Dependant Visa

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Dependant Visa – Move Abroad with Your Family

The Dependant Visa allows families to live together in a foreign country. If you are moving abroad for work, school, or to live there permanently, your relatives can come with you and share the experience of building a life in that country.

  • In 2024, over 260,000 Dependant Visas were given to relatives of skilled workers, students, and residents.
  • Dependants made up 69% of all work visa approvals in 2024.
  • Visas for families increased by 7%, which shows that more families want to migrate.
  • Even though student visa rules changed, many families still got Dependant Visas.
  • More than 162,000 people became permanent residents in the UK; many were relatives of visa holders.

Dependant Visa

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What Is a Dependant Visa?

A dependent visa allows family members, such as spouses, partners, children, or in some cases parents—to join a principal applicant (main visa holder) in a foreign country. It provides legal permission to stay with the primary visa holder for the duration of their visa.

*Looking for assistance to migrate overseas? Y-Axis is here to support you with the process.

 

Benefits of a Dependant Visa

Some of the benefits of a Dependant Visa are given below.

  • Family members can live in the same country under one immigration status.
  • Most often, individuals can work or study without needing a separate sponsor.
  • People can use public services like healthcare and education services.
  • People can pursue long-term residency or citizenship through living in the country over time.
  • Families can travel in and out of the country with greater ease.

Sweden Tourist Visa

Who Can Be Considered a Dependant?

You can apply for a Dependant visa if you meet the criteria:

  • You are the spouse or civil partner of the primary visa holder.
  • You are an unmarried partner and can prove you've been in a relationship for at least two years.
  • You are a child under 18, including biological, step or adopted children.
  • In select countries, adult Dependant like elderly parents might also be eligible under particular situations.

 

Types of Dependant Visas

Dependant visas are connected to the primary applicant's visa category, including:

  • Skilled Worker Dependant Visa
  • Student Dependant Visa (for postgraduate or sponsored students)
  • Health and Care Worker Dependant Visa
  • Global Talent, Innovator, or Scale-Up Dependant Visa
  • Family and Settlement Visas (spouse/partner of a permanent resident or citizen)

 

Eligibility Criteria for Dependant Visas

To be eligible, a Dependant must satisfy certain requirements:

  • The sponsor needs to have a current visa or immigration status.
  • Proof of a real and continuing relationship must be provided.
  • Evidence of adequate financial resources and appropriate housing must be shown.
  • Applicants must be healthy and meet security standards.
  • Children are generally required to be under 18 years old and rely on the sponsor for financial support.

Dependant Visa Eligibility Criteria

Common Requirements and Documents

When applying for a Dependant visa, you will generally need to submit the documents listed below.

  • A current passport, along with your biometric data
  • Marriage or birth certificates to prove family ties
  • Sponsor’s BRP/Visa Copy
  • A copy of the sponsor’s visa and other documents showing their legal status
  • Bank statements, pay stubs, or other evidence of financial stability
  • Details of your accommodations and proof of residence
  • Medical certifications, such as a TB test (if needed)

 

How to Apply for a Dependant Visa?

The process to apply for a Dependant Visa is given below.

Step 1: Determine correct visa stream based on destination country

Step 2: Gather required documents (passport, relationship proof, sponsor’s status)

Step 3: Complete online or paper-based application

Step 4: Pay the required visa fee

Step 5: Schedule and attend biometrics and/or interview (if applicable)

Step 6: Wait for decision and visa issuance

 

Application steps for Dependant Visa

 

Dependant Visa Fees and Costs

The standard cost of Dependant Visa is given below.

Fee Type

Estimated Cost (GBP)

Application Fee

£300 – £1,500

Healthcare or Insurance Fee

£400 – £800 per year

Biometric Fee

£20 – £100

Priority or Express Processing

£250 – £1,000

Document Services

£50 – £200 (per document)

 

Processing Times for Dependant Visas

The general processing times for Dependant visas are given below.

