Dependent Visa UK: Explained by Lawyers

Section A: What is a Dependent Visa?

A Dependent visa is a general term referring to UK immigration routes that allow family members of individuals who hold a valid UK visa to join or stay with them in the UK.

There is no single, stand-alone Dependent visa in the UK. Instead, there are several options depending on the status of the main visa holder. For many workers and students, dependants apply under the relevant dependant provisions in the work or study route. For British or settled sponsors, partners and children usually apply under family visa rules, such as Appendix FM.

These visas aim to enable families to stay together while one member works, studies, or resides in the UK under visa categories such as work and study visas, or under family routes where the sponsor is British or settled.

In this guide, the term “dependent visa” is used mainly for family members of workers, students and some other temporary or long term visa holders, together with certain adult dependent relatives. Partners and children of British or settled persons usually apply under separate family visa routes, such as under Appendix FM, rather than as dependants of a worker or student.

1. Types of Dependent Visas

A UK Dependant visa allows the family members, usually partners and children, of certain visa holders to join them in the UK. Eligibility for dependants depends on the visa category of the main visa holder, such as a Skilled Worker, Student or routes for Innovator Founder and Global Talent visa holders. Family members of British citizens or people with Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) usually apply under family visa routes in their own right rather than as PBS-style dependants.

a. PBS dependant visas

The UK Points-Based System (PBS) dependant provisions allow family members, usually spouses or partners and children, of certain visa holders, such as Skilled Worker, Innovator Founder, Global Business Mobility or Global Talent visa holders, to join or stay with them in the UK.

Dependent eligibility criteria can vary depending on the main visa holder’s category. For example, the Health and Care Worker visa permits most visa holders to be accompanied by dependants, but for care workers and senior care workers, new applications made on or after 11 March 2024 generally do not allow dependants, subject to limited transitional protections for those already in the route and their families.

Eligible dependants can usually live, work with some restrictions, and study in the UK, but cannot access public funds. Each dependant must apply separately and provide proof of relationship, financial maintenance where required, and biometric information. The visa duration usually aligns with the main visa holder’s period of permission.

Depending on the underlying route, and subject to meeting all other requirements, some dependants may be eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after a qualifying period of residence, which under current rules is typically five years for many work-route families.

b. Student visa dependants

Since 1 January 2024, only a limited group of Student visa holders can bring dependants. In most cases, dependants are permitted only where the student is either on a government-sponsored course of more than six months, or on a postgraduate course that is a PhD or other doctorate, or a research-based higher degree that meets the current UKVI definition for this purpose. There are transitional arrangements for some students whose courses started before 1 January 2024, and the exact criteria depend on course type, length and start date.

c. Adult Dependant Relative (ADR) visa

This visa is for certain close adult family members, typically elderly parents or grandparents, who need long term personal care that cannot be provided, or cannot be provided realistically or affordably, in their home country even with the financial and practical help of their UK sponsor. Under current rules it is usually only available where the UK sponsor is British, has Indefinite Leave to Remain, or has another qualifying long term status, and the eligibility threshold is very high.

2. Who Qualifies as a Dependant?

The eligibility for a Dependent visa extends to various family members of the primary visa holder, depending on the route and the sponsor’s status:

a. Spouse or civil partner: The legal spouse or civil partner of the primary visa holder can usually apply as a dependant under the relevant route, or as a partner under family visa rules where the sponsor is British or settled. Proof of a genuine and subsisting relationship is required.

b. Unmarried partner: An unmarried partner can also qualify if they have been in a relationship similar to marriage or civil partnership for at least two years prior to the application and can evidence that cohabitation, subject to the conditions of the relevant immigration route.

c. Children: Dependent children under the age of 18 can usually accompany or join the primary visa holder, subject to route-specific rules. Children over 18 may also qualify in some routes if they were granted leave as dependants when they were under 18 and continue to be financially and, in practice, emotionally dependent on the primary visa holder and part of the same household.

d. Parents and other adult relatives: In limited circumstances, particularly under the adult dependent relative rules, parents or other close adult relatives can qualify if they require long term personal care that cannot be provided or arranged in their home country. These categories are tightly drawn and usually apply where the UK sponsor is British, settled or holds another qualifying long term status.

