The UK dependent visa route allows family members of certain visa holders to join or stay with them in the UK. The visa route for dependants is available to spouses, civil partners, unmarried partners, and children under 18. It is commonly used by families of individuals who are in the United Kingdom on work or study visas, such as the Skilled Worker visa, Health and Care Worker visa, or Student visa.
Primary visa holders need to sponsor their family members applying as dependents. Applicants must usually show they can support themselves financially in the UK, unless the sponsor has confirmed to take financial responsibility for dependants, or the applicants have been living in the UK for 12 or more months.
Family members, including spouses, civil partners, unmarried partners, children under 18, and, in some cases, adult relatives of certain UK visa holders, can apply for a UK visa as dependents to join them in the United Kingdom. This is a specific type of visa that allows the family members of a primary visa holder to reside in the UK. UK visas for dependants are, however, only available to primary visa holders in certain visa categories, and the dependents must meet specific eligibility criteria.
In most cases, dependants are allowed to live, work, or study in the UK. However, they cannot access public funds and may be restricted to certain types of employment.
The dependent visa eligibility criteria vary based on the primary visa type. Therefore, the applicants need to review the specific requirements related to their situation. However, they need to meet the following general criteria:
Dependents must typically be the primary visa holder’s spouse, civil partner, unmarried partner, or child. Adult relatives may also be able to apply if they are financially dependent on the primary visa holder.
For spouses or civil partners, documentation such as marriage certificates, joint bank statements, or evidence of cohabitation may be needed to prove the authenticity of the relationship.
The primary visa holder (also known as the sponsor) will usually need to demonstrate to UKVI that, without recourse to public funds, they have sufficient funds to financially support themselves and their dependents in the UK. However, if the dependents have been in the UK for 12 or more months when they apply, they are not required to meet the financial requirement.
Family members of only individuals who have leave to remain in the UK under a visa category that permits their dependents to accompany them can apply for a dependent visa. These visas include the following:
Skilled Worker Visa
Health and Care Worker Visa (except Care Workers and Senior Care Workers)
Graduate Trainee (and the predecessor route – Intra-Company Graduate Trainee route)
UK Expansion Worker
Service Supplier
Secondment Worker
Student Visa (Post 1 January 2024 only Government Sponsored Students and Postgraduate Research Students can bring their dependents to the UK)
Graduate Visa
Innovator Founder Visa
Global Talent Visa (and its predecessor route: Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent))
High Potential Individual Visa
Start-up Visa
Scale-up Visa
Temporary Worker (T5)
Ancestry Visa
Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) / Settlement
Dependents can apply to join or stay with their family members in the UK. Both the dependents and the primary visa holder need to understand the requirements before applying for a UK visa for dependents. Here are some useful tips to apply as dependents:
Only certain visa routes allow the primary visa holder’s dependents to apply for a visa to join them. Importantly, the primary visa holder and dependent applicants need to understand these routes and the specific requirements of these routes before applying for a dependent visa.
All applications for dependents are considered on their own merits. The visa processing times may also vary based on the applicant’s situation. Therefore, it is essential to be aware of all necessary validity, suitability, and eligibility requirements so that you can prepare adequately and avoid any delays in your visa application process.
Among all the requirements for a dependent visa, meeting certain financial requirements is the key one. For example, you must prove to the UKVI that you have enough funds to support both yourself and your dependant (if applicable). You will also need to prove that other necessary living costs, such as rent and utilities, are met. Additionally, do provide any evidence required, such as bank statements, payslips, and confirmation of any income support or benefits payments during the application process.
Your visa may be refused if you fail to meet these financial requirements.
It is essential to provide all the required documents as part of the application process for getting a dependent visa in the UK. These documents typically should include:
Proof of your identity, such as a passport, and other relevant ID
Proof of relationship, such as a marriage/civil partnership certificate and a birth certificate
Evidence of financial support, such as a bank statement, to show that you meet the financial requirements outlined by the Home Office; and
Other necessary supporting evidence, such as business/employment letters.
Before submitting your application, be sure to double-check each document to help ensure it is complete, correct, and in the required format.
As part of the application process, the UKVI may invite you to attend a dependent visa interview. In such a scenario, it is important to attend the interview. You may have to appear for an interview at a local visa centre or a consular office, or an embassy.
The interviewer will ask basic questions regarding your relationship status (i.e., if married or in a civil partnership) and other financial circumstances during such interviews. Make sure that you provide clear and accurate answers, as these are crucial factors in determining your eligibility for the UK dependent visa.
Certain changes were brought into force in 2024, which are:
Since January 2024, international students, unless they are engaged in PhD studies or a postgraduate research programme, are no longer allowed to bring their dependants to the UK.
Care workers and senior care workers, from 11 March 2024, can no longer bring their dependants.
Similarly, from 22 July 2025:
Skilled Worker visa holders in jobs at RQF Level 3–5 (below graduate level) on the ISL (Immigration Salary List) or T-SOC (Temporary Shortage Occupation List) can no longer bring dependants to the UK. Unless the skilled worker was granted their leave/stay before 22 July 2025
Only those in roles at RQF Level 6 (graduate level) or above remain eligible to bring dependants which are jobs listed in Table 1 and Health and Care jobs listed in Table 3 of Appendix Skilled Occupations.
Existing dependants who applied before 22 July 2025 are allowed to remain in the UK and extend their UK dependant visas, even if the primary visa holder’s job is at RQF Level 3–5.
To remain updated with the changes in immigration rules related to UK visa for dependants, you should check gov.uk when you apply.
Applying for a UK visa for dependents can be a complex and time-consuming task. Therefore, we help you immensely as our team comprises expert solicitors who understand all the requirements thoroughly and stay informed about the latest immigration rules. They will help you make a strong application with appropriate supporting documents. If the UKVI invites you for an interview, we will help you prepare for that. Our objective is to ensure that your application as a dependant goes through successfully, and you are able to enjoy living with your family member in the UK.
If you need any assistance with your UK visa for dependants’ application, speak to one of our helpful immigration solicitors by calling us on +44 (0)20 3411 1261.
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