A dependent visa UK route can allow an eligible dependant partner or dependant child to join or remain with a main visa holder in the UK. However, dependent visa rules vary significantly according to the main applicant’s immigration route.

For example, the rules applying to a Skilled Worker are different from those affecting an international student, a senior care worker, or someone holding a Seasonal Worker visa.

A dependant visa application normally requires applicants to prove their relationship, identity and, where applicable, that they have sufficient funds to support themselves. Each partner or child generally makes a separate application, and their permission will usually be linked to the main visa holder’s permission to stay in the UK.

In this guide, we explain who can qualify as a dependant, the documents and financial evidence required, application steps, processing times and the rights available after approval. We also look at important restrictions affecting care workers, students and children.

Which Visa Holders Can Bring Dependents to UK?

The dependent visa UK is designed to allow family members of people living in the United Kingdom under a valid visa to accompany or join them. Eligible family members include partners, civil partners, unmarried partners, and children under 18.

However, eligibility depends on the visa holder’s immigration status and the relationship between the main applicant and their dependants.

Skilled Worker Visa Holders:
Dependants of Skilled Workers can apply to join them in the UK, provided the main applicant meets the financial maintenance and accommodation requirements.
Student Visa Holders:
Students studying postgraduate courses of 9 months or more at a recognised institution, or government-sponsored students, may bring dependants.
Innovator Founder or Global Talent Visa Holders:
Dependants can accompany or join visa holders in these entrepreneurial or talent-based routes, subject to similar financial and relationship proof requirements.
British Citizens and ILR Holders:
Family members of those settled in the UK (holding Indefinite Leave to Remain or status under the EU Settlement Scheme) can apply for family visas under related rules.

Our immigration lawyers can guide you if you are eligible for a dependent visa or you need to apply for a family visa to join your family in the UK.

Eligibility Criteria for a Dependent Visa UK

To successfully apply for a dependent visa UK, applicants must meet specific eligibility requirements set by the UK Home Office. Applications by elderly or sick relatives who require care from family members in the UK are highly scrutinized and have strict eligibility criteria.

These requirements ensure that only genuine dependants, who can be adequately supported, are granted permission to live in the United Kingdom.

1. Relationship Requirements

The relationship between the main visa holder and their dependant must be genuine and legally recognised under UK law. Each category of relationship has its own evidential standard:

For Spouses or Civil Partners:
Applicants must provide a valid marriage or civil partnership certificate. The marriage must not be one of convenience, and both partners must intend to live together in the UK. Read our guide to Dependent Partner Visa UK for more details.
For Unmarried Partners:
Cohabitation proof for at least two consecutive years before the date of the application is required. Documents such as joint tenancy agreements, shared utility bills, or official correspondence addressed to both partners can help substantiate the relationship.
For Children:
Dependent children must not be married, in a civil partnership, or leading an independent life. In most cases, both parents should be living in the UK or applying together, except in special circumstances such as sole custody.

The Home Office places strong emphasis on the authenticity of relationships. Any inconsistency or missing evidence can lead to refusal, so professional documentation review is highly recommended.

2. Financial Requirements

One of the most important aspects of the dependent visa UK application is proving that the family will not rely on public funds once in the UK. The main visa holder must demonstrate sufficient financial means to support dependants.

Minimum Maintenance Funds:

As of current Home Office guidance, the following funds are required (unless the main visa holder’s sponsor covers accommodation and living costs):

Partner: £285
First Child: £315
Each Additional Child: £200

For more details on the costs to make a will in 2025, see our expert guide.

These funds must be held for at least 28 consecutive days before the application date and evidenced through recent bank statements or sponsorship letters.

Note: The exact financial requirements may differ depending on the primary visa type and sponsoring employer’s policies. It’s crucial to verify these before submitting an application, as the Home Office may adjust thresholds periodically.

3. Accommodation Requirements

Applicants must show proof of suitable accommodation in the UK that will not be overcrowded or violate public health regulations.
Documents such as tenancy agreements, mortgage statements, or letters from landlords confirming adequate housing can be submitted.

4. English Language Requirement

Dependants themselves usually do not need to meet an English language requirement unless applying for settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain) in the future. However, the main visa holder must meet the English proficiency requirements for their own UK visa route.

5. Immigration Status of the Main Applicant

The main visa holder must have a valid UK visa or immigration status that permits dependants to join them.
For example:

Skilled Worker Visa
Student Visa (postgraduate)
Innovator Founder Visa
Health and Care Worker Visa
Global Talent Visa

Each visa route has distinct dependent eligibility rules, and failure to align with them can result in refusal.

Documents Required for a Dependent Visa UK Application

When applying for a dependant visa, submitting the correct documentation is one of the most crucial steps for UK visas and immigration. Below is a detailed checklist of documents required to support your application, both from the main visa holder and the dependants.