Each of these dependants has to meet specific criteria relating to the main applicant’s visa category and provide documentation to prove both the qualifying relationship and any additional route-specific requirements.

3. Dependant Visa Rights & Responsibilities

The duration of the Dependent Visa is usually tied to the validity period of the main visa holder’s visa. For example, if the primary visa holder has a visa valid for three years, the dependant’s visa will typically be valid for the same period.

The dependant’s visa usually becomes valid from the date it is issued or from the date they enter the UK, whichever is later.

With a UK Dependent Visa, family members of the primary visa holder attain certain rights and responsibilities while they reside in the UK. These rights enable dependants to live, work, and study in the UK, while also requiring them to adhere to specific rules and conditions set by the UK immigration authorities.

Dependants of skilled workers and other eligible visa holders can work in the UK, either part-time or full-time, in most professions. They do not need a separate work permit. They can also enrol in educational institutions, including schools, colleges, and universities, without needing a separate student visa.

Dependants will usually need to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) as part of their visa application, which grants them access to NHS services while in the UK.

They can open a UK bank account, and are allowed to travel freely in and out of the UK during the validity of their visa, provided they meet re-entry requirements.

Any activity not explicitly permitted by the visa conditions, such as engaging in business activities that require separate authorisation, is prohibited. For example, dependants are typically restricted from working as professional sportspersons or sports coaches.

Dependants are also generally prohibited from claiming most public funds or benefits, such as unemployment benefits, housing benefits, or income support.

Importantly, dependants must ensure they maintain lawful status in the UK. Overstaying can have serious immigration consequences, so dependants will need to either apply for an extension or a different visa before their visa expires, or they will have to leave the country.

Section B: Dependant Visa Changes

The UK government’s 2025 Immigration White Paper sets out proposals for wide ranging reforms affecting dependants, including possible changes to English language expectations, settlement eligibility and circumstances in which leave could be cancelled. For dependant visa holders or applicants, these proposals raise questions about future eligibility to come to the UK or to remain here on the basis of a dependant relationship.

The White Paper itself does not change the law. The detailed “earned settlement” framework is now the subject of a formal consultation that opened on 20 November 2025 and is scheduled to run until 12 February 2026, with the government indicating that the earliest changes are likely to be introduced from April 2026. Until new Immigration Rules are laid and brought into force, current dependant rules continue to apply.

The proposals that are most relevant for dependants include:

a. Tougher English language profile for settlement

For adult dependants, the White Paper and subsequent policy papers describe a tiered English language model linked to the settlement stage. In outline, the government intends that adult family members who go on to apply for settlement in a qualifying route would need to show higher levels of English over time, with reference made to A1 for initial applications, A2 at extension stage and B2 at settlement under the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. For some aspects of the framework, including a B2 standard for settlement, the policy papers describe these as minimum integration requirements rather than matters open to consultation, although the detailed implementation and transitional arrangements are still to be finalised through the consultation process.

b. Longer route to settlement and “earned settlement”

The qualifying period for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) is proposed to move away from a standard five year route for most economic migrants and their dependants under a new earned settlement framework. The government is consulting on increasing the baseline qualifying period for many routes to ten years, and in some lower paid roles potentially longer, alongside a contribution based “earned settlement” model that would allow some applicants to reduce that period where they meet specified criteria on conduct, contribution and integration.

Policy material indicates an intention for a quicker five year pathway to remain in place for certain groups with a strong connection to the UK, including many dependants of British citizens and people on particular protection routes, but the detailed scope and treatment of existing five year routes depend on the outcome of the consultation and any transitional provisions.

c. Potential removal of status and tougher suitability approach

Alongside settlement reforms, the government proposes to strengthen the suitability and public interest framework, including wider reliance on conduct, criminality and compliance history when assessing whether permission should be granted, extended or cancelled. Policy papers refer to expanding the range of behaviour that can lead to refusal, cancellation of leave or deportation, including some offending that does not result in a custodial sentence, and to a tighter approach to Article 8 ECHR arguments used to resist removal.

