Dependent Visa UK Guide

The UK Dependent Visa allows certain family members to accompany or join a primary visa holder in the UK. It is designed to maintain family unity, enabling partners and children of eligible visa holders to live, work, and in some cases study in the UK for the same duration as the main applicant’s visa.

In UK immigration terms, a “dependent” generally refers to a partner or child who relies on the main visa holder for financial and living support. This category ensures that those admitted to the UK on certain visa routes are not separated from their immediate family members.

What this article is about
This guide provides a detailed, legally accurate overview of the UK Dependent Visa. It covers who qualifies as a dependent, the visa categories that permit dependants, eligibility criteria, financial maintenance requirements, the application process, and the rights and conditions that come with dependent status. It also explains how dependent visa holders may work, study, and eventually apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). The aim is to equip applicants, sponsors, and employers with a complete understanding of the legal framework, evidential requirements, and practical steps involved.

Section A: Eligibility for a UK Dependent Visa

A UK Dependent Visa is granted only to individuals who meet strict eligibility rules set out under the UK Immigration Rules. The Home Office’s assessment focuses on the applicant’s relationship to the main visa holder, the visa category held by that person, and proof that the dependency is genuine and ongoing.

1. Who Can Apply as a Dependant

The UK’s immigration system recognises two main categories of dependants:

• Partners – including a spouse, civil partner, or unmarried partner who has been in a relationship with the main applicant for at least two consecutive years before the application.
• Children – biological children, stepchildren, or adopted children of the main applicant, subject to age and dependency conditions.

Extended family members, such as parents, siblings, or other relatives, generally cannot apply under the dependent route unless the visa category specifically allows it (for example, certain Adult Dependent Relative applications, which have separate, stricter criteria).

2. Eligible Main Visa Holders

Not all UK visa categories permit the inclusion of dependants. Eligible categories generally include:

• Skilled Worker visa
• Health and Care Worker visa
• Global Talent visa
• Innovator Founder visa
• Scale-up Worker visa
• Student visa (subject to additional dependant rules)
• Certain Temporary Worker routes (e.g., sponsored researchers under Government Authorised Exchange)

Dependants are not permitted under the Graduate visa, Youth Mobility Scheme, Seasonal Worker route, Religious Worker route, or short-term Temporary Worker categories unless explicitly stated.

3. Relationship & Evidence Requirements

The Home Office requires documentary proof that the relationship is genuine and ongoing. Examples include:

• For spouses/civil partners – marriage or civil partnership certificate.
• For unmarried partners – proof of at least two years’ cohabitation, such as joint tenancy agreements, shared bills, or bank statements showing the same address.
• For children – a full birth certificate naming the main applicant as a parent or formal adoption documentation.

In some cases, additional evidence may be required, especially if the Home Office has concerns about the genuineness of the relationship.

4. Age & Dependency Requirements for Children

Children must generally be under 18 at the date of application. Over-18s may still qualify if they are already in the UK as dependants and remain financially dependent on the main applicant without forming an independent life. They must not be married, in a civil partnership, or living independently.

The Home Office will usually expect evidence of dependency, such as proof of full-time education and financial support.

Section Summary

Eligibility for a UK Dependent Visa depends on the relationship between the applicant and the main visa holder, the type of visa held by the main applicant, and the provision of clear, credible evidence. Meeting these requirements is crucial, as failing to demonstrate a genuine dependency or applying under an ineligible main visa category will lead to refusal.

Section B: Financial & Maintenance Requirements

Financial and maintenance requirements are a critical part of the UK Dependent Visa application process. The Home Office uses these rules to ensure that dependants can be supported in the UK without recourse to public funds. The thresholds vary depending on the main visa route and whether the application is being made from inside or outside the UK.

1. Minimum Funds Requirement

Where applicable, the main visa holder (or sometimes the dependant themselves) must demonstrate access to a set level of funds for each dependant applying. The standard Home Office maintenance levels for most work visa categories are:

• £285 for a dependent partner
• £315 for the first dependent child
• £200 for each additional dependent child

These amounts must have been held for at least 28 consecutive days, ending no more than 31 days before the application date.

Some visa categories have different or higher financial criteria:

• Student visa – £845 per month (up to 9 months) for each dependant if the main applicant studies in London; £680 per month if outside London.
• Spouse/partner visa under Appendix FM – minimum income requirement of £29,000 per year (from 11 April 2024), increasing to £38,700 per year from Spring 2025, unless exempt (for example, certain disability or carer situations, or applications relying on substantial savings).

