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Last Updated 16-May-2026
About the UK PR Dependent Visa (ILR Dependent)
The UK PR Dependent Visa formally known as the Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) for Dependants allows the spouse, partner, and dependent children of a Skilled Worker or work visa holder to permanently settle in the UK. Once granted, dependants can live, work, and study in the UK without any time restriction.
If your spouse or parent holds a UK Skilled Worker Visa, Health and Care Worker Visa, or another qualifying employment-based visa, you can apply for ILR (settlement) after completing 5 continuous years as a UK dependant. This is the official pathway to UK permanent residency for family members of skilled workers.
The UK PR Dependent Visa gives Indian families one of the strongest settlement packages in any English-speaking country. Dependants receive full and unrestricted work rights from day one. There is no need for a separate work permit, employer sponsorship, or Labour Market Test. Study rights are also fully included.
The number of Indian professionals working in the UK on Skilled Worker Visas has grown sharply in recent years, making the UK PR Dependent Visa one of the most sought-after settlement pathways for Indian families.
*Check your eligibility for the UK PR Dependent Visa today. Sign up with Y-Axis for a free profile evaluation.
UK PR Dependent Visa (ILR Dependent): Key Facts at a Glance
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
|
Visa Type |
Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) — Settlement — for Dependants of UK Work Visa Holders |
|
Applicable For |
Dependants of Skilled Worker, Health and Care Worker, T2 / Tier 2, International Sportsperson, and other qualifying employment-based UK visa holders |
|
Who Can Apply |
Legally married spouse or civil partner; dependent children under 18; and children over 18 who first entered as a dependant before turning 18 and do not live independently |
|
Residence Requirement |
5 continuous years as a UK dependant on the sponsor's qualifying visa |
|
Work Rights |
Full and unrestricted — any employer, any sector, no separate work permit needed |
|
Study Rights |
Full — any UK school, college, or university without restriction |
|
Immigration Health Surcharge |
EXEMPT — ILR applicants do not pay IHS; full NHS access granted from date of settlement |
|
Application Fee (per person) |
£3,226 per applicant (approx. INR 3,45,000) — applies equally to all dependants |
|
Priority Service |
+£500 (approx. INR 53,500) — decision within 5 working days |
|
Super Priority Service |
+£1,000 (approx. INR 1,07,000) — decision by next working day after biometrics |
|
Standard Processing Time |
Up to 6 months from application submission |
|
Life in the UK Test |
Required for all dependants aged 18 to 64 — pass 18 out of 24 questions |
|
English Language Requirement |
B1 level CEFR — required for dependants aged 18 to 64 |
|
Application Method |
Online via gov.uk SET(O) form + UKVCAS biometrics appointment in the UK |
|
Pathway to British Citizenship |
After 12 months of ILR — subject to residence and good character requirements |
|
Where to Apply |
Within the UK — ILR is applied for from inside the UK after 5 years of residence as a dependant |
UK PR Dependent Visa (ILR Dependent): Overview
The UK PR Dependent Visa is the route through which spouses, partners, and children of skilled workers settle permanently in the United Kingdom. Settlement — known as Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) — is not a visa. It is a permanent immigration status. Once granted, it does not expire and cannot be revoked unless the holder voluntarily surrenders it or leaves the UK for more than 2 consecutive years.
Dependants can apply simultaneously with the primary applicant when the main visa holder becomes eligible for ILR. Or they can apply separately at a later date if the dependant joined the UK at a different time and needs more time to complete their own 5-year qualifying period.
India is the largest source country for UK Skilled Worker Visa holders. Indian IT professionals, nurses, doctors, engineers, accountants, and managers make up a large proportion of the UK's skilled migrant community making the UK PR Dependent Visa one of the most applied-for settlement routes for Indian families.
Benefits of the UK PR Dependent Visa for Indian Families
The UK PR Dependent Visa gives Indian families a comprehensive and permanent settlement package in the UK. The benefits of UK PR Dependent visa include:
- Full and unrestricted right to work.
- Full NHS access at no surcharge.
- Full right to study across any UK school, college, or university.
- Children receive free state school education while adults can access UK universities at the domestic tuition fee rate after settlement.
- No expiry on ILR.
- Pathway to British citizenship after 12 months of holding ILR.
- Right to access public funds such as public housing, and other state services they are entitled to.
- Settlement is independent and is not affected by the main applicant's employment change, departure, or relationship breakdown.
- Freedom of movement within the UK anywhere in England, Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland.