Application Type

Estimated Processing Time

Standard Application (Outside Country)

3 to 6 weeks

In-Country Switch or Extension

6 to 8 weeks

Priority Processing

5 to 10 working days

Super Priority / Express (if offered)

1 to 2 working days

Complex or Special Cases

Up to 12 weeks or longer

 

Dependent Visa Types by Country

Country Dependent Visa Types
UK - Spouse/Civil Partner Visa
- Child Dependent Visa
- Parent (Exceptional Cases)
USA - H-4 (for H-1B dependents)
- L-2 (for L-1 dependents)
- F-2 (for F-1 dependents)
- J-2 (for J-1 dependents)
Canada - Spouse Open Work Permit
- Child Visa
- Parents and Grandparents Sponsorship
Australia - Subclass 309/100 (Offshore Partner)
- Subclass 820/801 (Onshore Partner)
- Subclass 101 (Child)
- Subclass 103/143 (Parent)
EU (e.g., Germany, France, Sweden) - Family Reunification Visas for spouses, children
- Blue Card dependent permits
- Long-stay family visas

 

 

Rights and Restrictions for Dependants

Individuals with Dependant visas have several rights:

  • They can work full-time, begin businesses, or continue their education.
  • Their kids are able to go to school.
  • They can access the NHS and public schools.
  • They cannot get public money, but they can access almost all other services.
  • Their visa is often good as long as the main applicant's visa is good.

 

Can Dependants Apply for Permanent Residency or Citizenship?

Yes, those who are dependants can also seek settlement:

  • In many countries, dependants can apply for permanent residency after residing there for five years.
  • After holding permanent residency for a certain period, you might be able to apply for citizenship.
  • Usually, the time a person spends on a dependant visa can be counted toward the years needed for residency.

 

Common Reasons for Refusal

To ensure a smooth process, applicants should avoid these common mistakes:

  • Submitting missing or incomplete documents.
  • Providing unclear or unproven proof of relationship to the sponsor.
  • Failing to meet financial requirements.
  • Including gaps or errors in the application.
  • Having previous immigration violations or legal problems.

 

How Y-Axis Can Help You?

Y-Axis has extensive experience assisting families with their immigration applications, aiming to reduce stress during the process by providing:

  • Individual assessments of visa eligibility for each family member.
  • Expert advice on compiling and submitting the required documentation.
  • Careful application filing and review to ensure accuracy.
  • Support with interview preparation and post-visa steps
  • Complete support throughout the entire process, from initial form completion to visa approval.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Dependent Visa?

A Dependent Visa is a type of Visa that permits the spouses and kids to travel to an overseas nation for the purpose of accompanying/joining the family member with a corresponding Visa.

With a dependent visa, the dependents of a lawful migrant to a country such as spouse, dependent children or parents can enter and stay in the country. Such dependents can apply for a visa to join the migrant in the country.

To apply for the visa on behalf of the dependents, the applicant has to prove that he has enough funds to support the dependents and will not rely on state or public funds to support them. Dependents on their part will have to prove that they intend to live with the primary applicant during their stay and their relationship is genuine.

Children under 18 will have to prove that they are not leading an independent life and rely on the primary applicant for support.

Documents that prove the relationship are required such as marriage certificate in case of spouse and birth certificate in case of children.

There are several documents needed for Spouse Visa. The exact documents will depend on the nationality of the spouse and the nation of residence. Passport copy, Birth certificate, proof of relationship, police reports, etc. will be needed.

What documents do you need to apply for a spouse visa?

There are several documents needed for Spouse Visa. The exact documents will depend on the nationality of the spouse and the nation of residence. Passport copy, Birth certificate, proof of relationship, police reports, etc will be needed.

The fundamental documents required are:

  • Wedding certificate
  • Photographs of passport size
  • Valid Passport
  • Photographs demonstrating the authenticity of a relationship like family photographs etc
  • Joint housing bills
  • Joint statements of bank account
  • Any other requirements as specified by the Immigration authorities

Apart from this in some countries it is required that the primary applicant and the spouse must be above 18 years of age. A birth certificate will be required to prove this.

The primary applicant must have proof in the form of bank statements that he has the necessary funds to support his spouse and other dependents.

How long does it take to get a spouse visa?

The processing times for Spouse Visa are variable based on the nation of immigration and individual circumstances. It can take around a few weeks to few months.