At this stage these measures remain proposals. The exact thresholds, the way they will be reflected in the Immigration Rules and guidance, and any transitional protection for people already in the UK on a route to settlement, will be determined after the consultation closes and the government publishes its response and subsequent Statements of Changes.

Section C: Dependant Visa Eligibility Criteria

Applying for a UK Dependent visa involves meeting specific eligibility criteria that vary by route. The criteria differ according to the main applicant’s visa category, the relationship being relied on and, in some cases, how long the family has already lived in the UK. Where the sponsor is British or settled, dependants usually apply under family visa rules, which have their own financial and English language requirements. For dependants of workers, students and certain other temporary or long term visa holders, the relevant dependant provisions in that route apply instead.

1. Main Applicant Visa Status

The main applicant’s immigration category determines whether dependants are permitted and, if so, which rules apply. Most long term work routes allow partners and children to join or accompany the main applicant. Some temporary routes do, although others, such as the Seasonal Worker scheme and Youth Mobility Scheme, do not. For routes that are now closed to new main applicants, such as Representative of an Overseas Business, dependants remain permitted only where the sponsor already holds leave in that route.

Visa holders under most work visas, some student routes and long term categories such as Innovator Founder, Global Talent and Ancestry may be able to bring dependants to the UK. Where the sponsor is British or settled, partners and children normally apply under Appendix FM family rules rather than any dependant provisions.

The dependant’s eligibility is directly tied to the visa status of the main applicant, and the validity of the dependant’s visa usually aligns with the main applicant’s period of permission.

2. Relationship Proof Requirements

To qualify for a Dependent visa, the applicant has to provide evidence of their qualifying relationship with the main visa holder. The type of evidence required depends on whether the applicant is a partner, child or, in limited cases, an adult relative.

a. Spouse or civil partner: A marriage certificate or civil partnership certificate is required, together with evidence the relationship is genuine and ongoing.

b. Unmarried partner: The applicant has to show at least two years of cohabitation prior to the date of application, using documents such as joint tenancy agreements, shared accounts or utility bills.

c. Children: Evidence of parentage is required. Children who are 16 or over need to show they live with the main applicant, are financially supported by them and are not leading an independent life.

d. Other dependants: Under the Adult Dependant Relative route, the applicant has to show they need long term personal care that cannot be provided realistically or affordably in their home country, even with the support of their UK sponsor. This route is tightly restricted.

3. Financial Maintenance Requirements

In most dependant routes linked to work or study visas, the family has to show that there are enough funds to support the dependant without relying on public funds. The level of funds and how they are evidenced depends on the route, the location of study for Student families, and whether the sponsor can certify maintenance where allowed.

a. Skilled Worker dependants

Skilled Worker dependants have to show evidence of funds unless an exemption applies. The current figures are £285 for a partner, £315 for the first child and £200 for each additional child. These funds must usually have been held for at least 28 days, unless the sponsor certifies maintenance on the Certificate of Sponsorship or the main applicant or dependant has held permission in the UK for at least 12 months at the date of application.

b. Student visa dependants

Student dependants have to show monthly maintenance in addition to the main applicant’s own higher maintenance requirement. For each dependant, the required amounts are £845 per month for up to nine months for courses in London, and £680 per month for up to nine months for courses outside London. These figures apply per dependant and sit alongside the student’s own maintenance requirement, which increased in November 2025.

These funds have to be held for at least 28 consecutive days, with the end of that period falling within 31 days before the application. Student families who have lived in the UK for at least 12 months with valid permission do not need to show funds for dependants at extension stage.

4. Other Specific Eligibility Conditions

Dependant children must be under 18 at the date of application unless they already hold permission as a dependant and remain part of the same household and financially reliant on the main applicant.

Applicants may need a tuberculosis test depending on their country of residence, and some routes require police clearance certificates.

The dependant and the main visa holder have to intend to live together in the UK and maintain their family unit throughout their stay.

Section D: Dependant Visa Supporting Documents

Supporting documents must be provided as part of the visa application to establish eligibility as a dependant, including proof of the qualifying relationship between the main visa holder and the dependant. The exact documents required differ by route, so families should check both the general dependant guidance and the specific rules for the work, study or family category they are using.

