Student Dependant Visa UK: Full Guide for Families

The UK Student Dependant Visa route allows family members of international students to join them in the UK during their course of study. For families, understanding the eligibility criteria, application process, and conditions of stay under UK immigration law is crucial to ensure compliance and avoid future immigration issues. This comprehensive guide provides detailed insights for students, their dependants, and UK sponsors, covering all legal and practical aspects of the Student Dependant Visa route.

With increasing scrutiny on immigration compliance, it is essential for both applicants and sponsors—whether universities, employers, or families—to understand the rules governing dependant visas. This article explains the legal framework, evidential requirements, stay conditions, and common challenges faced by Student Dependant Visa applicants and their families. The guidance references the UK Immigration Rules Appendix Student and Appendix Student Dependant (as updated July 2025), and Home Office ‘Student route: Dependants Guidance v5.0’ (March 2025).

 

Section A: Legal Framework for Student Dependant Visas

 

The UK Student Dependant Visa is designed to allow certain family members of international students to live in the UK during the student’s period of study. Governed by the UK Immigration Rules, this route outlines specific eligibility criteria for who can apply as a dependant and the conditions they must meet.

 

1. Definition of a Student Dependant under UK Immigration Rules

 

A Student Dependant is defined as a family member of a Student Visa holder who qualifies to accompany or join the main applicant in the UK. The UK Immigration Rules Appendix Student Dependant specifies who may apply as a dependant, with eligibility focused on close family relationships, including:

• Spouse or civil partner
• Unmarried partner (with evidence of at least 2 years of cohabitation)
• Children under 18 years of age (or over 18 if already in the UK as a dependant)

 

Other family members, such as parents, siblings, or extended relatives, do not qualify as dependants under this route.

 

2. Eligibility Criteria for Dependant Spouses and Partners

 

To qualify, the relationship between the Student Visa holder and the spouse/partner must be genuine and subsisting. Evidence is required to demonstrate:

• A valid marriage or civil partnership certificate; or
• Proof of a durable relationship, such as joint tenancy agreements, shared financial responsibilities, or correspondence addressed to the same residence for at least 2 years.

 

Additionally, the main Student Visa holder must be undertaking a course of study that meets the dependant eligibility threshold, such as:

• A full-time postgraduate course at RQF Level 7 or above lasting at least 9 months;
• A government-sponsored student undertaking a course of more than 6 months.

 

 

3. Eligibility Criteria for Dependant Children

 

Children must meet the following criteria to apply as dependants:

• Be under the age of 18 at the time of application, unless they are applying to extend their current dependant visa in the UK;
• Be financially supported by the Student Visa holder without recourse to public funds;
• Not be living an independent life (i.e., not married, in a civil partnership, or having left home to live independently).

 

Each child must make a separate application, with evidence confirming their relationship to the main applicant, such as birth certificates and custody documents where applicable.

 

4. Relevant Immigration Rules and Home Office Guidance

 

The Immigration Rules Appendix Student and Appendix Student Dependant set out the legislative framework for dependant visa applications. Home Office guidance documents, including ‘Student route: Dependants Guidance v5.0’ (March 2025), provide further clarity on evidential requirements, maintenance levels, and procedural aspects of the dependant visa process. Applicants must ensure documentation aligns with the latest Home Office requirements to avoid refusals.

Policy updates and rule changes, including the July 2023 reforms restricting dependant eligibility to postgraduate courses of at least 9 months, and any subsequent amendments following the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) reviews, must be closely monitored to ensure compliance.

 

5. Impact of the Main Student Visa Holder’s Course on Dependant Eligibility

 

The eligibility of dependants is directly linked to the level and duration of the student’s course. Dependants are generally permitted only where the main applicant is:

• Studying a full-time postgraduate course at RQF Level 7 or above lasting at least 9 months; or
• Studying a full-time course as a government-sponsored student lasting more than 6 months.

 

Undergraduates and postgraduate courses below the 9-month threshold do not qualify to bring dependants to the UK, unless specific exemptions apply.

 

Summary for Section A – Legal Eligibility Fundamentals for Student Dependants

 

Understanding the legal framework for Student Dependant Visas is essential for ensuring eligibility before applying. Only close family members—spouses, partners, and children—are permitted under this route, with strict evidential requirements around relationship genuineness and financial dependency. The main Student Visa holder’s course level and duration significantly influence the eligibility of dependants, with recent rule changes narrowing access to this route. Sponsors, students, and family members must remain up-to-date with UK Immigration Rules and Home Office guidance to ensure successful applications.

