parents, consent letters from the non-accompanying parent(s) may be required.
- Proof of Dependency: For children aged 16 and over, additional proof of dependency on the main visa holder is necessary.
For Adult Dependant Relatives (ADR Visa)
- Evidence of Long-Term Care Needs: Documentation proving that the adult dependant relative requires long-term care that can only be provided by a family member in the UK.
It’s imperative for applicants to ensure all documents are up-to-date and accurately reflect their current circumstances and relationship status. Misrepresentation or incomplete applications can lead to Home Office time delays or a refusal of the application.
Conclusion
The UK Dependant Visa application process can be quite complex as it requires a detailed understanding of UK immigration law and it’s system. With the right preparation and understanding of the process, applicants can increase their chances of approval, bringing their loved ones to the UK to live together as a family.
If you or someone you know is in need of a UK dependant visa, Don’t hesitate to contact our specialist UK immigration solicitors at UKSpouseVisa to assist you with your application
