Bring Your Dependents to the UK

Want to live in the UK along with your family? The Dependent Visa process helps UK citizens and certain visa holders call their dependents to live with them in the UK. With this visa, you can bring your spouse or partner, children, parents, and other close relatives to the UK. Y-Axis can help you understand the intricacies of the dependent visa and apply it with the highest chances of success.

Dependents include:

• Spouse or legal partner
• Child under 18
• A child over 18 if they’re currently in the UK as a dependent

Financial proof:

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.

What is a UK Dependent Visa?

A UK Dependent visa allows dependents or family members (spouses, civil partners, and children) of a UK visa holder, citizen, or permanent resident to come and reside, study, and even work in the UK. However, they must fulfil the eligibility criteria and financial requirements to qualify for a Dependent visa in the UK.

 

Dependent visa UK

A dependent visa allows the immediate family members of UK visa holders or citizens to come to the UK. There are many types of visas that permit visa holders to bring their dependant family members to the UK, such as work, study, business, and ancestry visas. The immigration rules refer to two types of dependent visas: PBS Dependent visa and Dependent visa.

 

Who Can Apply for a UK Dependent Visa?

You can apply for a UK Dependent visa if you are a:

• Spouse/civil partner/unmarried partner (2+ years proof of relationship)
• Children under 18 years of age
• Children over 18 (only if already in the UK as dependents)
• Elderly parents (exceptional circumstances)

 

Migrate to the UK on Dependent Visa

There are various methods for you to get a Dependent visa for your family. These include:

 

Applying for a dependent visa as a Tier 2 visa holder

This visa allows you to bring your spouse and children along with you. You can study and work in the UK using this visa, with some restrictions. After 5 years, you will be eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain, which means that you can apply to settle permanently in the UK.

 

UK Parent, Spouse or Child Visa

 

British citizens and individuals with settled status can bring their dependent spouse, parents, or children who are not currently in the UK to live with them. The visa will be valid for a period of 2 years and 6 months and can be extended.  

Citizen Dependent Visa

The Dependent Visa category enables the dependents (both family and children) of permanent resident or UK citizen to apply to join them in the UK. The UK permanent resident or sponsor whose family members apply for the visa is referred to as the sponsor.

UK Dependent visa eligibility

To qualify as a dependent, you must be the sponsor’s spouse, unmarried, or civil partner. Children under 18 can also apply for the visa to the UK as dependents of the sponsor.

As a spouse or partner of the sponsor, you must be able to prove any one of the following:

• You are in a civil union or marriage approved in the United Kingdom
• You have lived together in a relationship for a minimum of 2 years when you submit your application
• You are a fiancé, a fiancée or intend to enter a civil partnership or marry or enter in a civil partnership in the United Kingdom within 6 months of your arrival
•  You will also have to prove that you have good knowledge of the English language

 

UK Dependent Visa Eligibility Requirements

The eligibility requirements for a UK Dependent visa are as follows:

• Evidence of a genuine relationship (civil partnership certificate or marriage certificate)
• Proof of English language proficiency
• Proof of sufficient funds (must have a minimum annual salary of £29,000)
• Proof of intention to live with the sponsor in the UK for the entire duration of your visa
• The UK sponsor must have a valid visa (Student visa or UK skilled visa)

 

Duration of Stay

If you follow the immigration requirements for this visa you will be given permission to stay indefinitely in the United Kingdom. Dependency Visa holders can apply for British Naturalization as a citizen of the UK after continuously spending 5 years in the UK.

UK Dependent visa requirements

A dependent can choose to apply for the visa either within or outside the UK.

The documentation required for the Dependent Visa depends on the route you are applying through. Typically the documents required include:

• Passport & travel history
• Background documentation
• Spouse/partner documentation including marriage certificate
• Other proof of relationship
• Income proof of sponsor to show adequate finances
• Completed application & consulate fees
• English language skills (not essential for elderly parents you are caring for, based on documents you provide)
• If calling your child, they must be under the age of 18 at the time of application

Applying from within the UK

Dependents can apply to stay with their family members if they have come to the UK on a family visa. If they have come on another visa, they can switch to a family visa to stay with their spouse, child or parent. 

The biometric residence permit or BRP will be sent by courier. You don’t have to collect it.  

Generally, you’ll get it within 7 to 10 days of getting your ‘decision letter’ from the Home Office saying you should live in the UK. You can make an online application if it fails to arrive. 

Applying from the outside the UK

Dependents can apply for a family visa to live with their spouse or partner, child, parent or relative.

To get a biometric residence permit as part of their application, they will need to get their fingerprints and picture taken at a visa processing center.  

