UK Dependant Visas

The United Kingdom has emerged as the new hub for qualified students and workers. For several years, Indians have become the main category of immigrants in the UK with a significant number of individuals migrating to the United Kingdom for education, and work purposes.

Are you the spouse or a family member of one such immigrant? The UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) allows the family members of such immigrants to join and live with them. Read the article to know best about dependant visas for the UK.

What is a UK Dependant Visa?

UK dependant visa is a visa category that permits the spouse, children, and family members of a professional, student, and permanent resident to stay with them. The spouse, child or a family member can receive the UK dependant visa only if they meet all the requirements outlined on this page.

[Read More: Types of Dependent Visas]

What are the Types of UK Dependant Visas?

• UK Tier-2 dependant Visa: This visa is applicable for the dependants of UK tier-2 visa holders.
• UK Tier-4 dependant Visa: Also known as a student dependant visa, a UK Tier-4 dependant visa is issued for the dependants of UK tier-4 visa holders.
• Family Visa for the UK: This type of dependant visa is applicable for the family members of a UK permanent resident or a British citizen. It is important to note that family members of UK work visa holders and UK student visa holders are not eligible to apply for a family visa. They are required to apply for a dependant visa.

Who can Apply for a UK Dependant Visa?

1. Eligibility requirement for UK Tier-2 dependant Visa:

• A spouse, civil partner
• An unmarried partner
• A same-sex partner
• A child who is unmarried and below the age of 18 years
• A child older than 18 years and is currently in the UK

[Read More: Indians To Benefit From Visa Cap Removal For Phds in UK]

2. Eligibility Requirement for UK Tier-4 Dependant Visa:

• A spouse, civil partner
• An unmarried partner
• A same-sex partner
• A child who is unmarried and below the age of 18 years

The dependant of the Tier-4 visa holder is eligible to apply for a student dependant visa-UK only if:

• The course of the student is full-time, for a minimum of 6 months, and is sponsored by the government

or

• The student is doing a full-time postgraduate degree course at a ‘higher education provider’ that is for a minimum of 9 months.

or

• A student of the doctorate extension scheme.

3. Eligibility Requirement for Family Visa for the UK:

• A spouse
• A fiancé or a civil partner
• An unmarried partner
• A same-sex partner
• A child who is unmarried and below the age of 18 years.
• A parent
• A close relative

UK Dependant Visa Document List:

• A Valid passport or any other travel ID.
• A photocopy of old passports and old visa stamps, if any.
• A photocopy of the old immigration application, if any.
• A photograph of the candidate that meets the specifications laid by the UK government.
• Tuberculosis test results
• A sponsorship form, filled by the family member living in the UK.
• A visa application form that is filled out entirely and signed by the applicant.
• A copy of the sponsor’s certificate of sponsorship or confirmation of acceptance for studies.
• Any document proving that the sponsor had sufficient funds to assist the family members.
• Additional documents required to apply for a dependant partner visa or apply for a spouse visa for the UK:
• A marriage certificate or a civil partnership certificate as proof of the relationship.
• Utility bills that show both the partners reside at the same address.
• Bank statements from the joint account of the partners.
• Additional documents required when applying as a child dependant:
• Birth certificate of the child
• If the child is under 16 years of age, additional documents like bank statements, and credit card bills are needed.

How to Apply for a UK Dependant Visa?

• Step1: Fill out and submit the visa application form.
• Step2: Pay the health surcharge fee as a part of the visa application process.
• Step3: Make the payment to submit your visa application.
• Step4: Book an appointment at the closest visa application centre to submit the photograph and biometrics.
• Step 5: Visit the visa application centre on the day of your appointment and submit your photograph and biometrics.
• Step 6: Wait for the response regarding your application.

How much does it cost to apply for a UK dependant visa?

The cost to apply for a UK dependant visa varies according to the type of dependant visa and whether it is applied inside the UK or outside the UK. Look at the table below for a better understanding:

Additional to the visa application fee, the application is also required to pay a health surcharge fee.

How long can a Dependant Stay in the UK?

If the candidate is applying for as a spouse or as a parent, they are eligible to stay in the UK for 2 years and 9 months. If the candidate is applying as a fiancé or a civil partner, they are eligible to stay in the UK for 6 months. If the candidate is applying as an adult who will be looked after by a relative, their duration of stay will depend on the visa status of their sponsor.

What is the Processing Time of a UK Dependent Visa?

The candidates shall receive a decision within 3 weeks (in case the application is submitted inside the UK) and within 8 weeks (in case the application is submitted outside the UK) of applying online, proving their identity, and providing their documentation. The applicant has an option to pay extra for speeding up their application process.

Top FAQs Asked by Indians Applying for UK Dependent Visa