2. Who Needs to Meet the Requirement

In most cases, the main visa holder (sponsor) is responsible for meeting the financial threshold. However, if the dependant is applying separately from the main applicant, they may need to show their own funds. Sponsors who are fully approved and rated ‘A’ on the register of licensed sponsors can certify maintenance for dependants on certain work visas, removing the need for separate bank statements.

3. Evidence to Prove Funds

Acceptable proof includes:

• Personal bank or building society statements
• Sponsor’s bank statements, where applicable
• Official letters from a regulated financial institution
• A sponsor maintenance certification on the Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) for work routes

All evidence must show the funds were held for at least 28 consecutive days, ending within 31 days of the visa application date.

4. Exemptions

Applicants are exempt from the maintenance requirement if:

• They have been in the UK for at least 12 months with valid leave at the time of application
• Their sponsor certifies maintenance (work visa categories only)
• They are applying under a visa route with no separate maintenance requirement

Even if exempt, it is advisable to have funds in place, as the Home Office can still question an applicant’s ability to support themselves if there are concerns about the sustainability of living arrangements.

Section Summary

The financial and maintenance requirements ensure that dependants entering the UK can be supported without reliance on public funds. Thresholds differ significantly depending on the visa route, and exemptions apply in limited cases. Sponsors should confirm whether they can certify maintenance, which can simplify the process and remove the need for separate evidence.

Section C: Application Process for a UK Dependent Visa

The application process for a UK Dependent Visa varies depending on whether the applicant is applying from inside or outside the UK. Regardless of location, dependants must meet all eligibility, relationship, and (where applicable) financial requirements before applying. The process is governed by the Immigration Rules and the relevant appendices for the main applicant’s visa category.

1. Where & How to Apply

Outside the UK – Applications are made online via the official GOV.UK service for the relevant dependent route. Applicants will usually attend a Visa Application Centre (VAC) in their home country to submit biometrics and documents.

Inside the UK – If already in the UK on a valid visa, dependants can apply to switch into dependent status using the appropriate online form. They must not have entered the UK as a visitor, short-term student, or other category that prohibits switching. Applications within the UK usually require attendance at a UKVCAS (UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services) centre.

In all cases, each family member must complete their own application form.

2. Documents Needed

The required documents typically include:

• A valid passport or travel document
• Evidence of the relationship with the main applicant (marriage certificate, birth certificate, adoption papers, or proof of cohabitation)
• Proof of financial maintenance (bank statements or sponsor maintenance certification)
• Proof of the main applicant’s visa status (visa vignette, BRP, or Home Office decision letter)
• Tuberculosis (TB) test results for applicants from listed countries
• Any additional documents specific to the main visa category

All documents in a language other than English or Welsh must be accompanied by a certified translation.

3. Fees & Processing Times

The application fee varies by visa type and whether the application is made from inside or outside the UK. In addition to the application fee, dependants must usually pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), which grants access to the NHS during their stay.

• Outside the UK – Most dependent visa applications are processed within 3–8 weeks, but in some regions and during peak demand (e.g., start of academic terms for Student dependants), processing may take up to 12 weeks.
• Inside the UK – Standard processing is usually 8 weeks, with the option for priority services at an extra cost, reducing the decision time to 5 working days or, in some cases, 24 hours.

4. Biometrics & Supporting Evidence Submission

All applicants must provide biometric information (fingerprints and a digital photograph). This is done:

• At a VAC for applications made abroad
• At a UKVCAS appointment for applications made in the UK

Supporting evidence can be uploaded online or scanned at the appointment. Missing or incorrect documentation is a common cause of delay or refusal.

Section Summary

The dependent visa application process requires careful preparation, from completing the correct online form to gathering supporting documents, paying fees, and attending a biometrics appointment. Timelines vary depending on the application location and service level chosen, and peak periods can extend waiting times, especially for Student dependants. Ensuring all evidence meets Home Office standards is critical to avoiding delays.

Section D: Rights & Conditions for UK Dependants

A UK Dependent Visa grants a range of rights, but these vary depending on the main visa category. It is important for dependants to understand the scope of their rights, the restrictions they must observe, and how their immigration status is linked to the main visa holder.

1. Permission to Work & Study

Most dependant visa holders are allowed to work in the UK without restriction, including full-time employment and self-employment. However, there are specific exceptions:

• Dependants of Student visa holders cannot work as professional sportspersons or sports coaches but can otherwise work without restriction.
• Certain Temporary Worker dependant categories may have role-specific restrictions.

Dependants can also study in the UK. If the course lasts longer than six months, they may need an Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate for specific research topics, particularly in science and engineering.