 

Section B: Application Process and Evidential Requirements

 

Applying for a Student Dependant Visa involves a detailed process requiring careful preparation of documentation and adherence to Home Office procedural rules. Whether applying from outside or within the UK, dependants must satisfy specific evidential requirements to ensure a successful application.

 

1. How to Apply for a Student Dependant Visa Inside and Outside the UK

 

Dependants can apply for a Student Dependant Visa either from outside the UK (entry clearance application) or from within the UK (if eligible to switch or extend their current visa). The application is made online via the UK Home Office website, where dependants must complete the relevant application form and pay the applicable fees.

Each dependant must submit an individual application, although applications can be grouped for family units applying together. Biometric enrolment appointments are required at a UK Visa Application Centre (VAC) overseas or a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) centre for in-country applications.

 

2. Financial Maintenance Requirements for Dependants

 

The Student Dependant Visa requires applicants to demonstrate adequate funds to support themselves during their stay in the UK. The financial requirement is as follows:

• £680 per month for each dependant for up to 9 months (£6,120 for 9 months).

 

These funds must be held for a continuous 28-day period ending no more than 31 days before the date of application. If the main Student Visa holder is fully sponsored by a government or an international scholarship agency that covers living costs for family members, this can meet the maintenance requirement. Evidence such as official sponsorship letters must be provided.

It is important to note that financial maintenance levels are subject to change, and applicants must verify the latest requirements in the Home Office guidance before applying.

 

3. Relationship and Family Life Evidence Requirements

 

Dependants must provide robust evidence to prove their relationship with the main applicant. This includes:

• Marriage or civil partnership certificates for spouses/partners;
• Evidence of a durable relationship (e.g., joint bank accounts, shared tenancy agreements, utility bills for unmarried partners);
• Birth certificates or adoption papers for children;
• Custody agreements or consent letters from the non-applying parent if applicable.

 

The Home Office expects original documents, accompanied by certified translations if not in English or Welsh.

 

4. Application Fees, Immigration Health Surcharge, and Biometric Enrolment

 

Each dependant must pay an application fee and the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS). As of 2025, the costs are:

• Application fee: £490 per dependant (outside the UK), £1,048 (inside the UK for standard service);
• IHS: £776 per year per applicant, payable upfront for the duration of the visa.

 

Additionally, applicants must attend a biometric enrolment appointment where fingerprints and a photograph are taken. Applicants should ensure they retain their biometric appointment confirmation as part of their application records.

 

5. Processing Times and Considerations for Urgent Applications

 

Processing times for dependant visa applications are generally as follows:

• Applications made outside the UK: 3 weeks from the date of biometric enrolment;
• Applications made inside the UK: 8 weeks under standard service, with an option for priority (5 working days) and super priority (next working day) services at additional cost.

 

Applicants are advised to apply well in advance, particularly where dependants intend to travel with the main applicant at the start of the academic term. Complex cases may require additional time, especially where further evidence or Home Office interviews are requested.

 

Summary for Section B – Key Steps and Evidence for Successful Applications

 

Applying for a Student Dependant Visa requires careful attention to evidential requirements, particularly around financial maintenance and relationship proof. Application fees and the Immigration Health Surcharge can significantly increase total costs for family units, so applicants should budget accordingly. Understanding the correct application route, providing complete documentation, and planning timelines to align with the main applicant’s course start date are crucial steps for a successful outcome. Sponsors and applicants should refer to the latest Home Office guidance to avoid refusals or delays.

 

Section C: Conditions of Stay for Student Dependants

 

Once granted a Student Dependant Visa, family members are subject to specific conditions during their stay in the UK. These conditions determine their right to work, study, access public services, and the duration of their visa. Understanding these conditions is essential to ensure lawful stay and to avoid breaches of immigration status.

 

1. Work Rights and Employment Restrictions for Dependant Partners

 

Dependant spouses and partners are permitted to work in the UK without restrictions on the number of hours or type of work. This includes employment, self-employment, and voluntary work. However, they are not allowed to work as a professional sportsperson or sports coach.

Employers are required to conduct Right to Work checks on dependant partners in the same way as any other employee. From 2025 onwards, many dependants will no longer be issued Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs) and must rely on eVisa digital status. Employers must therefore use the Home Office’s online Right to Work checking service using the dependant’s share code and date of birth.

Failure to conduct correct Right to Work checks may expose employers to civil penalties of up to £45,000 per illegal worker, as well as potential damage to their sponsor licence compliance record.

