Dependant Visa UK: How to Bring Family Members

The Dependant Visa UK is an important immigration route that allows family members of individuals residing in the UK on a valid visa to join and live with them. Whether you’re in the UK on a Skilled Worker Visa, Student Visa, or another eligible route, this guide provides a detailed overview of how to bring your family members legally and successfully.

Overview of the Dependant Visa UK

A Dependant Visa allows close family members to join individuals legally living in the UK under specific visa routes. The main applicant must either be present in the UK or be applying for their visa simultaneously with their dependant family member(s).

This route is particularly important for maintaining family unity while living in the UK for work, study, or long-term settlement.

Official UK Government Dependant Visa Overview

Who Qualifies as a Dependant?

The UK government defines dependants as:

Spouse or Civil Partner
Unmarried Partner (must prove cohabitation for at least 2 years)
Children under 18 years of age
Children over 18, only if:
- They are already in the UK as dependants, and
- They are not living an independent life (e.g., not married, not working full-time, and still financially reliant on the sponsor)

Parents, siblings, and other relatives do not qualify under this route unless under exceptional circumstances.

Family members may apply as dependants if the sponsor holds a valid UK visa from one of the following categories:

Skilled Worker Visa
Health and Care Worker Visa
Student Visa
Global Talent Visa
Scale-up Visa
Innovator Founder Visa
High Potential Individual Visa
Start-up Visa (if still valid)
Tier 1 categories (closed to new applicants but extensions apply)

General Eligibility Criteria for Dependants

To qualify for a dependant visa, applicants must:

Prove their relationship to the main applicant (sponsor).
Intend to live with the sponsor in the UK.
Have suitable accommodation without public funds.
Demonstrate sufficient funds to support themselves in the UK.
Pass a tuberculosis (TB) test (from listed countries).

Children over 16 may be required to prove dependency, such as not living independently, not married, and financially reliant on the sponsor.

Required Documents for Dependant Visa

For Spouse or Partner:

Valid passport
Marriage or civil partnership certificate (or proof of 2-year cohabitation for unmarried partners)
Evidence of relationship (e.g., photos, messages, financial ties)
Copy of sponsor’s BRP (Biometric Residence Permit) or visa decision
Proof of address in the UK
Tuberculosis test certificate (if applicable)

For Child:

Birth certificate
Proof that both parents are in the UK or are applying together
Custody documents (if applicable)
Proof of dependence and address

All documents not in English must be translated by a certified translator.

UK Dependant Visa Application Process

Online Application: Complete the dependant visa form on the UK visa application portal.
Pay Visa Fees and IHS: Pay the required visa fee and Immigration Health Surcharge.
Book a Biometric Appointment: Attend a visa centre in your country to provide fingerprints and photo.
Submit Documents: Upload or submit required supporting documents.
Wait for Decision: Track your application online and wait for a decision.

Financial Requirements

Dependants must show that the main visa holder can support them financially without public funds. Financial thresholds vary by visa type:

For Skilled Worker Dependants:

Partner: £285
One Child: £315
Additional Child: £200 per child

For Student Dependants:

Partner: £680/month (up to 9 months = £6,120)
Child: £680/month per child

Funds must be held in the sponsor or dependant’s account for 28 consecutive days, ending no more than 31 days before the application.

Exemptions apply if the sponsor has been in the UK for over 12 months.

Healthcare Surcharge and Visa Fees

Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS):

Dependants must pay the IHS to access the NHS. The current rate is:

£1,045 per year per adult
£776 per year per child under 18

Visa Fees (Standard Routes):

Outside UK: £719 (Skilled Worker), £490 (Student)
Inside UK (extensions or switching): £827 for most visa types

Use the official fee calculator

UK Dependant Visa Processing Times

Typical processing times:

Standard applications (outside UK): 3–8 weeks
Priority service (additional cost): 5 working days
Super priority (limited availability): 1 working day

Delays may occur during peak times or if additional documents are requested.

Working and Studying as a Dependant

Work Rights:

Dependant spouses/partners of Skilled Workers, Scale-up, or Global Talent Visa holders can:

Work full-time in almost any job (except as a professional sportsperson or coach)
Start a business
Be self-employed

Study Rights:

All dependants are allowed to study without restrictions. Children must attend school according to UK education law.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Submitting incomplete financial documents
Using outdated or non-certified translations
Providing weak relationship evidence (especially for unmarried partners)
Failing to demonstrate dependency for children over 16
Overlooking TB test requirements

Thorough preparation and documentation are essential to avoid delays or refusals.

Extending or Switching Dependant Visas

Dependants can apply to extend or switch to another dependant visa if:

The sponsor extends their visa
The dependant is already in the UK on a valid visa

Extensions must be submitted before the current visa expires, and dependants must continue to meet the eligibility criteria.

Applications are submitted online via the UK Government visa portal

Settlement and ILR for Dependants

Dependants may apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after a qualifying period, usually 5 years, if:

They have lived in the UK continuously on a dependant visa.
The sponsor also qualifies for ILR.
They meet the English language and Life in the UK test requirements (for adults).
They have not breached immigration laws or exceeded absences.

Dependants of certain visa categories (like Global Talent) may qualify for accelerated ILR.

Useful Resources and Tools

Gov.uk – Family Visas
UKBloom Spouse and Dependant Visa Checker
UKBloom Income Threshold Calculator
Check Visa Application Processing Times

UK Spouse Visa Requirements and Mistakes
Skilled Worker Visa: Step-by-Step Guide
UK Visa Financial Requirements Explained
Cost of Living in the UK Calculator
Life in the UK Test: Free Practice Questions

Conclusion

The UK Dependant Visa route is a powerful tool for maintaining family life while living, working, or studying in the UK. By ensuring eligibility, preparing accurate documentation, and understanding the financial and legal requirements, sponsors can bring their partners and children to the UK smoothly and successfully.