They would need to obtain their biometric residence permit within 30 days of their arrival date in the UK.  

Depending on which country they are in, they may be able to get their visa faster or other services. 

UK Dependent Visa Documents Checklist

The complete list of documents required for a UK Dependent visa is given in the table below:

Document	Requirement
A valid passport	Have at least 1 blank page
Proof of relationship	Birth certificate of children or marriage certificate
Proof of sufficient funds (varies based on the visa type of the primary applicant)	Bank statements
TB Test Certificate	If required (may vary depending on the country you are applying from)
Criminal Clearance Certificate	Proof of having a clear criminal record
Fee payment receipt	Proof of visa fee payment
Additional documents	Proof of the primary applicant's visa or immigration status

Financial Requirements for a UK Family Visa

The minimum funds required for a UK Family visa are around £29,000 annually. You may also be required to pay an additional £285 for a partner, £315 for one child, and £200 for each additional child. The proof of funds for a UK Family visa can be submitted through payslips, bank statements, or employment letters.

Step-by-Step UK Dependent Visa Application Process

You can follow the steps below to apply for a UK Dependent visa:

Step 1: Select the correct visa type and check your eligibility for it

Step 2: Gather all the documents required for the chosen visa type

Step 3: Fill out the visa application form and apply online

Step 4: Complete the visa fee payment, along with the HIS charges

Step 5: Schedule an interview and submit your biometrics at the nearest VFS centre

Step 6: Await a decision on your visa application

UK Dependent Visa Fees

Application	Fees	Fees in INR
Spouse/partner visa (outside the UK)	£1,938	2,01,552
Extension/switch inside UK	£1,939	2,01,552
Immigration Health Surcharge	£1,035/year	₹107,640/year

UK Dependent Visa Processing Time

The processing time for a UK Dependent visa may take 8-12 weeks, depending on where you are applying from, the total volume of applications, the visa category, and the complexity of your application.

Application	Processing time
Outside the UK	12 weeks
Inside the UK	8 weeks
Priority service	5 working days

Duration of Stay & ILR Pathway

The UK Dependent visa is generally issued for a maximum of two years and can be extended for a duration that matches the visa length of the primary visa holder. After residing in the UK for five years, you can qualify for an ILR (Indefinite Leave to Remain). Dependents with an ILR can also apply for citizenship via naturalization, after holding an ILR for a minimum of 12 months and fulfilling the eligibility criteria.

Can Dependents Work or Study in the UK?

Yes, dependents can work or study in the UK, with certain limitations. The work and study rights generally depend on the visa type of the applicant. UK Student visa applicants can only bring their dependents if they pursue a PhD, doctorate qualification, or research-based postgraduate degree in the UK. While dependents do not have any restrictions on the type of work they can do, they are not allowed to work as a professional sportsperson or coach. Dependents do not have access to public funds and cannot access any social benefits in the UK.

Dependent Visa Conditions

As a Dependent Visa holder, you will have no recourse to public funds. Before your application can be approved you will need to show that your sponsor has the necessary financial means to support you and is willing to sponsor your stay.

If your Dependent Visa application is successful you will be granted permission to enter the UK and unrestricted freedom to live in the UK. There are no work restrictions, which means you can work at any job, and at any level of skill.

• As a holder of tier 2 dependent visas, you can remain in the UK for the same period as the main tier 2 visa holder.
• Work, with limited exceptions.
• Study or take a postgraduate course, under certain conditions.
• Apply to extend your visa in compliance with the principal applicant, provided that you continue to meet the eligibility conditions. When the key visa holder has left the UK, you will not be eligible to apply for an extension.
• You cannot access public funds, or work as a doctor in training, or as a dentist, or as a sports instructor for professionals

Common Reasons for UK Dependent Visa Rejection

Some of the most common reasons for UK dependent visa rejection are:

• Incomplete visa applications
• Lack of evidence (relationship)
• Lack of sufficient funds required for the visa
• Not having an accommodation in the UK
• Inaccuracy in your details given in the application form
• Having a criminal history

How Y-Axis Can Help You?

Applying for the UK dependent visa requires a meticulous and thorough approach. Y-Axis can help you get the right documentation so that your initial application has the highest chance of success. Our services include:

• Guiding you in choosing the right immigration strategy
• Completing the visa documents checklist
• Assistance during application processing
• Forms, documentation & application filing
• Updates & follow up
• Relocation and post-landing support in the UK

When you sign up with Y-Axis, a dedicated immigration consultant will be appointed to help you with your process. Reach out to us today before visa and immigration rules become stricter.

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