Several documents are required to support the application for a UK dependent visa. The main identity document is the passport. The applicant must provide their current passport, which should be valid and have at least one blank page where a visa vignette will be placed if they are applying from outside the UK. If applicable, previous passports may also be requested to evidence travel history, previous UK entry dates or immigration compliance.

Proof of relationship is necessary to verify the connection between the dependant and the main visa holder. For spouses, a legal marriage certificate is required, while civil partners must provide a civil partnership certificate. Unmarried partners need to submit evidence of cohabitation for at least two years, which can be demonstrated through joint tenancy agreements, joint bank accounts or utility bills in both names. For children, a birth certificate that includes the names of the parents has to be provided, and in the case of adoption, legal adoption papers are required. Where a child is living with only one parent, additional evidence of sole responsibility or serious and compelling family considerations may also be needed, depending on the route.

Financial evidence has to be submitted to prove that there are sufficient funds to support the dependants in line with the relevant rules. This can include recent bank statements and, if the main applicant is employed, salary slips to show regular income. For work and study dependant routes, the focus is usually on meeting specified maintenance levels or relying on sponsor certification or residence-based exemptions. For family visas under Appendix FM, detailed minimum income or adequate maintenance rules apply and require specific categories of financial evidence.

For accommodation, the applicant should provide a copy of the tenancy agreement for rented accommodation, or, if the property is owned, proof of ownership such as mortgage statements or property deeds. The aim is to show that the family will have suitable accommodation without breaching statutory overcrowding standards.

If the applicant is from a country where TB testing is mandatory, a valid TB test certificate from an approved clinic has to be included with the application. The list of countries and the test requirements are set out in Home Office guidance and are checked at the decision stage.

In some routes, proof of English proficiency is required, typically where the dependant is applying as a partner under family visa rules that include an English language requirement. This can be evidenced through an approved English language test at the required level or, in some cases, through recognised academic qualifications. For most dependants of workers and students, there is currently no English language requirement.

The visa application is submitted online using the correct form for the dependant route, whether the family is applying from outside the UK or in country. All questions should be answered fully and consistently with the supporting evidence. Additional supporting documents, such as police clearance certificates or medical reports, are required in some cases and optional in others, but they can be important in addressing specific eligibility or suitability points raised in the rules or in the decision maker’s guidance.

Section E: Dependent Visa Application Process

A separate application has to be made for each dependant, including each child. Dependants can apply at the same time as the main applicant or later, provided the main applicant still has valid permission or is applying for further permission. Where the sponsor is British or settled, partners and children apply under family visa rules that follow their own forms and evidential requirements.

1. Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for a Dependent Visa

The process largely involves completing the correct online form, submitting supporting documents and verifying the applicant’s identity. The steps below reflect the process used for most dependants of workers, students and long term visa holders, noting that family visas follow similar stages but have different evidential rules.

Step 1: Check eligibility

Confirm that the main applicant’s visa type allows dependants and that the relationship, financial and accommodation requirements for the route can be met. Where applicable, check transitional protections, for example for care workers and senior care workers whose visas pre date 11 March 2024.

Step 2: Gather required documents

Collect the necessary documents as outlined earlier in this guide. Ensure that each document is up to date, correctly translated where required and consistent with the details provided in the application form. For applicants relying on minimum income rules under Appendix FM, check that the financial evidence fits the specified categories.

Step 3: Complete the online application form

Applications are submitted through the official UK government visa application system. The dependant selects the correct route based on the main applicant’s visa and whether they are applying inside or outside the UK. All information should be accurate and consistent with the supporting documents.

Dependants will be asked for the main applicant’s Global Web Form (GWF) or Unique Application Number (UAN) where relevant. If a family linking code has been issued, that code can be entered to connect related applications. Some routes prompt dependants to provide details from the main applicant’s Certificate of Sponsorship or Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies.

Step 4: Pay the visa fee

The fee varies by route and by whether the application is made inside or outside the UK. In some work routes the dependant fee matches the main applicant’s fee, while in others, such as Global Talent, the fees differ. A separate fee is paid for each dependant.