The processing of a spouse visa for Canada can take up to 12 months whereas the spouse visa for Australia can take between 11 to 15 months. In the UK the spouse visa takes about 2 to 12 weeks whereas in the US it takes an average of 6 to 9 months.

What English test is required for Spouse Visa?

The English test required for Spouse Visa is IELTS.

How can I apply for Family Visa?

You can apply for the Family Visa by collating the required documents:

  • Current travel ID or Passport that is valid
  • Expired passports
  • Evidence of relationship to the family member who is sponsoring you
  • Evidence that you can fulfil the maintenance or monetary requirement
  • Evidence of having knowledge of the English language

After collating the required documents:

  • Book an appointment for the Visa interview
  • Fill the Visa application form
  • Collate the necessary documents
  • Attend the interview for the Visa
  • Pay the required Visa fee
  • Wait for the decision on your Visa application

The U.S

There are many steps to the process of getting a family member from a foreign nation to the U.S. The U.S. sponsor, who may be a citizen or a green card holder, files Form I-130 with USCIS. Type I-130 provides details that confirms the family relationship ‘s validity. The U.S. supporter would need to supplement the form with documentation showing their citizenship or green card status, as well as documents proving their relationship with the foreign national.

Canada

The initial visa application for new immigrants to Canada will include family members, such as spouse and minor children, while parents, grandparents, and others must be supported by Canadian citizens and permanent residents.

 In general, your spouse or common-law partner will be included in your own immigration application. The dependent children of your spouse can also be included in your visa application.

The U.K

Visa holders in the U.K can apply for a family visa for the following dependents:

Spouse or legal partner

Child under 18

Child over 18 if they’re currently in the UK as a dependent

The applicant must prove that he can support his dependents when they are in the UK.  He must prove that he has the required funds by showing his bank statement.

Germany

Immigrant workers wishing to bring their family members to Germany must meet the following conditions:

  • Have enough income to support them and their family
  • Have enough funds to provide housing for the family
  • Family members must have basic understanding of the German language
  • Children must be below 18 years
  • Have a temporary or permanent residence permit or an EU Blue Card
  • Have enough health insurance for them and family members

Australia

Australia allows international students and professionals to call their families to Australia under the Dependent Visa program.

If you are coming to Australia to study, you are eligible to bring your family members with you. You can either include them on your original student visa application or you can apply for their visas once you have started your course in Australia so that they can join you. Spouses, partners and unmarried children under the age of 18 are eligible for dependent visas.

If you are coming to Australia on a work visa, your dependent family members are eligible to join you on dependent visas.

If you are coming to Australia on temporary worker visa, only your spouse or de facto partner and any unmarried children under the age of 18 are eligible for dependent family visas.

If you are coming to Australia on a migrant worker or business visa, any dependent family members are eligible to join you including:

  • Spouse or de facto partner
  • Any children under the age of 25
  • Aged dependent relatives such as parents or grandparents.
What are the requirements for a sponsor?

The following are the basic requirements for a sponsor:

You must be able to financially support the dependent(s).

You must be a permanent resident.

Or

A valid work permit is required.

What are the chances of getting a dependent visa denied?

The likelihood of a dependent visa being denied is determined by a variety of factors. The following reasons are possible:

Filling out the application form incorrectly

The materials have been sent in an invalid format.

Failure to submit the necessary papers

Hiding of important visa-related information

Photocopies are being sent instead of actual documents (when asked)

Documents provided may have been forged.

Can dependents work or study?

Yes, but it depends on the type of visa. For example, spouses of H-1B visa holders on an H-4 visa may be eligible to work if the primary applicant has an approved I-140 (green card petition). If not, work is generally not permitted. However, studying is allowed, dependents can enrol in part-time or full-time courses without needing a separate student visa. It's a great opportunity for spouses or children to build their own academic path while staying in the U.S.

Who qualifies for a dependent visa?

If you're moving to the U.S. on a work or student visa, your immediate family members may be eligible to join you on a dependent visa. Typically, this includes your spouse and any unmarried children under 21 years of age. To qualify, you must provide valid proof of your relationship, such as a marriage certificate or birth certificate. The U.S. immigration system doesn’t extend dependent visas to parents, siblings, or other relatives, so they would need to apply separately, such as under a visitor visa category.