Interested in UK Immigration? Let Y-Axis guide you through the full UK PR Dependent Visa process.
Who is Eligible for the UK PR Dependent Visa (ILR Dependent)?
Eligible Dependants
The following family members of a primary UK work visa holder may apply for the UK PR Dependent Visa:
- Legally married spouse in a marriage recognised under UK law
- Civil partner in a registered civil partnership recognised under UK law
- Unmarried dependent children under 18 years of age — biological, adopted, or step-children
- Children between 18 and 21 years of age who first entered the UK as a dependant before turning 18 and do not yet live an independent life
Note: Parents, siblings, grandparents, and other extended family members of the main visa holder are generally not eligible under this route.
Success Story: Sweta’s UK Dependent Visa Journey
Watch how Sweta successfully moved to the UK on a dependent visa with expert guidance from Y-Axis. In this testimonial, she shares her experience, application journey, and how professional support helped make her UK migration process smoother and stress-free.
Testimonial - Sweta - UK Dependent Visa
Sponsor (Primary Applicant) Requirements
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
|
Visa / Permit Type |
Must hold a valid UK work visa — Skilled Worker, Health and Care Worker, T2 / Tier 2 (General), T2 Minister of Religion, International Sportsperson, or other qualifying work visa |
|
Residence in the UK |
Must have lived and worked in the UK for at least 5 years on qualifying visas |
|
Continued Employment |
Must continue to be needed for their job — employer confirmation letter required at ILR application |
|
Salary Requirements |
Must meet the applicable salary threshold for their role at time of ILR application — confirm current threshold with Y-Axis advisers |
|
No Recourse to Public Funds |
Must not be relying on UK public funds as a condition of ILR eligibility |
|
Good Character |
No criminal record or immigration violations that would prevent ILR approval |
Dependant Eligibility Requirements
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
|
Continuous Residence |
5 continuous years as a UK dependant on the sponsor's qualifying visa — counting from the date the first qualifying dependant visa was issued |
|
Relationship (Partner) |
Genuine and subsisting relationship — living together and intending to continue living together; not relying on public funds |
|
Financial Self-Sufficiency |
Supported by the sponsor without relying on UK public funds (Universal Credit, Housing Benefit, etc.) |
|
Life in the UK Test (ages 18 to 64) |
Must pass — 24 questions, 18/24 correct (75%). Exempt if under 18, aged 65+, or long-term medical condition certified by Home Office form |
|
English Language (ages 18 to 64) |
B1 level CEFR — via SELT, UK degree taught in English, or exemption as national of majority English-speaking country |
|
Children (additional) |
Not married or in civil partnership; living with sponsor; financially supported; children over 16 need additional residence and financial evidence |
|
Children 18 and over (additional) |
Must have first entered UK as dependant before 18; must not be living independently; must pass Life in UK Test and meet English language requirement |
Can UK PR Dependent Visa Holders Work in the UK?
Yes. Dependants on a UK dependant visa have full and unrestricted work rights from the day their visa is granted which continue upon receiving ILR (settlement). There is no waiting period and no employer restrictions.
| Work / Activity | Permitted for Dependant? |
|---|---|
|
Full-time employment (any sector) |
Yes — unrestricted; no Skilled Worker visa or Certificate of Sponsorship required |
|
Part-time employment |
Yes — unrestricted |
|
Self-employment and freelance work |
Yes — permitted; standard UK business registration applies |
|
Work for any UK employer |
Yes — no restriction to the sponsor's employer or occupation |
|
Change employer freely |
Yes — no requirement to stay with any particular employer |
|
Work anywhere in the UK |
Yes — no geographic restriction |
|
Remote work for an Indian employer (from UK) |
Generally permitted — UK tax and National Insurance obligations apply; confirm with a tax adviser |
|
Work for NHS, public sector, or private sector |
Yes — no sector restrictions |
|
Separate UK work permit required? |
No — full work rights included in dependant visa and confirmed on settlement; no additional authorisation needed |
Study Rights for UK PR Dependent Visa Holders
Dependants on a UK dependant visa and ILR holders can study at any registered UK educational institution with no restrictions, including state schools, further education colleges, language schools, and universities.