Step 5: Pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) where required

Most dependants, except those on routes exempt from the surcharge such as the Health and Care visa, pay the IHS for each year of permission sought. The surcharge is payable at the point of application and has to be paid in full for the application to be valid.

Step 6: Verify identity

After submitting the online form and paying the relevant fees, the applicant will be prompted to verify their identity. Some applicants can use the UK Immigration: ID Check app, while others need to attend a visa application centre to enrol their biometrics. The system will indicate which option is available based on nationality and route.

Step 7: Submit supporting documents

Documents can be uploaded through the online portal or provided at the visa application centre, depending on the country and service used. All documents must be clear, complete and legible. Where translations are provided, they have to meet the Home Office translation standards.

Step 8: Wait for a decision

The processing time depends on the route, whether the application is made inside or outside the UK and whether any priority services are offered for that category. Most overseas dependant applications in work or study routes are decided in around three weeks under the standard service, while in-country applications can take up to eight weeks. Family visas under Appendix FM follow different service standards and often take longer for overseas applications.

Step 9: Receive your visa decision

The applicant receives a decision by email. For overseas applications, a vignette may be placed in the passport or, if the applicant uses the ID Check app, access to digital status will be granted without a vignette. For in-country applications, successful applicants are granted digital status and can access their immigration permission online. If the application is refused, the decision notice will confirm whether the remedy is administrative review, appeal or reapplication.

2. Dependent Visa Application Fees

Dependent visa fees vary according to the main applicant’s route and the length of permission sought. Fees are set out in the Immigration and Nationality (Fees) Regulations and updated periodically. Below are the current core fees for common dependant categories.

Most dependants also pay the Immigration Health Surcharge unless exempt, such as dependants of Health and Care visa holders. The surcharge is £1,035 per year for adults and £776 per year for children.

These figures assume a three year period and serve to illustrate the level of surcharge payable for a family of four. Families should calculate the surcharge based on the actual duration of permission being sought for each applicant.

3. Dependent Visa Processing Times

Processing time for a UK Dependent visa is generally around 8 weeks under the standard service.

For an additional fee, applicants may be able to opt for priority or super priority services to expedite the processing time.

The priority service usually processes applications within 5 working days for an additional fee of £500 per application, while the super priority service aims to provide a decision within 24 hours for an additional £1,000 per application.

You will be advised when making the application if priority processing is available.

Processing times for Dependent visas can, however, vary based on several factors, including the specific visa category, the quality of the visa application information and documentation, and external factors like application volume and administrative delays.

Factors that may affect the processing time include:

a. Quality of Application

Incomplete applications or missing documents can lead to delays. Ensuring that all required documents are submitted correctly can help avoid unnecessary processing delays.

b. Accuracy of Information

Any discrepancies or inaccuracies in the application form or supporting documents can cause delays while the authorities seek clarification or additional information.

c. Time of Year

Processing times can vary depending on the time of year. Peak periods, such as the beginning of the academic year for students, can result in higher volumes of applications and longer processing times.

d. Location of Application

The processing time can also depend on the location from where the application is submitted. Some visa application centres may experience higher demand than others, affecting the overall processing time.

e. Background Checks and Additional Scrutiny

Applications requiring additional background checks or scrutiny, such as verifying the authenticity of documents or conducting security checks, can take longer to process.

f. Health Requirements

If the application requires a tuberculosis (TB) test or other medical examinations, the time taken to complete these tests and receive the results can affect the overall processing time.

g. Administrative Delays

External factors such as changes in immigration policy and administrative delays within the Home Office can also impact processing times.

h. Biometric Appointment Availability

The availability of appointments at visa application centres for submitting biometric information can affect how quickly the application moves forward.

Read our full guide to visa processing times here >> 

4. Dependant Visa Extensions

Dependents can apply to extend their visa in line with the main visa holder’s extension, provided they remain eligible. The extension application must be submitted before the current visa expires to avoid overstaying.

To apply for an extension, dependents need to complete the relevant online application form, pay the visa extension fee, and submit updated supporting documents, including proof of relationship, financial stability, and biometric information.