What documents are needed for a dependent visa?

To apply for a U.S. dependent visa, you will typically need the following:

  • Valid passport
  • Completed DS-160 confirmation page
  • Visa application fee payment receipt
  • Recent passport-size photographs (as per U.S. visa standards)
  • Marriage certificate (for spouse) or birth certificate (for children)
  • Copy of the primary applicant’s passport
  • Copy of the primary applicant’s U.S. visa
  • USCIS approval notice (Form I-797, if applicable)
  • Proof of financial support (e.g., bank statements, pay slips)
  • Employment verification letter or school enrolment (if applicable)
How long does Dependant Visa processing take?

Processing times can vary depending on your location and the time of year, but most dependent visa applications are completed within 2 to 4 weeks. This includes filling out the application, attending your biometrics appointment, and going for the visa interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Some locations may have longer wait times for appointments, so it’s a good idea to apply early. If there's an urgent need to travel, you can request an expedited appointment, though approval is not guaranteed.

Can I apply for a dependant visa while inside the country?

Yes, you can apply for a dependant visa from within the country. If your current visa lets you switch while in the country, you can apply for a Dependant visa. This is usually possible for people with long-term visas like student, work, or temporary stay visas. Some short-term or visitor visas might not allow you to apply from within the country, so dependants would need to apply from abroad. It's important to check your host country's immigration rules to see if switching is allowed and if there are any specific requirements or deadlines before you apply for the Dependant visa.

Is there a minimum income or financial requirement for the main visa holder?

Yes, most countries require the primary sponsor meets the minimum income or financial requirements. For most dependant visa pathways, the main visa holder needs to meet a minimum income level to provide for their family members. This might involve showing proof of steady income, savings, or a job offer that pays a specific amount. The necessary level changes based on the visa type, the number of dependants, and living costs in the country. The point is to make sure that dependants don't need public funds. It's a good idea to confirm the exact income needed early on and give clear financial documents when applying to avoid holdups or rejections.

Can I switch from another visa to a dependant visa?

Yes, you can switch from another valid visa to a Dependant visa. It is possible to change to a Dependant visa from some visa types, assuming you meet the requirements and your current visa allows changes while you're in the country. For example, those with work, student, or family visas may be able to change to a Dependant visa if they have the right kind of relationship with a main visa holder. Usually, you can't change from short-term or visitor visas. You'll have to apply again, go to a biometrics appointment, and meet all the requirements for finances, relationship status, and paperwork to change your visa.

Can I travel internationally while holding a dependant visa?

Yes, those holding valid dependant visas can travel abroad and come back as long as their visa is still good. It's crucial to confirm that the visa or permit lets them re-enter. Travel shouldn't disrupt continuous residence if they plan to apply for permanent residency or citizenship later. Keep in mind that being away too often or for long periods could impact their eligibility for permanent residency or other benefits. When coming back, especially if they aren't with the primary visa holder, travellers need to have the right documents, like a valid passport, dependant visa, and proof they are related.

How long is the dependant visa valid for?

A Dependant visa's validity usually matches the main visa holder's allowed stay. For example, if the primary applicant has a two-year visa, the dependent's visa will likely last that long as well. Usually, a Dependant can renew their visa when the sponsor extends theirs. When both the sponsor and Dependant meet the residency requirement—often five years—they *can* apply for permanent residency. It is important to keep track of expiration dates and request extensions early to keep legal immigration status.

Does time on a dependant visa count toward permanent residency?

Yes, the time one resides on a dependant visa are taken into consideration for permanent residency assessment. Under many immigration laws, time spent in a country on a valid Dependant visa can count towards the total time needed to apply for permanent residency or settlement. Many countries require a continuous residence of five years, but this varies. Dependants should keep their legal status, limit their time spent outside the country, and follow all visa rules. When they meet the requirements, they can apply for permanent residency either on their own or with the main visa holder. It is vital to keep records of when you entered and left the country, confirm that you lived together, and satisfy any language or integration demands.