| Study Aspect | Details for Dependants |
|---|---|
|
Spouse / Partner |
Can study full-time or part-time at any UK university, college, vocational school, or language institute without restriction |
|
School-age children |
Compulsory free state education in UK state (public) primary and secondary schools for all children residing in the UK |
|
English language courses (ESOL) |
Available at local colleges — many subsidised or free through the ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) programme |
|
Further Education (FE) colleges |
No restriction — dependants may enrol for vocational qualifications, diplomas, and professional certifications |
|
UK universities |
Dependants can apply to any UK university; ILR holders who meet residency conditions pay the domestic tuition fee rate, not the higher international rate |
|
Apprenticeships |
Dependants can access UK apprenticeship programmes — paid employment with structured training across sectors |
|
Student finance eligibility |
ILR holders ordinarily resident in the UK for 3 years before the start of a course may be eligible for UK student loans and grants |
UK PR Dependent Visa Fees
| Fee Type | Amount (GBP) | Amount (INR approx.) |
|---|---|---|
|
ILR Application Fee (per person — adult and child equally) |
£3,226 |
INR 3,45,000 approx. |
|
Priority Service (decision within 5 working days) |
+£500 per application |
INR 53,500 approx. |
|
Super Priority Service (next working day after biometrics) |
+£1,000 per application |
INR 1,07,000 approx. |
|
Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) |
EXEMPT for ILR applicants |
Not applicable |
|
Biometric enrolment (UKVCAS appointment) |
No fee (included with application) |
Not applicable |
|
Life in the UK Test (per sitting) |
£50 |
INR 5,350 approx. |
|
English Language Test — SELT / IELTS for UKVI (approx.) |
£150 to £200 approx. |
INR 16,000 to INR 21,400 approx. |
|
Document certified translation (per document, if required) |
£50 to £150 approx. |
INR 5,350 to INR 16,000 approx. |
|
Y-Axis Professional Consultancy Fee |
As per service package |
As per service package |
Note: GBP to INR based on approximate rate of 1 GBP = INR 107 (May 2026). The ILR application fee is the same for every applicant regardless of age. Each dependant applying simultaneously with the main applicant pays the £3,226 fee separately. ILR applicants are fully exempt from the Immigration Health Surcharge.
UK PR Dependent Visa Processing Time
| Stage | Estimated Time |
|---|---|
|
Life in the UK Test preparation and booking |
2 to 4 weeks — book online at lifeintheuktests.co.uk; test centres across the UK |
|
English Language Test (if required) |
2 to 6 weeks — booking plus results turnaround time |
|
Gathering and organising documents |
1 to 3 weeks |
|
Online SET(O) application submission |
1 to 3 days once documents are ready |
|
UKVCAS biometrics appointment booking |
1 to 3 weeks (varies by UK city) |
|
Standard UKVI processing (after biometrics) |
Up to 6 months |
|
Priority Service (after biometrics) |
Within 5 working days |
|
Super Priority Service (after biometrics) |
By end of next working day (weekday appointment) or 2 working days (weekend appointment) |
|
Total timeline — standard service |
3 to 8 months from preparation to ILR grant |
|
Total timeline — priority service |
4 to 8 weeks from preparation to ILR grant |
Note: Processing times are indicative. Submitting a complete and correct document set at the time of application significantly reduces the risk of delays or requests for additional information (known as "further submissions" requests).
Documents Required for the UK PR Dependent Visa (ILR Dependent)
Documents for Spouse / Civil Partner
- Valid passport
- Current Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) as a UK dependant
- Marriage certificate or civil partnership certificate
- Life in the UK Test pass certificate
- Proof of language evidence ( SELT / IELTS)
- Proof of continuous residence in the UK
- Complete absence record from the UK — dates, destinations, and reasons for all absences during the 5-year qualifying period
- Evidence of genuine and subsisting relationship
- Sponsor's employer confirmation letter
- Recent passport photographs
Documents for Dependent Children
- Valid current passport for each child
- Current Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) as a UK dependant for each child
- Full birth certificate showing both parents' names
- Evidence of continuous residence as a UK dependant for the qualifying period
- School enrolment letter or attendance records (school-age children)
- Bank statements or payslips as evidence of financial support by the sponsor
- For children over 16: Proof of where they live and that they are not living independently; any rent or upkeep paid to the sponsor
- For children 18 and over: additionally, Life in the UK Test pass certificate and English language evidence
Financial and Supporting Documents (Sponsor)
- Last 3 months' payslips from UK employer
- Current UK employment contract with salary details
- Employer letter confirming continued need for the role and that salary meets the applicable ILR threshold
- Last 3 months' UK bank statements
- Copy of sponsor's current BRP and visa approval letter
- National Insurance number and UK tax reference
Note: All documents not in English must have a certified translation. Always check the official UKVI checklist for your specific visa category before submitting. Y-Axis can provide a personalised document checklist based on your sponsor's visa type and family circumstances.