The extension period granted will usually match the extended period of the main visa holder’s visa. For instance, if the primary visa holder’s visa is extended by two years, the dependant’s visa will likely be extended by the same duration.

During the extension period, dependants must continue to comply with all visa conditions, such as maintaining financial independence and not claiming public funds.

5. Dependant Visa to ILR

Family members of British or settled sponsors who hold a partner or parent visa under Appendix FM follow their own route to settlement. Under current rules, most partners qualify for Indefinite Leave to Remain after five years on the standard route if they meet the continuous residence, suitability, financial and English language requirements and pass the Life in the UK test. Some applicants are on a ten year route where family life or human rights grounds are relied on at earlier stages and need to complete ten years’ qualifying residence before they can apply for ILR, unless they move onto a five year route later.

For dependants of workers, students and other temporary visa holders, the route to ILR depends on whether the underlying category leads to settlement and whether the dependant’s time in that category can count. Skilled Worker and Global Talent families, for example, can usually apply for ILR after five years in line with the main applicant, subject to meeting relationship and residence requirements and, for adult dependants, English and Life in the UK tests. In routes with strict time limits, such as most Global Business Mobility categories, dependants cannot settle directly and instead have to switch into a settlement route, such as Skilled Worker or a family visa, and complete the relevant qualifying period there.

Policy proposals in the 2025 Immigration White Paper would, if implemented, lengthen the standard qualifying period for many economic routes and their dependants and introduce an earned settlement framework. Until those changes are written into the Immigration Rules and brought into force, families should plan on the basis of the current five year and ten year structures and take advice before making decisions about switching routes part way through their residence.

6. Dependent Visa Application Refused?

A refused visa can be hugely frustrating and will inevitably complicate or delay your family’s plans to relocate to the UK.

If your application is rejected, carefully review the reasons provided by the UKVI. Understanding the specific issues can help you address them in a reapplication.

Consider consulting an immigration lawyer or advisor who can provide expert advice on addressing the reasons for rejection and improving your reapplication.

If you believe the rejection was based on an error or unfair judgement, you may have the option to appeal the decision. Follow the official appeal process and provide any additional supporting evidence.

After addressing the issues that led to the rejection, you can reapply for the Dependent Visa. Ensure all corrections and improvements are thoroughly documented and included in the new application.

If your application is delayed, regularly check the status online and maintain communication with the UKVI. Inquire about the reasons for the delay and provide any requested information promptly.

While aiming for a successful application, be prepared for different outcomes. Have contingency plans in place, such as alternative travel dates or additional documentation, to avoid significant disruptions.

Section F: Summary

A UK dependant application can appear straightforward at first glance, but the underlying rules vary significantly from one visa route to another and the evidential demands catch many families out. Relationship evidence has to be consistent and credible, financial documents have to meet the specific format and timing rules for the route and the application has to align with the status of the main visa holder. Small errors, particularly around maintenance levels, cohabitation evidence or a child’s living arrangements, remain common refusal points.

Processing times also differ across categories, so early planning is vital if the family needs to travel together or meet a fixed start date. Families relying on work or study routes need to factor in the different service standards, while those applying under Appendix FM face longer overseas processing and more prescriptive financial rules.

Future reforms set out in the 2025 White Paper add further uncertainty, particularly around settlement timelines and future English language expectations. Until new rules are implemented, applications continue under the current framework, but families should consider how proposed changes could influence longer term plans. Careful preparation and route specific advice help ensure the application is robust and timed to support the family’s wider relocation plans.

Section G: Need Assistance?

DavidsonMorris are UK immigration specialists, providing expert visa application guidance. We offer fixed-fee telephone consultations for visa applicants, where you can put your specific questions to one of our legal advisers. Contact us for expert guidance with your application.

Section H: Dependent Visa UK FAQs

What is a UK Dependent Visa?

There is no single “Dependent Visa” in UK law. The term is used to describe different routes that allow family members to join or stay with a main visa holder. For workers and students, family usually applies under dependant provisions in the relevant work or study route. Partners and children of British or settled sponsors normally apply under separate family visa rules, such as Appendix FM, rather than as dependants of a worker or student.