 

2. Study Rights for Dependant Partners and Children

 

Dependant partners are allowed to undertake studies in the UK without requiring a separate Student Visa, including full-time and part-time courses. There are no restrictions on the level of study or subject choice for dependant partners.

Dependent children can access the UK’s state-funded primary and secondary education system without additional fees. For higher education, dependant children would need to meet the relevant visa or fee requirements applicable at the time, including potentially paying international student fees if they do not qualify for domestic fee status.

 

3. Access to Public Funds and NHS Healthcare

 

Student Dependant Visa holders are not entitled to access public funds, such as Universal Credit, Child Benefit, or social housing. However, payment of the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) as part of the visa application grants access to NHS healthcare services on the same basis as UK residents during their stay.

It is important to note that certain NHS services, such as dental treatment, optical care, and prescription medicines, may still carry additional charges, which must be covered by the applicant.

 

4. Dependants’ Visa Duration and Aligning Expiry with Main Visa Holder

 

The duration of the dependant visa is directly linked to the validity of the main Student Visa holder’s visa. Dependants will typically receive a visa that expires on the same date as the main applicant’s visa, ensuring family units remain aligned.

If the main applicant’s course end date changes, dependants may need to apply for a visa extension. It is critical that dependant visa expiry dates are monitored closely to avoid overstaying, which may impact future immigration applications and eligibility for long residence settlement routes.

 

5. Switching to Other Visa Routes and Settlement Considerations

 

Dependants may be eligible to switch to other visa categories from within the UK if they meet the relevant criteria, such as Skilled Worker, Health and Care Worker, or Spouse/Partner Visas. Switching is subject to satisfying the route-specific eligibility requirements, including sponsorship, salary thresholds, and English language criteria.

Time spent in the UK on a Student Dependant Visa does not count towards Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) under the 5-year settlement route. However, dependants may be eligible for settlement under the 10-year long residence route if they have spent a continuous period of 10 years lawfully in the UK without gaps in immigration status.

Where relationships break down, dependants may be required to switch to alternative visa categories, such as the parent of a child route or private life applications, depending on their personal circumstances. It is vital to seek legal advice promptly in such cases to maintain lawful residence.

 

Summary for Section C – Legal Conditions and Long-term Planning for Student Dependants

 

Understanding the rights and restrictions of Student Dependant Visas is vital for long-term planning. Dependant partners have full work rights but are excluded from accessing public funds. Children benefit from free state education, but future higher education fees should be considered in financial planning. Aligning visa expiry dates with the main applicant’s visa and considering future switching options are key to maintaining lawful status. Both dependants and employers must ensure full compliance with Right to Work checks, especially in light of the shift to eVisa digital status from 2025 onwards.

 

Section D: Common Scenarios and Compliance Issues

 

Employers, educational institutions, and families often encounter practical challenges when dealing with Student Dependant Visas. Understanding common scenarios and potential compliance pitfalls is essential to avoid breaches of immigration rules and ensure smooth family integration during the main applicant’s period of study in the UK.

 

1. Dependants of Postgraduate Students on Courses Lasting Less Than 9 Months

 

Following the rule changes in July 2023, dependants are generally only permitted if the main Student Visa holder is undertaking a postgraduate course at RQF Level 7 or above that lasts at least 9 months. For courses under this threshold, dependants are not eligible to apply unless the student is government-sponsored.

This restriction has significant implications for short-term postgraduate courses, such as postgraduate certificates or diplomas. Families should assess eligibility carefully before making plans for dependants to accompany the student, and seek legal advice if there are complexities around sponsorship or course duration.

 

2. Children Born in the UK During the Student Visa Holder’s Stay

 

If a child is born in the UK to a Student Visa holder, the child does not automatically acquire British citizenship. Parents are required to apply for leave to remain for the child if they intend to travel abroad with them or to regularise the child’s immigration status.

Applications for children born in the UK can be made from within the country, with evidential requirements including the child’s birth certificate and proof of the parents’ immigration status. Until the child receives leave to remain, they are considered to be without valid immigration status, though they are not treated as overstayers.

 

3. Right to Work Checks for Dependant Partners

 

Employers must carry out standard Right to Work checks on dependant partners before employment commences. From 2025 onwards, dependants may not receive physical BRPs and will need to prove their immigration status using the Home Office’s online Right to Work service by providing a share code.

Employers are required to verify the status via the official system and retain evidence of the check for compliance purposes. Failure to conduct proper checks can expose employers to civil penalties of up to £45,000 per illegal worker and, for sponsor licence holders, reputational and licensing risks.