How to Apply for the UK PR Dependent Visa (ILR Dependent)
The steps to apply for a UK PR Dependent Visa from India are as follows:
Step 1: Confirm the sponsor's visa type and eligibility.
Step 2: Confirm the dependant's qualifying period.
Step 3: Prepare for and pass the Life in the UK Test for dependents aged between 18 to 64.
Step 4: Clear language proficiency tests like SELT, IELTS, etc.
Step 5: Compile all required documents such as passports, BRPs, marriage/birth certificates, 5-year residence evidence, absence record, sponsor's employment letter, financial proof, etc.
Step 6: Complete the online SET(O) application form.
Step 7: Pay the application fee along with Priority (+£500) or Super Priority (+£1,000) service for faster approval.
Step 8: Upload documents to the UKVCAS portal.
Step 9: Book and attend a UKVCAS biometrics appointment.
Step 10: Await the UKVI decision for visa approval.
Step 11: Receive your BRC (Biometric Residence Card) confirming ILR to permanently settle in the UK with full work, study, and NHS rights.
Financial Requirements for the UK PR Dependent Visa
The sponsor must demonstrate they can financially support themselves and their dependants without relying on UK public funds. This is a mandatory requirement under UK Immigration Rules.
| Financial Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
|
No recourse to public funds |
The sponsor and dependants must not be relying on UK government benefits (Universal Credit, Housing Benefit, Income Support, etc.) at the time of the ILR application |
|
Salary requirement for sponsor |
Sponsor's salary must meet the applicable threshold for their occupation under the Skilled Worker route at time of ILR application — as of April 2025, the general threshold is £38,700 per year (or the going rate for the SOC code, whichever is higher) — subject to confirmation with UKVI or Y-Axis advisers |
|
Evidence required |
Last 3 months' payslips, current employment contract, and last 3 months' UK bank statements |
|
No fixed dependent income threshold |
No separate minimum income per dependant is set — overall household financial self-sufficiency is assessed |
|
Important note |
Salary thresholds are periodically updated by the Home Office. Confirm the current applicable threshold with Y-Axis advisers before applying |
English Language Requirements for the UK PR Dependent Visa
All dependants aged 18 to 64 must meet the B1 English language requirement as part of the ILR application. This applies to spouses, partners, and qualifying adult children.
| Scenario | English Language Requirement |
|---|---|
|
Spouse / partner aged 18 to 64 |
Must demonstrate B1 CEFR English — via a Secure English Language Test (SELT), a UK degree taught in English, or as a national of a majority English-speaking country |
|
Children under 18 |
Exempt — no English language requirement |
|
Dependants aged 65 or over |
Exempt — no English language requirement |
|
Dependants with a long-term physical or mental condition |
Exempt — medical evidence on the Home Office exemption form required |
|
Recognised test providers (SELT) |
IELTS for UKVI, LanguageCert SELT, PSI Services, Trinity College London GESE, Pearson PTE Academic UKVI — minimum B1 level required |
|
B1 English standard |
Ability to understand clear speech on familiar topics; communicate in everyday situations; produce simple connected text on familiar topics |
Life in the UK Test for UK PR Dependent Visa Applicants
All dependants aged 18 to 64 must pass the Life in the UK Test before applying for ILR. The test cannot be waived for this age group.
| Test Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
|
Who must pass |
All ILR applicants and dependants aged 18 to 64 — including spouses, partners, and qualifying adult children |
|
Who is exempt |
Dependants under 18; dependants aged 65 or over; dependants with a long-term physical or mental condition (certified on the Home Office exemption form) |
|
Test format |
24 multiple-choice questions — must answer at least 18 correctly (75%) to pass |
|
Test duration |
45 minutes |
|
Test fee |
£50 per sitting |
|
Where to book |
Online at lifeintheuktests.co.uk — test centres across the UK |
|
Study material |
Life in the United Kingdom: A Guide for New Residents (official handbook, 3rd edition) |
|
Certificate validity |
No expiry — the pass certificate is valid indefinitely once obtained |
|
Retakes |
No limit on retakes; each sitting costs £50 |
UK PR Dependent Visa: ILR Validity and Key Conditions
| Situation | Rule |
|---|---|
|
ILR grant |
ILR is a permanent immigration status granted from the date of the UKVI decision |
|
Expiry of ILR |
ILR does not expire — it is valid indefinitely |
|
Absence rule |
ILR lapses if the holder is absent from the UK for more than 2 continuous years — returning resident visa may be required after extended absence |
|
Independence of dependant's ILR |
Once the dependant holds ILR, their status is independent — not affected by the main applicant's employment change, departure, or relationship breakdown |
|
Relationship breakdown |
The dependant's ILR is not revoked on divorce or separation — it is an independent and permanent status once granted |
|
Child turns 18 after ILR |
A child's ILR granted while under 18 remains valid. If the child has not yet applied and turns 18, different rules apply — consult Y-Axis |
|
Pathway to British citizenship |
After 12 months of ILR, dependants can apply for British naturalisation |
Pathway to British Citizenship for UK PR Dependent Visa Holders
The UK PR Dependent Visa (ILR) is the final step before British citizenship. The total timeline from UK arrival as a dependant to British passport is approximately 6 to 7 years.
