UK Dependant Visa: Everything You Need to Know

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.

• Who Can Apply: Spouses, children, and sometimes other family members can apply.
• Work: Dependants are allowed to live and work in the UK.
• How Long It Takes: Applications usually take 8 to 12 weeks to process.
• Visa Length: The visa lasts as long as the main applicant's visa, usually 2–5 years.
• Permanent Residency: After living in the UK for 5 years, dependants can apply to stay permanently.
   

What is a UK Dependant Visa?

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.

 

Types of UK Dependant Visas

There are several types of UK Dependant Visa. The popular dependant visas of the UK include:

• Dependant Visa for Spouses or Partners
• Dependant Visa for Children
• Dependant Visa for Extended Family Members

Dependant Visa for Spouses or Partners

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.

 

Dependant Visa for Children

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.

 

Dependant Visa for Extended Family Members

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.

 

Benefits of the UK Dependant Visa

The benefits of the UK Dependant Visa are given below.

• Live and Work: Dependents can live, work, and study in the UK.
• Public Services: They can also get healthcare through the NHS and other public services.
• Permanent Residency: After living in the UK for five years, dependents can apply for UK ILR or Indefinite Leave to Remain stay indefinitely.
• Family Unity: This keeps families together by letting dependents join the main visa holder in the UK.
• Education and Jobs: Children can go to school for free, and spouses/partners can take on any job.

Eligibility for the UK Dependant Visa

To qualify for a UK Dependant Visa, both the main visa holder and their family members need to meet certain conditions:

• Primary visa holder: Needs to have a valid UK visa like a Skilled Worker, Student, or Innovator visa.
• Family Member: Must be the main applicant's spouse, partner, or child (under 18). In some situations, parents or other dependent relatives might also be able to apply.
• Required funds: The main visa holder needs to show they can take care of their family without using public money.
• Accommodation: You will need to provide proof of suitable accommodation in the UK for yourself and your family members.

 

Required Documents for the UK Dependant Visa

To apply for a UK Dependant Visa, you'll need these documents:

• A valid passport for each dependant.
• Proof of your relationship to the primary visa holder, like a marriage or birth certificate.
• Proof that you can support yourself financially, such as bank statements or payslips.
• Proof of where you'll be living in the UK.
• TB test results if you're applying from certain countries.
• Copies of the primary applicant's visa documents, like their work permit or student visa.
• Your biometric data and photos.
• Extra documents to evidence dependency if other family members are applying.

 

UK Dependant Visa Application Process

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.

UK Dependant Visa Processing Time

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

 

 

Cost of the UK Dependant Visa

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

 

 

Can You Work on a UK Dependant Visa?

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.

 

How Long is the UK Dependant Visa Valid?

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.

 

Pathway to Permanent Residency and Citizenship

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.

 

Common Reasons for UK Dependant Visa Rejections

• Missing or wrong documents are a problem.
• Not meeting the money requirements for family members.
• Not enough proof of your relationship (like a marriage license or proof of who depends on whom).
• Problems with fingerprints or photos from your appointment.
• Not having adequate funds to support yourself without public help.

 

How Can Y-Axis Help You?

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:

• Eligibility assessment through Y-Axis UK Immigration Points Calculator
• Paperwork verification and application help
• Biometric appointment scheduling and application tracking
• Visa extension and permanent residency application guidance
• Post-visa support for work and settling in the UK

Ready to join your family in the UK? Get in touch with Y-Axis now for support!