Who can apply for a Dependent Visa?

Eligibility depends on the main route. For work and study routes, eligible dependants usually include a spouse or civil partner, an unmarried partner with at least two years’ cohabitation and children under 18, with some routes allowing older children who remain financially and practically dependent. Parents or other adult relatives only qualify in very limited cases under the Adult Dependant Relative rules, which require long term personal care needs and a British, settled or similarly long term sponsor.

How long does it take to process a Dependent Visa?

Standard processing for most overseas dependants of workers and students is usually around three weeks. For in country applications in work and study routes, decisions are often made within eight weeks. Family visas under Appendix FM submitted from overseas commonly take around twelve weeks and can take longer where additional checks are needed. Priority and super priority services are not available for every route or location and are more limited for family applications.

Can dependants work or study in the UK?

Most dependants of workers and many dependants of students can work in the UK without needing separate sponsorship, although they are not allowed to work as a professional sportsperson or sports coach and some routes carry specific conditions. Dependants can usually study in UK schools, colleges or universities without a separate Student visa, although certain courses can trigger extra requirements such as ATAS clearance.

What are the financial requirements for a Dependent Visa?

Financial rules vary by route. For work and study dependant routes, the focus is usually on fixed maintenance levels per family member or monthly amounts based on location of study. In some cases an A rated sponsor can certify maintenance or the requirement is waived once the family has held permission in the UK for at least twelve months. For family visas under Appendix FM, detailed minimum income or adequate maintenance rules apply and require specific categories of evidence, such as employment income, self employment income or savings.

How can I extend a Dependent Visa?

Dependants can usually extend their permission in line with the main visa holder, provided the relationship is still in place and all route specific requirements continue to be met. The application is made online before current permission expires, with updated evidence of relationship, finances and accommodation. In routes that do not lead to settlement or have strict time limits, such as most Global Business Mobility categories, extension options are more restricted and families may need to consider switching into a settlement route if they plan to stay long term.

What should I do if my Dependent Visa application is rejected?

The starting point is the decision notice, which explains why the application was refused and what remedy is available. For many dependants of workers and students, the next step is administrative review, which challenges case working errors rather than re presenting the whole case. For family visas that raise human rights issues, there is often a right of appeal to the tribunal. In some situations a fresh application with stronger evidence may be the better option. Taking legal advice helps to choose between these routes and to address the reasons for refusal.

Are dependants allowed to claim public funds in the UK?

Dependants are usually subject to the same “no recourse to public funds” condition as the main visa holder, which means they cannot claim most welfare benefits or social housing. They are expected to rely on income, savings or permitted financial support from their sponsor. In some family visa cases under Appendix FM, it can be possible to ask the Home Office to lift the no recourse to public funds condition where the family faces destitution or very serious hardship.

What should I do if there is a delay in processing my Dependent Visa application?

If a decision takes longer than the published service standards, you can check the application status through your online account or contact the visa application centre or UKVI using the channels set out in the guidance. Keeping evidence complete and responding quickly to any further information requests helps avoid additional delay. In time sensitive situations, such as school start dates or fixed job offers, it can be sensible to gather evidence of the impact of delay in case further escalation is required.

How long can dependants stay in the UK?

For most temporary work and study routes, the dependant’s permission usually expires on the same date as the main visa holder’s permission. In settlement routes such as Skilled Worker, Global Talent or family visas under Appendix FM, dependants can often qualify for Indefinite Leave to Remain after meeting a qualifying residence period and other requirements. In routes that do not lead to settlement, such as most Global Business Mobility categories, dependants cannot stay beyond the route’s overall time limit unless they switch into a different visa category.

Do dependants need to pass an English language test?

Under current rules, most dependants of workers and students do not need to meet an English language requirement. Partners applying under family visa rules with a British or settled sponsor usually need to meet an English requirement at entry, extension and settlement stages unless an exemption applies. The government has proposed tougher English language expectations as part of a future earned settlement framework, but these changes are not yet in force, so families should work to the current rules unless and until the Immigration Rules are amended.

Section I: Glossary

Section J: Additional Resources & Links