Core Documents for All Dependants

Every dependant, regardless of relationship type, must provide the following documents when applying:

Valid Passport – A passport with at least one blank page for the visa vignette and valid for the duration of stay.
Visa Application Form – A completed online application form specific to the dependant category.
Passport-sized Photographs – Two recent, colour, UK-standard passport photos.
Proof of Relationship – Depending on the category:
- Marriage certificate or civil partnership certificate (for spouses/partners)
- Birth certificate (for children)
- Proof of cohabitation (for unmarried partners)
Proof of Immigration Status of Main Visa Holder – Copy of the main applicant’s BRP (Biometric Residence Permit), visa, or Home Office decision letter.
Evidence of Financial Maintenance – Recent bank statements showing the required maintenance funds held for at least 28 consecutive days prior to application.
Accommodation Details – Documents confirming adequate accommodation, such as tenancy agreements, mortgage documents, or letters from landlords confirming space availability.
Tuberculosis (TB) Test Results – Required for applicants from certain countries, as per UK immigration rules.
Official Translations – Any document not in English or Welsh must be accompanied by a certified translation.

Additional Documents for Children

For children applying under the dependent visa UK route, the following additional documents may be required:

Parental Consent Letters – Signed letters from both parents confirming the application and intent for the child to live in the UK.
Evidence of Parental Responsibility – Documents such as custody orders, adoption papers, or birth certificates listing both parents.
Proof of Dependency – For children over 16, evidence that they live with their parents and are financially dependent (e.g., school letters, bank transfers, shared address proof).

Additional Documents for Unmarried Partners

To establish the legitimacy of an unmarried relationship, applicants must provide at least two years’ worth of evidence showing cohabitation and joint financial responsibility. This may include:

Joint tenancy or mortgage statements
Utility bills or council tax bills in both names
Joint bank account statements
Official correspondence addressed to both partners at the same address

The Home Office assesses the genuineness of the relationship based on the consistency, frequency, and nature of shared documentation.

Financial Documentation Requirements

To meet the financial maintenance requirement, provide one or more of the following:

Personal or joint bank statements showing the required maintenance funds
Sponsor’s letter confirming financial support
Payslips or employment letters (if the main visa holder is working in the UK)
Scholarship letters (for students) confirming dependent support coverage

The financial evidence must be dated within 31 days of the visa application submission.

Additional Supporting Documents

Depending on your case, you may also need:

Cover Letter: A clear explanation of the relationship, background, and purpose of the application.
Travel History Evidence: Previous visa copies, entry/exit stamps, or refusal notices (if any).
Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) Reference: For dependants of Skilled Worker visa holders.

Submitting a complete and well-organised documentation package significantly enhances your chances of approval. For peace of mind, many applicants choose to have their documents reviewed by a professional immigration adviser, such as Salam Immigration, before submission.

How to Apply for a Dependent Visa UK (Step-by-Step Process)

Applying for a dependent visa UK involves several detailed stages, from completing the online form to submitting biometrics and supporting documents. Understanding each step will help applicants avoid mistakes that could delay or jeopardise their applications.

Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of the full process, designed to ensure your dependent visa application is complete and compliant with Home Office requirements.

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

Before you begin, ensure that both the main visa holder and the dependant(s) meet the eligibility criteria outlined by the UK Home Office.
This includes verifying:

The relationship between the main applicant and the dependants.
That sufficient financial maintenance is available.
That the main visa type allows dependants to join.

If you are unsure about any aspect of eligibility, it’s strongly advised to seek professional guidance before proceeding.

Step 2: Gather Required Documents

Collect all relevant documents for both the main visa holder and the dependant(s).
This includes:

Passports
Proof of relationship
Financial documents
TB test results (if applicable)
Accommodation proof

All documents must be current, valid, and in English or Welsh (or accompanied by certified translations). Organising your documents in logical order will make the visa centre verification process easier.

Step 3: Complete the Online Application Form

Dependants must apply online via the official UK Government Visa and Immigration (GOV.UK) website.
The specific form depends on whether the dependant is applying:

From outside the UK (entry clearance), or
From within the UK (visa extension or switching category).

You’ll need to select the correct visa route corresponding to the primary visa holder category. For example, Skilled Worker Dependant, Student Dependant, or Health and Care Worker Dependant.

Step 4: Pay the Application Fee and Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)

Applicants are required to pay:

Visa Application Fee: This varies depending on whether the application is made inside or outside the UK.
Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): Provides access to NHS healthcare services in the UK during your stay.

Fees are paid online as part of the application submission process. The IHS fee is calculated based on the visa duration (currently £1,035 per year per applicant, subject to change).

Note: The fees and costs mentioned are accurate at the time of writing. However, the Home Office may revise them, so it’s recommended to verify current charges before proceeding.

Step 5: Book and Attend the Biometrics Appointment

After submitting the application online and paying fees, you’ll receive an email to book a biometric enrolment appointment.
This takes place at a Visa Application Centre (VAC) outside the UK or a UKVCAS Service Point within the UK.