2. Length of Stay & Extensions

A dependant’s visa will usually end on the same date as the main visa holder’s permission to stay. If the main applicant extends or switches their visa, dependants must apply separately to extend their own visa to maintain lawful status.

Applications for extension must be made before the current visa expires. If the main applicant becomes eligible for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) or British citizenship, the dependant will need to assess their own eligibility for settlement.

3. Switching to Other Visa Routes

A dependant may later apply for a different visa in their own right — for example, a Skilled Worker visa or a Student visa. Switching is permitted from most dependant categories, but not from visitor or short-term student status. Applicants should also be aware that switching can restart the qualifying period for settlement in some cases.

4. Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) & Settlement

Dependants can qualify for ILR once they have completed the necessary qualifying period in the UK, which usually aligns with the main applicant’s ILR route:

• Work visa dependants – typically 5 years’ continuous residence in the UK.
• Appendix FM family route – 5 years if meeting the standard requirements; 10 years if applying under the long residence or exceptional circumstances route.

ILR eligibility for dependants requires:

• Continuous lawful residence for the qualifying period
• Meeting the English language requirement (for adult partners)
• Passing the Life in the UK test (for adult partners)
• Not having breached immigration laws or criminal convictions that would affect eligibility

Once ILR is granted, the individual can live in the UK without time restrictions and may be eligible to apply for British citizenship after meeting residence and other statutory requirements.

Section Summary

UK Dependent Visa holders generally have broad rights to work, study, and progress towards settlement. However, these rights are closely tied to the main applicant’s visa status, and certain restrictions apply — particularly for Student dependants in professional sport. Careful immigration planning ensures dependants can transition smoothly towards ILR and eventual British citizenship.

FAQs

Can a UK Dependent Visa holder work full time?

Yes, most dependants can work without restriction, including full-time employment, self-employment, and voluntary work. The main exception is for dependants of Student visa holders, who cannot work as professional sportspersons or sports coaches but may take on other employment without limits. Some temporary visa categories may also impose role-specific restrictions.

How long does it take to get a UK Dependent Visa?

Processing times vary depending on whether the application is made inside or outside the UK. From overseas, most applications are processed within 3–8 weeks, but during peak demand periods — particularly for Student dependants — this can extend to up to 12 weeks. In-country applications usually take up to 8 weeks under the standard service, though priority services can reduce this to as little as 5 working days for an additional fee.

Can I bring my parents as dependants?

Generally, no. The Dependent Visa route is intended for partners and children. Parents can only apply under the Adult Dependent Relative route, which has very strict eligibility criteria and requires evidence of long-term care needs that cannot be met in their home country. This is a separate application category under Appendix FM.

Do dependent visas have financial requirements?

Yes. Most dependent applications must meet minimum financial maintenance thresholds, which differ by visa category. For example, Skilled Worker visa dependants require £285/£315/£200 (partner/first child/each additional child), while Student visa dependants must meet a monthly maintenance figure based on location. Spouse and partner visa dependants under Appendix FM face a minimum income requirement of £29,000 (increasing to £38,700 from Spring 2025) unless exempt.

Can a dependent apply for ILR independently?

Yes, dependants can apply for ILR in their own right if they meet the relevant continuous residence period, English language requirement, Life in the UK test, and good character requirements. However, their eligibility is usually aligned with the main applicant’s ILR timetable unless they switch to a visa in their own right, which may reset their qualifying period.

Conclusion

The UK Dependent Visa provides an essential immigration route for families to live together in the UK while the main applicant works, studies, or pursues other eligible visa categories. Success in obtaining a dependent visa relies on meeting the specific eligibility criteria for the relationship, visa category, and financial maintenance rules, which can vary significantly between routes.

Because a dependant’s immigration status is directly tied to the main visa holder’s, any changes to the main applicant’s circumstances — such as visa expiry, refusal, switching to a different visa, or settlement — will directly affect the dependant’s right to remain in the UK. This makes proactive immigration planning crucial for both the main applicant and their dependants.

With most dependants enjoying broad work and study rights, and with a pathway available towards Indefinite Leave to Remain and British citizenship, this route offers significant opportunities for family stability and integration. By ensuring compliance with the Immigration Rules and submitting a complete, well-evidenced application, families can secure long-term residence in the UK with greater certainty.

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Gill Laing

Gill Laing is a qualified Legal Researcher & Analyst with niche specialisms in Law, Tax, Human Resources, Immigration & Employment Law. Gill is a Multiple Business Owner and the Managing Director of Prof Services - a Marketing & Content Agency for the Professional Services Sector.

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