The UK Dependant Visa lets family members of foreign nationals in the UK come join them. This visa helps families stay together, letting spouses, children, and sometimes other relatives live in the UK for a set time. It also lets dependants live, work, and study there, just like the main visa holder.
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The UK Dependant Visa lets family members join those already in the UK for work or study on visas like the UK Skilled Worker or UK Student Visa. Dependants can live, work, and study in the UK, similar to the main visa holder.
Who qualifies as a dependant? Usually, it's spouses, partners, children, and sometimes parents needing care. This visa gives them legal status in the UK and can lead to permanent residency or citizenship.
There are several types of UK Dependant Visa. The popular dependant visas of the UK include:
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If you have a valid UK visa, your spouse, partner, or children may be able to join you in the UK with a UK Dependant Visa. This visa option is for spouses, civil partners, unmarried partners, and dependent children. To get this visa, you’ll need to prove your relationship is real and meet certain requirements, such as showing you can financially support your family.
A UK Child Dependent Visa lets kids under 18 live in the UK with a parent or guardian who has a valid visa or permanent residency. It's for families to be together when the parent(s) are already living in the UK. The purpose of this visa is for children who rely on their parents.
The UK Dependant Visa lets some family members of people with a UK visa or settled status (like British citizens or those with Indefinite Leave to Remain) live with them in the UK. Usually, this covers spouses, civil partners, unmarried partners, and kids under 18. Other close family, such as parents, might also qualify if they need long-term care that they can't get or afford in their own country.
The benefits of the UK Dependant Visa are given below.
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To qualify for a UK Dependant Visa, both the main visa holder and their family members need to meet certain conditions:
To apply for a UK Dependant Visa, you'll need these documents:
The procedure to apply for the UK Dependant Visa is given below.
Step 1: Make sure you and your family members are eligible for the UK Dependant visa.
Step 2: Organize the required documents for visa application.
Step 3: Fill out and send in the online application on the UK Government website.
Step 4: Schedule and go to your biometrics appointment for fingerprints and photos.
Step 5: Wait for the UK Home Office to decide on your application. This usually takes 8 to 12 weeks.
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Detailed information about the processing time for UK Dependant Visa is given below.
| Visa Type | Processing Time |
| Spouse/Partner Dependant Visa | 8 – 12 weeks |
| Child Dependant Visa | 8 – 12 weeks |
| Extended Family Dependant Visa | 12 – 16 weeks |
Detailed information about the UK Dependant Visa is given below.
| Visa Type | Application Fee | Healthcare Surcharge (per year) |
| Spouse/Partner Dependant Visa | £610 | £624 |
| Child Dependant Visa | £610 | |
| Extended Family Dependant Visa | £610 – £1,523 |
Yes, dependants can work with the UK Dependant Visa. This is applicable for spouses, partners, and adult children. Dependents can choose to work full-time, part-time, or freelance according to what suits them. But, if the main visa holder has rules about work (like with a student visa), dependents might have some work limits. So, check the main visa rules before you apply.
*Looking for assistance to apply for UK work visa? Y-Axis is here to assist you with the process.
Generally, the UK Dependant Visa lasts as long as the main visa holder's visa. It's often given for 2 to 5 years, based on how long the primary applicant's visa is good for. If the primary applicant renews their visa, the dependant can also extend their visa. After living in the UK for 5 years, dependants can apply to stay permanently (ILR) if they meet the requirements for residency.
After living in the UK legally for five years on a Dependant Visa, you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). This is a key step to permanent residency. After you get ILR, you can apply for UK citizenship after a year, if you meet the residency rules. Permanent residency means you can stay in the UK for as long as you want without needing to extend your visa.
Y-Axis is a UK-based immigration and visa firm. For more than 25 years, we've been helping people with their UK Dependant Visa submissions. We make the process easier to understand, and we'll confirm your paperwork is correct as well as submitted on time.
Our services include:
Ready to join your family in the UK? Get in touch with Y-Axis now for support!
A dependent is usually a spouse, partner, or child under 18 of the main UK visa holder. Sometimes, adult children or other family members can be dependents if they rely on the main applicant for money or care. These cases need solid proof and are reviewed carefully. Dependents should plan to live with the main applicant and can't stay in the UK if the main visa holder leaves or no longer has a visa.
Yes, eligible adult dependants can work in the UK. If your spouse or partner has a UK visa, they are allowed to work. This includes both full-time jobs and being self-employed. Usually, there aren't limits on the kind of job they can do or who they can work for. Keep in mind that work rights can change based on the main visa holder's situation, like if they're on a Skilled Worker visa versus a Student Visa. As for children, they cannot work unless they are old enough and have the right permits. Check the visa vignette or BRP card for exact details about work permissions.
The processing times for the various types of UK Dependant Visa are given below.
| Visa Type | Processing Time |
| Spouse/Partner Dependant Visa | 8 – 12 weeks |
| Child Dependant Visa | 8 – 12 weeks |
| Extended Family Dependant Visa | 12 – 16 weeks |
The documents required to apply for a UK Dependant Visa are given below.
The application cost of UK Dependant Visa is given below.
| Visa Type | Application Fee | Healthcare Surcharge (per year) |
| Spouse/Partner Dependant Visa | £610 | £624 |
| Child Dependant Visa | £610 | |
| Extended Family Dependant Visa | £610 – £1,523 |
Yes, in the UK, those here on a valid visa as dependants can change to a different visa type if they qualify. For example, a dependant can apply on their own for a Skilled Worker visa, a Student visa, or even a partner visa. Make sure to apply before the current visa runs out. Changing visas might mean showing you know English, have enough money, or have a sponsor. But, usually, you cannot switch from some short-term visas (like a visitor visa).
Yes, dependants can study in the UK without their own Student visa. Children can go to school, and adults can take courses, even at universities. Usually, there are no limits on what level they can study, but you should make sure the main visa (like Skilled Worker or Global Talent) permits this. The tuition costs depends on their residency and the school's policies. Family members might need to pay international tuition for higher education.
A dependant's right to stay in the UK relies on the main applicant's visa. If the main visa is cut short, denied, or runs out, the dependant's visa usually becomes invalid too. Sometimes, dependants can apply for a different visa on their own. If the main applicant gets indefinite leave to remain (ILR), dependants can also apply for ILR if they've lived in the UK long enough. Keep an eye on the main applicant's status and get legal advice if anything changes.
Yes, UK Dependant Visas can be extended or renewed before they expire if the main visa holder is extending their visa or has gained the right to stay in the UK permanently. Dependants need to apply before their current visa runs out and continue to meet the requirements, such as those about their relationship and financial support. The extension is usually for the same length of time as the main applicant’s new visa. You can apply online. You will need to provide current documents and biometric information. After a certain period, usually 5 years, dependants may be able to apply to settle in the UK.
Yes, applicants must prove that the main visa holder can support their dependants without public funds. The specific amount depends on the main applicant’s visa type. For Skilled Worker visas, the sponsor must certify maintenance or the applicant must show at least £285 for a partner, £315 for the first child, and £200 for each additional child. For Student visas, higher financial thresholds apply based on location. Bank statements, sponsor letters, or certificates of sponsorship may be used to demonstrate financial capability.