 

4. Handling Changes in Relationship Status or Family Circumstances

 

Significant changes in family circumstances, such as separation or divorce, must be reported to the Home Office. A dependant’s visa is conditional on their relationship with the main applicant, and changes may impact their right to remain in the UK.

Dependants in these situations may need to apply for leave to remain under alternative visa categories, such as private life or the parent of a child route, depending on individual circumstances. Early legal advice is crucial to ensure that appropriate action is taken to maintain lawful status and avoid overstaying risks.

 

5. Home Office Compliance Visits and Risks of Visa Curtailment

 

The Home Office may conduct compliance visits to verify that dependant visa holders are adhering to their visa conditions. Common triggers for visits include discrepancies in relationship evidence, failure to meet maintenance requirements, or intelligence-led concerns regarding illegal working or fraudulent applications.

If a breach is identified, the Home Office may curtail the dependant’s visa, resulting in enforced departure from the UK. Maintaining accurate records, ensuring genuine relationships, and compliance with visa conditions are critical for avoiding enforcement actions.

 

Summary for Section D – Navigating Common Issues and Compliance Pitfalls

 

Student Dependant Visa holders and their families face a range of practical and compliance challenges. From eligibility limitations for certain courses to handling changes in family circumstances, proactive management of immigration compliance is essential. Employers and educational institutions must fulfil their verification and reporting duties, particularly concerning Right to Work checks and family status updates. Early identification of potential issues and seeking professional legal advice can help avoid visa curtailments and enforcement actions that could disrupt family stability and academic progression.

 

FAQs

 

 

Who qualifies as a dependant on a Student Visa in the UK?

 

Eligible dependants include a spouse or civil partner, unmarried partner (with at least 2 years of cohabitation), and children under 18 years old. Extended family members such as parents, siblings, or other relatives are not eligible under this route.

 

Can Student Dependant Visa holders work in the UK?

 

Yes, dependant partners are permitted to work in the UK without restrictions on working hours or job roles, except for work as a professional sportsperson or sports coach. Employers must conduct standard Right to Work checks, including use of the online Home Office system for eVisa holders.

 

How much money is required to sponsor a dependant?

 

Each dependant must demonstrate access to £680 per month for up to 9 months, amounting to a maximum of £6,120 per dependant. These funds must be held for a continuous 28-day period prior to application. Applicants should verify the latest financial thresholds in the Home Office guidance.

 

Can dependants apply for settlement (ILR)?

 

Time spent in the UK on a Student Dependant Visa does not count towards Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) under the 5-year route. However, dependants may be eligible to switch to other visa categories that lead to ILR or qualify under the 10-year long residence route, subject to continuous lawful residence.

 

What happens if the main Student Visa holder switches visa category?

 

If the main applicant switches to a visa category that allows dependants, such as the Skilled Worker route, family members may be eligible to switch in-country as dependants of the new visa category. Applications must be made before the current dependant visa expires to avoid overstaying.

 

Conclusion

 

The Student Dependant Visa route plays a critical role in supporting family unity for international students in the UK. However, the route is governed by strict eligibility criteria, evidential requirements, and compliance obligations for both applicants and sponsors. Recent changes to the Immigration Rules have narrowed access to this route, making careful preparation and up-to-date knowledge essential.

For applicants, assembling thorough documentation and adhering to application procedures is key to securing a successful outcome. For employers and educational institutions, meeting Right to Work verification duties and maintaining compliance records is crucial to avoid penalties. Given the potential complexities and risks involved, families and sponsors are strongly encouraged to seek professional legal advice when navigating dependant visa applications or dealing with compliance issues.

 

Glossary

 

Term	Definition
Student Dependant Visa	A visa allowing eligible family members of a Student Visa holder to join them in the UK during their studies.
Maintenance Requirements	Financial evidence required to prove applicants can support themselves in the UK without accessing public funds.
Right to Work Checks	Legal checks employers must perform to verify a person’s right to work in the UK, using BRPs or eVisa share codes.
Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)	A fee paid by visa applicants to access NHS healthcare services during their stay in the UK.
Visa Curtailment	The process by which the Home Office shortens the length of stay granted on a visa due to breaches of conditions.

 

 

Useful Links

 

Resource	Link
UK Home Office Guidance on Student Dependants	gov.uk/student-visa/family-members
UK Immigration Health Surcharge Calculator	gov.uk/healthcare-immigration-application
Employer Right to Work Checklist	gov.uk/check-job-applicant-right-to-work
UKCISA Information for Student Family Members	ukcisa.org.uk/Dependants