| Route | Details |
|---|---|
|
Step 1: UK Dependant Visa |
Live in the UK as a dependant on the sponsor's Skilled Worker or qualifying work visa for 5 continuous years |
|
Step 2: ILR (UK PR — Permanent Residency) |
Apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain — £3,226 per person — after 5 years as a dependant |
|
Step 3: British Naturalisation (Citizenship) |
Apply after 12 months of ILR — fee: £1,500 per adult; £1,012 per child (subject to change). Must have spent no more than 450 days outside UK in the 5 years before citizenship; no more than 90 days absent in the 12 months immediately before application |
|
Total UK pathway timeline |
Approximately 6 to 7 years from first arrival as a dependant to British citizenship |
|
British passport benefit |
Visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 180 countries. Right to live and work in the UK permanently and to vote in UK elections |
|
Dual citizenship and India |
India does not permit dual citizenship. Indian nationals who naturalise as British citizens must surrender Indian citizenship. They can apply for an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card — confirm with the Indian High Commission |
Market Trends: UK PR Dependent Visa
- India is the largest source country for UK Skilled Worker Visas. Indian IT professionals, nurses, doctors, engineers, accountants, and managers form the largest group of skilled workers migrating to the UK driving a parallel surge in UK PR Dependent Visa applications from Indian families.
- UK Skilled Worker Visas granted to Indian nationals have grown significantly since the points-based immigration system launched in January 2021. This creates a growing pipeline of Indian dependants eligible for ILR from 2026 onwards.
- The UK government introduced Earned Settlement proposals in early 2026. Under the proposals, the qualifying period for ILR could be extended for new applicants. Those approaching their 5-year anniversary are urged to apply promptly before any new rules take effect.
- English language requirements for UK settlement were tightened in 2026 with a clearer B1 CEFR standard now mandated for dependants aged 18 to 64.
- UKVCAS (Sopra Steria) expanded biometrics appointment capacity in 2025, reducing waiting times in major UK cities including London, Birmingham, Manchester, and Glasgow.
- India does not permit dual citizenship. Indian nationals naturalising as British citizens must surrender Indian citizenship but can apply for an OCI card to maintain their connection to India.
How Can Y-Axis Help with Your UK PR Dependent Visa?
As the world's No. 1 overseas immigration consultancy, Y-Axis has been providing reliable, personalised immigration services for 25+ years with over 10 lakh clients assisted. Our UK immigration experts provide complete, end-to-end assistance including:
- Free eligibility assessment — confirm whether your family qualifies based on the sponsor's visa type, residence period, and salary
- Personalised document checklist for Skilled Worker, Health and Care Worker, T2, or other work visa dependant ILR applications
- Life in the UK Test preparation guidance — recommended materials and practice resources
- English language test guidance — identifying the right SELT provider and booking support
- Comprehensive absence record calculation — assessing total UK absences and their impact on eligibility
- Evidence of continuous residence — guidance on which documents to gather across the full 5-year qualifying period
- SET(O) online application form preparation, review, and submission support
- UKVCAS biometrics appointment booking assistance
- Sponsor employment letter guidance — ensuring the letter meets UKVI requirements precisely
- Financial assessment — confirming the sponsor meets the applicable salary threshold for ILR
- Long-term UK immigration roadmap — from dependant visa to ILR to British citizenship (naturalisation)
- OCI card application guidance for Indian nationals after naturalisation as British citizens
- Resume and UK job search assistance for dependant spouses seeking employment after settlement
- Post-ILR support — British citizenship application, biometric passport guidance, voter registration, and public services access
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