At this appointment, dependants will:

Provide fingerprints and photographs for biometric identification.
Submit supporting documents (if not uploaded online).

If your application is being processed outside the UK, your passport will usually be retained for visa vignette stamping.

Step 6: Upload and Submit Supporting Documents

Applicants can upload supporting documents either:

Directly to the GOV.UK portal before the appointment, or
At the biometric appointment (depending on local VAC policies).

Ensure every document is legible, properly labelled, and matches the information declared in the online form.

Step 7: Wait for a Decision

Processing times vary depending on the visa type and country of application. Typically:

Outside the UK: 3 to 8 weeks
Inside the UK (extensions): 8 to 12 weeks

You may be eligible for a priority service or super priority service (additional fee required) for faster processing. The Home Office will email you once a decision has been made.

Step 8: Receive the Visa and Travel to the UK

If the application is approved:

Dependants applying from abroad will receive a visa vignette (sticker) in their passport, allowing entry into the UK within a 90-day window.
Once in the UK, they’ll collect their Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) from the designated post office within 10 days.

Dependants already in the UK will receive their BRP card directly by post.

Step 9: Prepare for Life in the UK

Once the visa is granted, dependants can live, study, and, in many cases, work in the UK (depending on the main visa holder’s category). It’s vital to comply with visa conditions to maintain lawful immigration status.

Salam Immigration offers post-approval support, ensuring you understand your rights, work eligibility, and pathways toward settlement or indefinite leave to remain.

Rights and Benefits of Dependent Visa Holders in the UK

The exact conditions depend on the immigration route, but an eligible dependant partner or dependant child of a Skilled Worker will generally have considerable freedom to live, work and study in the UK.

Right to work: A Skilled Worker dependant can generally work without obtaining separate employer sponsorship, including through self-employment, but cannot work as a professional sportsperson or sports coach.
Right to study: A dependant can normally study in the UK. However, immigration permission does not automatically determine university fee status, so whether international student fees apply should be checked separately.
Travel rights: Dependants can normally leave the UK and return while their immigration permission remains valid.
Limited access to benefits: Skilled Worker dependants cannot normally claim most public funds or the State Pension.
Visa duration: A successful partner or child visa will usually expire on the same date as the main Skilled Worker’s visa. Where the child’s parents have different expiry dates, the child’s visa normally ends on the earlier date.
Financial requirement: Dependants normally need to provide evidence of the required maintenance funds. However, where the relevant family members have already been in the UK with valid permission for at least 12 months, they may not need to prove those funds again.
Extension: When the main visa needs to extend their visa, dependents should also apply separately for dependent visa extension.

Dependants must also prove their identity during the application. Depending on the applicant and their identity document, this may involve using the UK Immigration: ID Check app with an eligible biometric passport, or attending a physical biometric appointment.

Rules for a dependant child born in the UK

A child born in the UK does not automatically become a British citizen. Where a dependant application is required, a full UK birth certificate showing the names of the child’s parents should be provided, and the child’s visa should be obtained before relevant international travel.

Where both parents are not applying or do not have qualifying UK status, the Home Office may consider whether one parent has sole responsibility or whether there are serious and compelling reasons to grant permission. Applicants should provide evidence showing the child’s circumstances and that suitable arrangements are in place for their care.

Navigating the Dependent Visa UK Journey with Confidence

Applying for a dependent visa UK can seem complex, but with the right guidance for and preparation, it becomes a structured and achievable process.

At Salam Immigration, our legal experts understand that immigration is more than paperwork. It’s about keeping families together. We provide end-to-end support, from initial consultation and document review to submission and communication with the Home Office.

If you’re planning to apply for a dependent visa UK, or need help understanding the eligibility and documentation requirements, reach out to our team. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step towards bringing your loved ones to the UK.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can an international student bring a partner or child to the UK?

Only certain Student visa holders can bring dependants. An international student must generally be government-sponsored on a course lasting more than six months, or studying a qualifying PhD, doctorate or research-based postgraduate course lasting at least nine months.

A partner or child who was already a Student dependant may also be able to remain as a dependant when the main applicant moves onto the Graduate visa, subject to the relevant requirements.

Can a care worker or senior care worker bring dependants to the UK?

The rules changed on 11 March 2024. A care worker or senior care worker generally cannot bring new dependants unless they fall within an exception, including continuous qualifying permission from before that date or certain cases involving a child born in the UK.

Can I switch to a dependant visa from another UK visa?

A partner or child should normally apply before their current visa expires, but switching is prohibited from several routes. For a Skilled Worker dependant, this includes a Standard Visitor visa or visit visa, Short-term Student visa, Parent of a Child Student visa, Seasonal Worker visa, and a Domestic Worker in a Private Household visa.

How much money and how long does a dependant visa application take?

For Skilled Worker dependants, the current maintenance requirement is generally £285 for a partner, £315 for the first child and £200 for each additional child. Applicants who have been in the UK with valid permission for at least 12 months may not need to provide evidence of these funds.